Page 20 of Ruthless Oath

Think, Lissia. Think. There had to be a way out of this. What would tank this alliance? A missing bride? That could work. How?

I could form my own alliance with the enemy. In exchange for the little information I had, he could protect me.

It was a long shot. But it was a shot I had to take.

I grabbed my bag from the center island and crept out the patio doors as I dug around in my purse for my keys. My plan needed to be implemented before my dad realized I was missing.

I hurried across the lawn and to the free-standing garage on the side of the property. The doors were up, so I slipped in quickly and made my way to my car. As I put my hand on the door handle, someone placed theirs over mine.

Screeching, I twisted to find Michael in front of me.

“What the hell are you doing scaring me like that?” I asked.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going out.”

“Alone?”

“It’s just a quick errand.” I tucked my hair behind my ear. “I don’t need you to go with me.”

“Where are you going?”

“Michael, I need to get out of here for a bit.” I liked him. He had been guarding me for the past few years. He was sweet and easy to manipulate. “I’ll be fine.”

“Your dad isn’t happy with me for leaving you alone at the gala the other night. If he finds out I let you leave here on your own, I’ll get into a lot of trouble.”

“Then don’t let him find out.”

“I can’t lie to him,” Michael said.

“I don’t want you to get into trouble, but this is something I have to do alone.”

“You’re going to see Accetti, aren’t you?”

“What? Why would you say that?”

Is everyone watching me?

“Danny told some of the team that we should make sure you don’t have any contact with that family. He made it clear that they were off-limits.”

“Danny isn’t in charge of me.” Who did he think he was telling my guards where I could and couldn’t go? “He’s not a good person.”

“Your father trusts him.”

“My father is making a mistake.” I placed my hand on Michael’s shoulder. “I’ve never given you any problems. Have I?”

“Um…” He pressed his lips together.

“Okay, other than being demanding and spoiled.” I rolled my eyes. “There was that one time I had that run-in with that girl at the club, but that was totally her fault.”

“The one wearing the knock-off Prada?”

“Yes, see what I mean? I’ve never gotten into serious trouble.” But what I was about to do could be serious. “You have to trust me.”

“The climate around here is changing. Now that Nico Accetti is MIA, people are making moves for territory. It’s getting dangerous out there,” Michael said.

“Accetti territory is in danger?”

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