Page 156 of Dangerous Contract: Part 2

“Thank me after we rescue Frederico,” Monique replied, brushing off the sentiment.

Now wasn’t the time to get sentimental. Isla nodded again. Monique faced forward, gripping her gun tightly as she led the way down the stairs, ready to confront whatever stood between them and saving Frederico.

“You really are a good person,” Isla’s voice floated from behind her. “I can see why my dad and Orazio like you.”

Monique’s brows furrowed. Now was not the time to be chatty.

“Shh...” Monique whispered, needing silence to focus.

She listened intently for any sounds of approaching footsteps or voices as they carefully made their way down the stairs.

“Why would I be quiet when there’s so much I want to say to you, Ms. Rose?” Isla told her.

Monique froze mid-step, every muscle tensing at the sudden shift in Isla's voice. That cold, low drawl sent a chill down her spine. Something was off. She kept her gaze forward, her fingers tightening around her gun.

“I really didn’t expect you to help me. I guess you think that makes you a good person. But I think it makes you a bit naive,” Isla drawled, her voice now dripping with menace. “Too naïve to be the wife of a don.”

Shit! Shit! Shit!Why the hell had she believed this bitch after everything Isla had done and said? Monique swallowed, forcing herself to stay calm. She wasn’t going to panic. Not yet.

“What are you talking about, Isla?” Monique asked, managing to keep her voice from trembling. Yet, the tension in her body remained. She didn’t turn around. She didn’t want to make any sudden movements.

Isla’s pause hung in the air for a beat too long before she answered, her voice soft but full of venom. “You know what I’m talking about. Did you really think I’d run to you for help?” Isla sighed. “Since you did try to take care of me when you thought I was in danger, I’ll do you a favor. I’ll make this quick, with minimal pain. I’ll make it look like the old don’s men did it.”

Monique’s heart sank. Isla wasn’t there seeking help. The panic, the fear, her disheveled appearance, it had all been an act. And now, Monique had her back to her enemy, an enemy who wanted her dead. She couldn’t believe she’d let herself get put in this position.

The question was, how was she going to get out of it?

Chapter Forty-Eight

MONIQUE

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She should’ve known better than to trust Isla Miconi! She could only blame herself for her current situation. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly, her mind racing, trying to figure out her next move.What to do?

“Did you really think you could waltz into my world and take everything that’s mine?” Isla’s voice rose from behind her, seething with resentment. “Orazio. My father. Everything!” Isla’s words were laced with bitterness and jealousy.

Monique kept her tone calm when she said, “I’m not trying to take anything from you, Isla.”

“Liar! Did you really think I’d let a bitch who looks likeyoustand in the way of the things I deserve?” Isla snapped.

No, this hoe didn’t. Stay calm, Monique.She couldn’t act off emotion and let that crazy ass woman’s words make her do something reckless. Gripping her gun tightly, Monique stared at the wall in front of her as Isla continued talking behind her.

“You think you’ve made Orazio stronger, but all you’ve done is make him weak. He’s soft because of you. He’s forgotten who he is, where his loyalties lie.”

“Killing me won’t solve anything,” Monique told her.

“Not true. It’ll make me feel better. Youalmostmade me feel like I wasn’t good enough for him. Also, you being out of the picture will set Orazio free,” Isla hissed. “Once you’re gone, he’ll remember who he is. He’ll remember what’s important for his organization. Love isn’t needed for people like us. Only the poor and the fragile desire love. Strong people desire money, power, and respect.”

Monique was barely listening as Isla rambled on and on. Her mind was going through scenarios, searching for one that wouldn’t end with Raz finding her dead body in a stairwell. So far, nothing she came up with seemed feasible.

If she spun around, Isla could possibly fire before she did. If she tried to run, she may get a bullet to the back of the head before she got far. Since Isla seemed to be a talker, the safest thing to do would be to talk the woman down. Or, at least, try to.

“Orazio won’t forgive you if you hurt me,” Monique told Isla.

“I won’t need his forgiveness because he won’t know it was me. I’ll make sure of that. That’s why I lured Leo away. By the way, he’s a weak link also. He’s supposed to stick by his don’s side, not guard his don’s trash.”

Monique gritted her teeth to keep from saying something that would instantly get her shot.

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