Page 25 of Tortured Hearts
He looks up, his gaze darkening. “And why would I do that?”
“Because you’ve been jerking your dick raw waiting for this and wouldn’t want a stray bullet ruining your fun.”
I can see a glimmer of respect in his eyes. “Check him for a wire.”
I issue a warning without moving. “Put your hands on me, and you’ll pull it back without fingers.”
Chuckling, my father takes a leisurely drink. “After our last conversation landed me in prison, can you blame me for exercising caution?”
No. It’s a smart play, and until I know Becca’s location, I have to do the same.
I yank the hem of my T-shirt up with a scowl. “Satisfied? Now, excuse your groupies.”
He lifts a hand in the air.“Andatevene via.”
On his command to “get the hell out,” all five men lower their guns and walk single file out the door along with the stripper. I watch with disgust, my gaze lingering on Anton Altieri, the last to leave. My father’s underboss slows his gait as he approaches the threshold, slightly tilting his chin before catching my eye.
Asshole.
Once he closes the door, my father kicks the metal chair beside him. “Have a seat.”
I don’t want to sit. I want to pull the trigger until he’s unrecognizable. But that’s not how things work here. Thekamikazestrategy I blew in with only takes me so far. If I want what I came for, I have to think three steps ahead.
I swing the chair around and straddle it, his eyes never leaving my hands as I drape my arms across the top. “I know it’s impressive, but my eyes are up here.”
He meets my stare, finally dropping the act. “I warned you I’d find you.”
“To be fair, you’re supposed to still be in jail.”
“You think I didn’t have eyes on you when I was in prison?” He rolls his eyes. “You’ve spent the last three months in at least three different crosshairs. You’re lucky I refrained from having one put a bullet in yourcervello.”
And he’s lucky I don’t shove my gun in his mouth just to watch the back of his head explode.
“I guess we both fucked up, then.”
Instead of lashing out, he pours another drink. “Even if I hadn’t known your location, it would’ve been only a matter of time.”
I tilt forward, all four legs of the chair hitting the floor. “And why is that?”
“You have a self-destructive streak, Giovanni. After one blonde nearly caused your downfall, I thought you’d quit while you were ahead, but you fell right into another one’s web. Speaking of which, how is dear, sweet Rebecca?”
My hand clenches around the gun. “You tell me.”
He chuckles. “Surely you didn’t count on her father to protect her. We all know how well that worked out for him last time.”
Every muscle in my body tenses.Fuck him for knowing exactly which buttons to push.“Cut the theatrics. You got what you wanted. I’m here.” I spread my arms out wide, my finger still curled around the trigger. “Now, let her go. She has nothing to do with this.”
“Thatputtanais a fucking psychiatrist,” he explodes. “Was she part of your cushy relocation package? Did you have to promise to see a shrink and open your mouth again? What does she know, Gianni?”
“Nothing,” I lie.
He slams his fist onto the table again, poker chipsfalling onto the floor. “Bullshit! I know Reese had you arrested.”
“Good for you.”
“Damn it, how many times have you sold us out?”
All I offer is a cold, empty stare.
