Page 63 of Sexting the Don

Lying here in the dark, I can't help but wonder if appealing to my father might change anything. Does he have even a shred of love left for his only child to ensure nothing happens to me? Who am I kidding—counting on Jimmy feels like hoping a snake won't bite just because you ask nicely.

It's a hard realization as I curl tighter into myself, knowing I’m more than likely on my own in this mess. Even when it is recognized that I’m missing, Jimmy will already have a huge head start. And then there's this little one, barely the size of a dime, and already counting on me.

I'm not even officially a parent yet, and I'm already leagues ahead of the low bar my dad set.

In a desperate search for some semblance of control, I glance at my watch. A flicker of hope sparks—my phone can track me! But that flicker dies fast.

My phone, my lifeline, is lying back there by the restaurant, possibly already pocketed by some passerby. But then a new hope flickers. If my boss or Enzo finds my phone and purse discarded outside the restaurant, they will know that’s where Iwas taken from.

A place to start.

I’m trunk-bound and ticking off the seconds, trying not to spiral. I need a game plan, not just for me but for this tiny new reason to fight. If I'm going to get us out of this, I have to stay calm and come up with a workable plan.

They say you don't know what you're capable of until you're tested, right? Well, I consider this one hell of a test.

Panic nibbles at the edges of my sanity, and I take a few deep breaths to shove it back into its cage. I need to stay sharp and rational. I can't afford to lose it now.

I estimate we’ve been on the road for about twenty minutes. Thankfully, it's not too hot out, or I'd be baking in this metal oven. Still, it's stuffy and cramped, and a thin layer of sweat coats my skin, making me increasingly uncomfortable and thirsty.

Determined to find something that might help, I start feeling around the trunk. My hands brush against various bits and gadgets until they clasp around something solid and heavy—a tire iron. But a harsh dose of reality hits; even if I arm myself with it, there’s no way I'll be able to swing it effectively in this cramped space, much less be able to get it out of the trunk without being noticed.

Gripping the tire iron adds to my resolve; its cold metal is a stark reminder of the severity of my situation. If it comes down to it, I'll fight with everything I've got.

For now, I tuck the tire iron within easy reach and continue to listen, trying to gauge where we might be heading. Each turn,each stop, I catalog in my mind, trying to create a map of our route. It's a long shot, but if I find a moment to make a move, I need to have all the information I can gather.

Chapter 29

Enzo

"He’s been playing both sides, the fucking rat," I growl. "He tried to set up Garadino’s men—pushed them to rip off some of my operations."

The air in my study is thick with tension as Sean and I go over the latest intel. Maps and photos are spread out across the desk, but it’s the information on Jimmy that has us particularly on edge.

Sean shakes his head, his expression grim.

"Garadino’s not taking it lightly. His guys already got back to him. They’re out for blood, Enzo. They want Jimmy’s head on a platter."

It’s been a few days since our meeting, and my mind races, considering the implications. The last thing I need is an all-out war with Garadino, especially not now.

Trying to shake off the rising anxiety, I think about Mandy.

"I tried calling Mandy to tell her to be extra careful," I mention to Sean, worry gnawing away at me. “No answer.”

"Still at the gym, you think?" Sean asks, picking up on my concern.

I nod, a faint smile crossing my lips despite the situation as I picture her, her beautiful body slick with sweat, pushing herself at the gym.

"Yeah, probably working out with clients."

But as minutes tick by and the gravity of the situation sinks in further, my momentary distraction fades, replaced by a deep-set fear for her safety.

Something’s off.

"We need to keep a closer watch on her, Sean. If Jimmy’s messing with Garadino and the heat comes down on him, she could get caught in the crossfire.”

Sean nods in agreement, his mouth set in a serious line. "I’ll get some of the guys on it. We’ll make sure she’s safe, boss. No one’s going to touch her."

Satisfied, I lean back in my chair, the weight of leadership feeling especially heavy on my shoulders this evening.

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