Page 51 of United Reign (Valentino Empire 3)

“Oh, I’m just envisioning the many ways I’m going to rip your dirty fucking fingers off, one by fucking one. The day you thought you could touch my wife was your undoing, Kelly.”

He laughs. “You believe you’re in a position to stop me? No one’s coming to save you this time, Valentino. But at least you’ll go out with a good show. We’ll give your husband a good show, right, whore?” He grabs Reilly by the hair and shoves her down to her knees.

“Huh, I never could understand why someone would resort to selling women and children. But I get it now, why you had to do it.”

“Oh, enlighten me, then. O’ Great One, why is that?”

“You can’t get your dick wet any other way. What woman in her right mind would want an ugly fucker like you?”

“I’m about to get my dick plenty wet, in your wife’s fucking pussy, mind you.” He grins before turning to Reilly. “Your husband has cost me millions of dollars! I’ll be keeping you until you’ve worked off his debt.” However, confidence is the bastard’s downfall as he steps in front of my sister-in-law, his barrel no longer directed at the back of her head.

This is what I’ve been waiting for. There are four of them, and three of us—that is, if I’m right about my suspicions when it comes to Angelica. “Adesso,” I call out as I drop the ropes from my wrists, reach down, and retrieve the knife from my ankle. Within seconds, I’m sitting upright while digging my blade into the neck of the fucker now attempting to grab for me. I shove him back, and he falls to his knees before I cut my ankles free. It all happens so quickly. Three gunshots, and then silence. I toss the knife to Neo and he follows suit, sawing at his ropes and jumping to his feet.

Reilly is on the ground, covering her head and screaming, while Angelica leans against the wall, a gun hanging loosely in her hand before she drops it to the floor. There are four bodies laid out by her feet: one still gurgling and grasping at his neck, and the other three with bullet holes through their heads.

“Fucking hell, Angelica, could have warned a guy you were a fucking assassin.”

“I-It’s a necessity when you’re the daughter of Al Donatello.” She shrugs, trying to appear unaffected. I know it’s an act—a skillset I’ve mastered myself.

“Reilly, it’s over. You’re okay, sweetheart.” I lift her from the ground and head towards the exit. “Let’s get out of here.”

She stiffens in my arms. “I’m okay. Put me down,” she says. I would like to argue, but I’m fucking struggling here. My head fucking hurts like a motherfucker, and I’m fucking dizzy as shit. I slowly lower her to her feet.

“Thank you.”

“You shouldn’t be thanking me. You shouldn’t even be here. What the fuck happened?” I ask.

“We just went to the coffee shop. I don’t even know…”

“Where’s Holly?”

“She’s at your parents’ estate.” A familiar voice cuts in. I look up and see Donatello flanked by a small army of his soldiers and one pissed off Bray Williamson.

He barges forward and snatches Reilly out of my arms. “Rye, babe, look at me.” He draws her chin up with the tip of his thumb and forefinger. “Who. The. Fuck. Put their hands on you?” he yells.

“I-I’m okay, Bray. Just get me out of here. Please.”

“Where is he?” He doesn’t answer her and instead looks to me.

“You’re about two minutes too late. He’s in there with what’s left of his brain splattered on the walls.” I point behind me, right as Neo and Angelica exit the room.

“Angelica, stai bene?” Donatello asks, not making a move.

“Sì, sto bene,” she answers.I’m fine.

Donatello eyes her from head to toe before nodding once and aiming his glare at Neo. “I expect to see you soon.” Then he turns and walks out, his men following his steps.

Neo doesn’t answer. He’s too busy staring at Angelica, his expression a mix of confusion and…intrigue.

“Babe, hold on a sec.” Bray gently shoves his wife behind him, and I don’t have the time or wherewithal to duck. I don’t even see the fist coming my way, until after it’s already connected with my jaw and tucked back against the former pro fighter’s chest. It takes a moment for my brain to catch up. All I see is the ground spinning, right before my body falls.

* * *

“No, get out! You’re not coming near him.” I wake to Holly screaming at someone. Opening my eyes, I squint at the bright light before shutting them again.

“Holly, put the gun down,” I hear Neo say.

“Make me,” she counters.

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