Page 139 of Devil's Bride

“How many do you own?”

“This is a rare piece but hidden in the cove over there are four Cigarette 515s. Almost as fast and quite useful in bailing from difficult situations.”

“You are a master of crime.”

I turned to face her. “I do what’s necessary. The game is getting harder to stay on top of and it’s becoming more difficult to know the players from the righteous.”

“Don’t you mean self-righteous?”

“Perhaps a little of both.”

We stood quietly staring out at the Mediterranean Sea for at least another fifteen minutes.

A single shout shoved us both on edge.

Footsteps pounded closer, more than one set. When Kruz came into view, I instantly tensed just as the soldiers rushed in our direction. I met them halfway, Genevieve closely following. “What is it?”

“The captain just made contact. They have a cargo boat paralleling them. I checked and it appears to be on the same course,” Kruz gritted out. “Now there are signs of fast-moving boats heading toward them as well.”

“They plan on boarding and taking the entire ship and crew,” I snarled. “Get to the boats, now. Send me the coordinates of both cargo ships. Benito, Lazarro, you’re coming with us. Take the satellite radios. Use them when necessary.” The assignments had already been made, the boats loaded with the necessary weapons, including several explosives, some recommended by Genevieve and others that I normally used.

We had enough firepower to blow up anything getting in our way.

The satellite radios had been a nifty purchase from the Italian army, which allowed me to stay in contact with my people when traveling on the ocean waters.

Including the cargo ship housing our product, if necessary, although that wasn’t my intention.

“Yes, sir.”

I grabbed Genevieve, trying to push her away. “This is where it gets dangerous, baby. Allow one of my men to take you back to the house.”

She pulled away from me. “Not a chance.”

“I don’t have time to waste.”

“Then let’s not waste any.”

Goddamn her. She raced toward the boat, lugging the bags she’d brought with her. Fuck. Fuck. I raked my hand through my hair, forced to follow. If we both made it out alive, she would never be allowed to come with me again.

Within seconds, we were heading away from the bay, rushing toward the plotted coordinates. While I’d navigated many ships in my years on Earth, the power of this one needed to be handled carefully.

Minutes later, I moved to full throttle. She remained right by my side, staring at the AIS, the green blips indicating other craft in the water.

The entire situation was dicey as fuck and during the almost hour-long ride, neither one of us said anything.

Both Navarro and Kruz were behind us, lagging only by a few minutes, a full squad of soldiers accompanying them. However, would the numbers be enough to stop the hijacking?

It was entirely possible this would blow up in our faces.

As well as end with significant casualties. I had to believe this wasn’t a ploy. If it was, our entire empire could be crushed in a matter of hours.

But this was just another risk in the enticing game of chess.

“What if this is a different game?” Genevieve shouted.

“Meaning?”

“Meaning if the cargo ship is the same size, what’s not to use ours as a shadow, attempting to throw off the coast guard?”

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