Page 52 of The Bonventi Hitman
"It doesn't?—"
"Gabriel, tell me. Is everything alright?"
"Let's sit," I say and motion to the couch.
"Luca called me. The Russians attacked us tonight. Five dead. Luca sent people here, but you were gone. We thought—I thought—something happened to you. Maybe they took you or something."
She looks at me, confused. "Why would they take me?"
"Well, they killed three women tonight. Two were mistresses, so when you weren't here..."
She leans back against the couch. I can tell it's all settling in, and she's starting to connect the dots.
I rub her leg. "Tell me, Bella, where were you?"
"You won't get mad?"
"Mad? No, you're here. You're safe."
"Okay, and Hector won't get in trouble?"
"Who the fuck is Hector?"
"The bellhop or room service guy—he's both of those things depending on the day, I guess."
"Tell me."
Sofia stands and paces.
"I get so tired just sitting in this damn room all day. Hector has brought me my meals since I arrived here, and he's become a sort of friend. He lets me out so I can go use the gym downstairs a few times a week. Please," she says and stops to look directly at me, "Promise me he won't get in trouble."
I'm so relieved that she's alive, I could care less about anything but her standing here now.
"He'll be alright."
"So now what?" she asks me.
"Now," I stand and wrap my arms around her, "I'm going to stay here for a while."
I hold her and look into her eyes. I see her blush and turn red.
"Sorry," she says.
"Sorry for what?"
"Well, one, for scaring you. Though it is nice to know that if something were to happen to me, you'd come."
I smirk. "I protect what's mine," I say and rub her face.
"And two, I'm very sweaty."
"I kind of like it," I say and kiss her neck, tasting her saltiness and inhaling her scent.
She rolls her eyes and laughs. "Come shower with me," she says, grabbing my hand.
Sofia leads me toward the bathroom. I take out my phone and text Luca:
Wrong intel. She's here safe. Will stay for a bit to make sure all is ok. Call in the morning.
