Page 13 of His to Claim

Shocked, I take a moment to assess the situation as the car takes off, fleeing into the night. In a split second, I make the decision to go after them. Even though I don’t know who she is or what kind of trouble she might be in, I’m going to find out.

I didn’t leave my car with the valet because I don’t trust anyone and I don’t like waiting around, especially if I need to make a quick getaway. Like now. Therefore, my black Dodge Challenger is parked very close by and I race across the street, hop inside and turn it on. The engine roars to life and I shove it into gear. Smoke pours from the tires as I yank the wheel hard and slam on the gas.

Here we go.

There’s no way I’m letting them get away from me and I peel around the corner at the end of the alley. Traffic is busy enough that it’ll slow the other car down, but not too much that we’ll be sitting in it and crawling along. After a minute of driving like a maniac, way too fast, weaving in and out of other cars, I see the SUV.

I fall in behind another car, staying close, but not obviously close. The neighborhoods seem to be getting worse and worse as we drive further into the city. At some point, something gets thrown out the SUV’s window and I think it might be the little purse my girl was carrying.

It doesn’t take a genius to realize the bastards tossed her phone and identification. And that doesn’t bode well.

My blood starts pumping harder and anger courses through me. I know she’s in trouble, but why? Everything in me shifts into protector mode and I refuse to let anything bad happen to her.

Dammit, I wish I knew her name, knew her story.

The idea that she’d already been outside waiting for me makes my heart soar. She didn’t stand me up, after all. No, my little brunette was already out there by the fountain waiting, eager to see me again. But then a couple of assholes dragged her away and ruined all of my plans.

The question is why? What’s going on?

Determined to get to the bottom of the situation, I accelerate, making sure I don’t lose my quarry. After a little more driving, the SUV pulls up alongside the curb in a shitty neighborhood. I drive past and turn the corner at the end of the block. Once I’m out of sight, I park the car and reach over and open the glove box. Reaching inside, I pull out my Glock 19. Never leave home without it—and it’s a good thing, too. I get out, lock my car and jog back to the end of the block, using houses and shrubs for cover.

My attention zeroes in on my girl being forcefully escorted up a walkway and straight into a dilapidated house. Her mask is off and she’s even more beautiful than I imagined. I don’t miss it when she drops her red mask on the sidewalk.Smart little thing.She’s leaving a clue, a breadcrumb, a cry for help.

I don’t know who she is, but I know she’s in trouble and I’m about to knock some thugs out and rescue her. Because, hey, it’s what I’m good at—taking down the bad guys.

Once they’re out of sight, I hurry across the neighboring lawns then head for the backyard. I’m going to break in through the back door. But first, I sneak up to a grimy-looking window and peer through the dirty glass.

I see the trio move through the living room and disappear into another room on the opposite side of the house. A plan starts forming in my head as I make my way in a low crouch toward the rear of the property. Even though I only saw two thugs, it doesn’t mean there isn’t another tango in there who I’ll need to take down.

Guard up, gun in hand, I step onto the rickety back porch and stealthily make my way to the back door. I try turning the knob and it surprisingly opens.Hmmm.Not sure if that’s good or bad, but I push it open and slip inside.

Voices waft out from the room on the left and I creep forward, listening to the conversation, catching bits and pieces. When I’m right outside the door, I can hear more clearly and, for a stunned moment, I freeze.

“You better shake, Carlotta, because I have plans for you. Plans you will not like, but things that must be done to teach your family a lesson.”

Carlotta? As in CarlottaRossi?

Oh, fuck…fuck me for so many different reasons.

“My family didn’t do anything to you,” she says, doing her best to sound brave.

I dare to look into the room, through the cracked door, and I see Carlotta sitting in a chair, wrists zip tied to its armrests. Carmine fucking Gallo stands in front of her, spouting off his threats, and the two thugs stand off to the side, both armed.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” Gallo states coldly. “They’re the reason I haven’t been invited to join the other mafia families, they’re the reason I was put on the Kill List and hunted down by crazed bounty hunters and they’re the reason my mansion burned to the ground. I will have my revenge.”

God, what a fucking crybaby. I’m looking forward to hurting him.

“I’m going to destroy your family…starting with you,” Gallo seethes.

That’s it. I’ve had enough. Moving faster than those two slightly-overweight thugs can handle, I sweep into the room, staying low and fast, and fire off a round into each goon. They drop before they even know what the hell hit them.

Meanwhile, Gallo dives for cover and crawls away fast, disappearing into an adjoining room. I have the briefest opportunity to shoot him in the ass, but I turn to Carlotta instead.

“Are you okay?” I ask, looking her over quickly. She doesn’t seem hurt and relief fills me.

She stares at me, mouth dropping open, and blinks. “You’re…from the party,” she finishes lamely because she still has no idea who I am.

I nod then decide I should get Gallo. “Hang on, sweetheart.”

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