Page 57 of Ruthless Oath

Lucas, our lead attorney, had a way of making disasters disappear. Not the same way I made problems disappear, but in this situation, he was our best option.

Milo cleared his throat. “There’s something else.”

“What is it?” It couldn’t be much worse than losing a shipment for the cartel while we were in the middle of a war.

“People know you’re not showing your face. It’s proving to them that you do have Gian’s daughter. It’s making Gian’s case for him. You went after a family member, and most of them don’t like it.”

“Is Bello working with Gallanti?”

“I think so.”

“Both families will pay.” I gritted my teeth. “Let them wait a day or two and anticipate our next move.”

“I’ll call Lucas now and have him reach out to the cartel.”

“Tell him I want to see him. Both of you fix this mess with the cartel and then come here so we can figure out how best to proceed.”

“You already know what’s best.”

“If I come home now, I’m a target.” I sighed. “Watch your back and increase your security. You don’t go anywhere alone. I want you to lay low.”

“Sure.”

“I know you’re not happy with me, but I can regain control. I don’t need you doing anything stupid, like getting yourself killed, while I’m figuring it out.”

“I trust you.”

“I can’t do this without you.” If anything happened to him because of something I did, I would never forgive myself. “I have to know you’re safe, Milo.”

“You know me. I’ll shoot first and ask questions later.”

“Call me when you know something.”

“Hey.”

“What?”

“Now would be a good time to use those ten minutes and relieve that stress.” He laughed. “Since you’re stuck there with her and all.”

“Fuck you.” I ended the call and threw my phone on the desk.

I wanted more than anything to take care of this problem myself, but if I left now, an enemy family could kill or capture me. If that happened, I’d leave Milo vulnerable.

A gust of autumn wind swept the colorful leaves across the lawn outside the window. In taking a hostage, I made myself a prisoner.

If they drew me out and I screwed up by getting caught, my father would be forced to return before we cleared the way for him to come back safely. Worst of all, Lissia wouldn’t be safe.

How did I get here?

I snatched my glass off the desk and launched it at the wall, shattering it into tiny shards that hit the floor.

“Whoa.” Lissia stared at the broken glass when she entered the room. “What did that glass do to you?”

Ricardo must have given her the message about having dinner with me because she wore the black silk dress and silver stilettos I had delivered for her.

“Ricardo let me out of the room,” she said. “Is it really necessary to lock me in?”

It wasn’t, but I wanted to prove a point. Now that she stood in front of me in that slinky dress, I needed to rethink my approach. The more I kept her locked away, the more I deprived myself of her beauty.

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