Page 78 of Ruthless Oath

“We’re in the middle of something,” I said. “So make it quick.”

“It’s probably nothing.” Ricardo gazed out the window again.

“Why don’t you let us decide if it’s something?” Milo glanced at me. “We don’t need the diversion.”

Fuck off.

“It’s, ah, Lissia,” he said.

“What about Lissia?” I stepped toward him. “Where is she?”

“She went for a walk, but I thought she would be back by now.”

“You’re her fucking guard,” I shouted. “You’re supposed to stay with her.”

“I didn’t think it would be a problem for her to go for a quick walk,” he said. “She’s been stressed and worried about her mother. She wanted to get some air. She promised she wouldn’t go far.”

“She wanted to get some air?” I shoved him. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Marchello.” Milo stepped between us. “Settle down.”

“How long has she been gone?” I asked.

“About an hour.”

“A fucking hour?” I slammed my hand against the wall. “And you just decided to come to me with this?”

“I was trying to resolve it on my own,” Ricardo said. “I’ve searched the property, but when the storm came in, I had to stop looking for about twenty minutes.”

“So, she’s out there by herself?” I held back my fist from connecting with my useless guard’s face. If I punched him now, it would only prove Lucas’ point.

“Or she’s gone,” Milo said.

“She wouldn’t.” I clenched my fists.

There was a possibility she would run, especially after our last conversation. But she would be stupid not to realize she was safer with me than she was with her own father.Fuck.If she thought she could leave and get away from Collins, there was a chance that she could flee.

“Fix this!” I pointed at Ricardo. “Get out there and find her. If you don’t bring her back, I’ll slit your fucking throat.”

Ricardo nodded as he turned and darted out of the room.

“What is the point of him being here?” I threw my hands up. “He had one job.”

“Weren’t these the distractions I said we didn’t need?” Lucas checked his watch. “You tell me you’re focused, but you can’t even finish a meeting without losing your captive.”

“That’s not what happened.”

If she ran from me, I’d bring her back here and make her suffer the consequences.

“How do you suggest I report back to your father when he asks what kind of job you’re doing?” Lucas asked. “Do you think he would be impressed?”

“The last time I checked, I was in charge, not you, Lucas. And right now, my father isn’t here to handle his business. I’m doing everything I can to keep us on top.”

“We know you’re doing everything you can,” Milo said. “Everyone knows you were left with a difficult situation.”

I hated to admit it, but they were right. I couldn’t concentrate on what needed to be done because I needed to find Lissia. Why would she leave me?Because you’re a heartless jerk!

“Lucas.” I stepped toward him. “I respect you because my father values your opinion, but you have to understand that you work for me in his absence.”

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