Page 97 of Ruthless Oath

“How could they?”

“Don’t look so sad.” I walked back over to the bed and cupped the side of her face. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“I’m not very patient.”

“I’ve noticed.” Her impatience could get us both killed. “We might have that in common.”

“I don’t want you to go.”

“I have to.” I gently kissed the corner of her mouth. “You have to try to be patient for me if you want me to resolve this situation.”

A flicker of hope flashed in her eyes. I was certain mine were full of conflict.

I couldn’t make any promises. I needed the counsel of my father to make the right choices, but if I could neutralize Collins and Gian without putting my family in harm’s way, I would.

But I would not make myself a target in the process.

“I have to go.” I stroked her cheek. “Behave.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

“So, you like when I punish you? That’s cute.” I gripped her silky hair and tightened my hold. “By all means, don’t behave. Just hope that one of these times I don’t stop holding back. You might like getting in trouble now, but you won’t then.”

I pressed my finger against her sassy mouth; I didn’t have time for an argument.

“You wanted a promise.” I smirked. “That’s one I can keep.”

Twenty-Two

Lissia

“Ricardo!”I shouted as I hurried down the main staircase.

I wasn’t going to stand by and watch my father kill Marchello, but I couldn’t let Marchello go after my father either. This was more than business to me. This was my life.

I was caught between two ruthless men who would kill for territory, money, and power. Did they even care who they left in their path of destruction?

Why did it all have to feel so hopeless? It was time for me to take desperate actions if I wanted to fix this.

“Ricardo, where are you?”

“I’m here.” He met me at the bottom of the staircase. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything!”

“What can I do to help?”

“Can you help me figure out Marchello?” I pleaded with my eyes. “He’s a fucking mystery. And don’t tell me to watch my language.”

“I wouldn’t.”

“I’m sorry.” I leaned against the banister. “I’m acting hysterical.”

“I wouldn’t call a woman hysterical either.”

“You’re a smart man.”

“No.” He tapped his head. “I’ve had too many concussions to be smart.”

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