Page 34 of His Ruthless Obsession

"He... he said coming after her would draw you out. Make you sloppy." Sal's breathing comes in ragged gasps. "Show everyone the Buetis aren't untouchable."

"Thank you for your honesty." I set down the pliers and pick up a scalpel. "Now let's discuss the trafficking operation you're running through that club."

His eyes widen. "No, please. I told you what you wanted!"

"Consider this a bonus round." The blade glints as I press it against his throat. "Every detail you give me buys you a quicker death."

The screams that follow echo off the walls, a symphony of retribution. By the time I'm finished, the concrete is stained crimson and Luca Mantione's plan lies exposed like raw nerve endings.

I wipe the blood from my hands with a cloth, studying Sal's battered form. He's barely conscious, head lolling against his chest. But he'll live - for now.

"Get him cleaned up," I tell Marco. "I want him coherent enough to make a phone call."

Marco raises an eyebrow. "You're keeping him alive?"

"A gift-wrapped Mantione captain? He's worth more breathing than dead." I pull out my phone, checking the time. "Their entire operation will grind to a halt trying to find him. Meanwhile, we'll know exactly where he is."

"Please..." Sal mumbles through broken teeth. "Just kill me..."

I grab his chin, forcing him to look at me. "Death would be too easy. You're going to help us dismantle everything your family has built. Starting with that trafficking ring."

"They'll kill me if you don't..."

"Sounds like chances you'll have to take." I release his face. "Besides, the Mantiones are soft on you, right? They'll probably forgive you for spilling." I pat his face, knowing they won't. "But me? I don't forgive. Cross me, and I'll mail pieces of you to Luca myself."

Marco wheels over a medical kit. "What about his injuries?"

"Patch him up enough to keep him alive. Leave the cosmetic damage - I want him looking properly motivated when he calls Luca."

I crouch in front of Sal, pulling out a burner phone. "Here's how this works. You're going to tell them you're laying low after our attack. That you have sensitive information about their operations you need to protect. Make it convincing."

Tears mix with blood on his cheeks. "And then what?"

"Then you become my guest while the Mantiones tear themselves apart looking for you. Every lead they follow will be a trap. Every safe house they check will explode. And when Luca is desperate enough, he'll make mistakes."

I stand, straightening my jacket. "Marco, once he's stable, move him to the panic room beneath the club. Full security detail. I want eyes on him 24/7."

"You're a dead man," Sal wheezes. "Luca will-"

"Luca is a child playing at being don." I head for the stairs. "And children need to learn that actions have consequences."

I unlock the penthouse door,the weight of tonight's violence heavy on my shoulders. The scent of jasmine and citrus — her signature blend of essential oils — wraps around me as I step inside. Jazz sits curled on the leather sectional, wearing one of my shirts and her sleep shorts. And fuck, does she look damn good in it. The sight of her safe, here, releases some of the tension in my chest.

She looks up from her book. "You're here." Her eyes search my face, reading the darkness there. "Everything okay?"

"It is now." I shrug off my jacket, checking my cuffs for any traces of blood. Clean.

"Come here." She holds out her hand.

I cross to her, sinking onto the couch. She shifts to straddle my lap, fingers working at my tie. "You don't have to tell me what happened. But don't shut me out either."

I'm surprised by her take charge attitude. Usually, I have to coax her into giving in more. But maybe after she finally surrendered to me — not to mention her being lonely in this penthouse — she's ready to keep giving.

"I sent a message to the Mantiones." I catch her wrist, pressing my lips to her pulse point.

"Nerio..." She cups my face, thumbs brushing my cheekbones. "I don't want you to start a war over me."

"I'm trying to protect you."

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