Page 70 of Ruthless Mr. Ricco
Relief pours through me.A half-sob escapes my chest, but the agony in my throat clears my mind.
“I’m here, little rabbit.I’ve got you,” Matteo rumbles.
His coarse voice vibrates from his rapidly rising and falling chest.I press my palm over his heart and lift my phone.Despite the cracked screen, it connected to emergency services.I hit the speaker icon and meet Matteo’s eyes.When I lift shaky fingers to my swollen throat, his fury returns tenfold.I pinch his chin and demand his attention.
“Tell them where we are,” I whisper.
He takes a deep breath and addresses the woman on the other end of the line.After he gives her a quick rundown of the situation—including our basic location and the names of everyone in the room—she assures us help is on the way and asks what our room number is.
“I don’t know.I followed Jennifer Lynn into the employee corridor and heard my fiancée screaming,” he says.
I raise my brows in mock incredulity and mouthfiancée.When his lips tilt in a half-smirk, the worry coiled around my chest loosens.
He’ll call me his wife soon.I’ll make sure of it.
Revenge on my father should be easy after tonight’s terrifying incident.Even if we can’t find proof of my father’s illegal activities from a decade ago, we can bury him by association.He’ll regret choosing a piece of trash over his daughter.
With Matteo by my side, I can do anything.
I was a fool for making us both wait until I avenge my mother, but I don’t regret it.After today, I have no more doubts.He’s proven himself over and over again.
Joy blooms in me as I imagine the delight in his eyes as I call him my husband for the first time.Yearning fills my heart as I anticipate him calling me his wife.
I want him.I love how ruthless he is in the office, how generous and demanding he is in the bedroom, and how supportive he is in everyday life.
I can’t wait to grow old with him.He was my first crush, my worst heartbreak, and the most insufferable boss I’ve ever had, but I wouldn’t change anything about him.
Matteo Ricco is mine, and I’m his.
Forever.
Chapter 18
Matteo Ricco
With Brook safely in my arms, her attackers too injured to fight back, and the police on their way, my adrenaline drops.I shake harder than I ever have before as my symptoms return in full force.My head throbs and an odd numbness blankets my veins, but my little rabbit’s presence locks me in the moment.
The wicked humor in her brown eyes as she silently snarks back at me tugs my lips into a relieved smile.When the first tendrils of lust sneak into my veins, I tighten my arms around my woman and pray for control.
She cups the side of my face and searches my eyes.I blink.
“Trust me,” she whispers.
I nod.
Despite the fear lurking in her eyes and the blood caking her gown, she slips into her calculating lawyer persona.
My cock throbs.I dig my fingers into her hip.
With simple gestures, Brook leads me through what I should say while the operator is on the line.I follow her lead, knowing she’ll gather all the evidence we need to decimate everyone involved.She places her phone in her lap and pulls mine out of my breast pocket.With trembling fingers, she texts Liam a surprisingly detailed yet succinct list.
The motherfucker leaning against the wall hacks up phlegm and blood.His ruined face brings me immense satisfaction.Pride flows through me.Brook ensured he’ll be eating from a straw for a few months.
My brother gurgles in his own mess.Brook crawls out of my lap and reaches for him.I grab her wrist.
“First aid.Better legal argument,” she croaks.
“Don’t hurt yourself for them, Brook.No more trying to talk.I’ll do it,” I demand.
