Page 25 of Ruthless Oath

I let her rant because this no longer felt like it was about me. This had more to do with why she came to see me, and now her reasons didn’t seem at all what I thought.

“I’ll figure this out on my own,” she said.

When she turned to open the door, I moved behind her and slammed it shut, keeping my hand on the door so she couldn’t leave.”

“I want to go,” she said.

“Do you?” I wrapped my hand around her waist, pressing her back against my chest. She had a huge attitude, but physically, she was soft and fragile. I could snap her in half with one swift move. “Tell me why you’re here.”

“Open the door!” She gritted her teeth. “I made a stupid miscalculation by coming here. You can’t help me because you’re just like them.”

“What does that mean?”

Why do I care? Let her go.

“It’s none of your business.” She violently jiggled the door handle. “Let me out.”

“I’ll let you go, but first, you’re going to listen to me.” I spun her to face me. “You’re playing a dangerous game. This is a war you don’t want to be caught in the middle of. I suggest you go home to your daddy and do what he tells you to do.”

“That’s the whole problem.” She gazed at me through her long lashes. “But I don’t expect you to get it.”

She turned and stormed out of the office without looking back.

“Good riddance.” I went to the shelves and poured myself a drink before sitting on the couch to clear my head.

I couldn’t let her get to me. She was as insignificant as her father. Our families didn’t mix for a reason. I didn’t ask for her nonsense, and I didn’t have time for her.

After draining my vodka, I slammed the glass down on the coffee table. I took a deep breath, calming myself so I could get my head back in this game. My father counted on me to fulfill his duties in his absence.

A quick knock on the doorframe drew me away from my thoughts. One of the men on my security team, stood in the doorway.

“Boss,” he said.

“What is it?”

“There’s something outside you might be interested in.”

“What?” I stood.

“The girl who keeps showing up here.” He motioned for me to follow him. “Gallanti’s daughter.”

“What about her?” I wouldn’t put it past her to be out there smashing some of my cars.

“She’s out there with Danny Collins, and the conversation looks pretty heated.”

We headed downstairs, through the showroom, and out the back entrance. The lot was dark, except for the lights that we left on when we were closed.

“We were going to intervene, but I know Collins could be a potential problem, so I wanted to check with you first.” He pointed in the direction of Danny’s car. “They’re over there.”

“Get some backup,” I said. “Don’t do anything until I give the order.”

“Okay.” He took off to grab a few of my guys.

I crept closer so I could get a better look at the situation. Danny and Lissia argued in the alleyway. His car headlights illuminated the space as she backed away from him.

Is this why she needed my help?

When he yanked her arm and tried to shove her into his car, she swatted at him and struggled to get away. I reached for my gun as my men joined me. I nodded toward the conflict, silently ordering them to follow me.