Emily bleeding.
Emily questioned about Ciro.
Emily … gone.
I race into the room, and then slide into the uniform. With no plan in mind except to face the monster in the next room and beg him to spare my best friend’s life.
CHAPTER 14
SANDRO
Ambushed once,call me weak.
Ambushed twice and call me the asshole who didn’t learn his lesson.
I’m rinsing off when the bathroom door is thrown open. Years of preparation for a moment like this has me hauling ass from the shower. I slam into my uninvited guest, my hand to their throat and full body weight pinning them to the door.You dare surprise me in my home, motherfucker?
Her whimper is what registers first.
Then her big wild eyes.
I ease off her. “How in fuck’s name did you get in here?” The bedroom door is locked, as is the hallway entrance to the gym adjacent to my walk-through wardrobe. What I neglected to secure was the bathroom door.
My fingers roll into a ball so tight my knuckles crack. The rage she ignites pumps through me like an IV shot. I’m high with it, edging on borderline psychotic.
Men fear me.
Men respect me.
No one with any self-preservation would interrupt me in my bathroom. Not even my fuckdolls are permitted in my private suite.
“The balcony,” she squeaks.
“What?”
“I knocked on the door. You didn’t answer, and it was locked. But I knew you were here, and I had to talk to you right away, so I jumped balconies.”
“ForChrist’ssake.” I grab her shoulders and shake her. “It’s a hundred-foot drop.”
Tears spring into her eyes. “It’s about Emily…”
I stiffen. “Eavesdropping?”
She draws a breath. “Please, Alessandro.”
“What did I tell you? Don’t. Say. My. Name.” Not so long ago I lost my mind while delirious and high on meds. I gave in to temptation and demanded my name from her lips. Not fucking Al, or Sandro—Alessandro.
Weak actions only a weak man would take. It’s why I went cold turkey on the meds. It’s why I push my body and test my endurance. Al might be a chump, but Alessandro Beneventi is merciless.
“I’m begging you. Spare her.”
“Give me one good reason why.”
Her big eyes stare at me like I’m not human.
About time she catches on.
“Don’t kill her because she’s your friend?” I snort. “You’ve shit luck choosing the company you keep, baby.”