Page 65 of His Ruthless Obsession

I jerk away from his touch. "I don't know what you're talking about."

He laughs, the sound bouncing off the metal walls. "Oh, but you do. Your boyfriend's been tearing through my operations like a mad dog. Three of my warehouses burned to the ground. My best men are all disappearing." His eyes harden. "All because we dared to expand into his precious territory." He raises an eyebrow. "Or was it because we dared to threaten you?"

My heart hammers against my ribs. I know that Nerio has been fighting with the Mantiones, but I don't know the logistics of it. He doesn't tell me much. And if they're looking for information, they have got the wrong girl.

"But now?" The don stands, straightening his suit jacket. "Now we have something he wants. Someone he cares about." He circles me slowly. "You should have seen how protective his men were of you at that club. Following you everywhere, watching your every move. It was almost sweet." He clucks his tongue. "Too bad we had to take them out."

"You're wrong." My voice shakes despite my effort to stay strong. "I'm just his employee."

"No." The don's smile turns cruel. "You're his weakness. And tonight, that savage rampage of his ends. One way or another."

The reality of my situation hits me like ice water. I'm not just a random target — I'm bait. And Nerio... God, what will he do when he finds out? The thought makes my stomach turn.

"Get comfortable." Mantione heads for the door that leads away from the main room of the warehouse. "You're going to help us send a very important message."

"He'll kill every last one of you for this!" I shout at Mantione's retreating back, my voice echoing off the metal walls. "You think you're so smart? You have no idea what's coming for you!"

The don pauses at the door, turning with an amused expression. "Such fire. I can see why he keeps you around." He adjusts his cufflinks. "But Nerio's not invincible. And after tonight, everyone will know it."

"You're a dead man walking," I spit.

He just laughs, the sound grating against my nerves as he disappears through the door.

Two guards remain, positioning themselves near a stack of crates about twenty feet away. I test the zip ties binding my wrists, but they're too tight. My knees ache from the concrete floor.

"Can't believe we pulled it off," one guard mutters to the other, lighting a cigarette. "Getting past Bueti's security?"

"Boss had someone on the inside." The second guard leans against a container. They're acting like I'm not even here. Maybe they think I'm just someone Nerio uses in bed, so it doesn't even matter. "Flipped one of the bartenders last week. Got the whole schedule, security rotations, everything."

"Smart." He sighs as he flicks the cigarette. "Hate we're gonna miss the hit on The Vault to fucking babysit."

"We'll probably get some action here once Nerio shows up." He shrugs. "Maybe we'll get to join in the fun at the club after."

My heart pounds as I listen, though I keep struggling so it looks like I'm not. The Vault will be packed on a Friday night. If they attack, innocent people could die. I need to warn Nerio somehow.

I scan the warehouse, noting the rusted chains hanging from the ceiling, the broken windows near the roof. There has to be something I can use. Some way for me to get out of here.

If I can get my hands free, maybe I can find a way to contact someone. Or at least stop them from attacking the club.

I'll just have to find a way to fight back.

26

NERIO

The engine purrs as I guide my BMW through Chicago's darkened streets, Marco riding shotgun while two SUVs filled with our guys follow close behind. Streetlights cast intermittent shadows across the dashboard. The south side unfolds before us — a maze of warehouses and forgotten industrial spaces perfect for conducting business away from prying eyes.

"Elliott's intel better be solid." Marco checks his piece, the metal gleaming. "Last thing we need is walking into a Mantione ambush."

"He's good for it." I take a sharp right, tires crunching over broken asphalt. I'd been watching him all afternoon. I'm not so easily baited, and I'm slightly insulted that Marco would insinuate such a thing. "Besides, the Mantiones aren't exactly known for subtlety. If they were waiting, we'd know."

The warehouse looms ahead, a hulking silhouette against the night sky. I kill the headlights and ease into position behind a defunct loading dock. Our guys file out silently, weapons ready. Years of working together means we move as one unit, no words needed.

"Two guards at the side entrance," Marco whispers, peering around the corner. "Another probably inside."

I nod, studying the building's layout. "Take Ray and circle around back. Tony, get eyes on that roof. Rest of you, with me. Remember - we're here to send a message, not start a war."

The night air carries the tang of motor oil and rust. Footsteps crunch softly as our team splits up, melting into shadows. Through the grimy windows, light flickers — probably from portable construction lamps. Voices drift out, muffled but animated. Mantione's guys, planning their move against us like the idiots they are.

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