Page 15 of The Beast

He turns to his consigliere, Roberto and says firmly, “Secure the entrance, and instruct the rest to wait in the car.”

The nurse looks relieved as Roberto nods and one by one, the men leave.

We follow the nurse to the room she decided was the best way to deal with the situation and as she leaves us to it, Angelo prowls around like a panther.

“What happened?”

As I fill him in, I sense his anger growing because I hold nothing back.

“He hit her?’ His voice is laced with retribution, and I nod. “She was a mess, Boss. Her face and neck were bruised, and it looked as if he’d roughed her up on the journey over.”

My voice breaks as I say angrily, “I swear to God it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do to stick with the plan because all I wanted was to tear the fucking bastard apart with my bare hands.”

Angelo nods. “Where is he?”

“Ivan dragged him off somewhere.”

“Is he still alive?”

“I’m not sure.”

Angelo growls, “I fucking hope he is, because I want to make his death a long and painful one.”

A hesitant knock on the door grabs our attention and as it opens, Charlotte’s anxious face peers into the room.

“I’m sorry, I hope you don’t mind, but Ivan asked his men to bring me here.”

Angelo nods. “Of course, it’s fine. Grab a seat.”

“Have you heard anything?”

I don’t miss the frightened expression in her eyes and that the dress she is wearing is stained with Winter’s blood and for the first time, I register it on my own hands. Angelo also notices it and the fury in his expression makes me hope that Massimo still breathes because, like my friend, I want to be the one to take his last one.

“She’ll be ok.” Charlotte’s voice quivers and I’m sure she’s saying that more as a wish than anything else.

“She has to be.” Angelo growls and as Charlotte drops down into the seat beside me, her voice is full of concern as she touches my arm and whispers, “Are you ok?”

I willneverbe ok all the time Winter is at risk and I shake my head. “No.”

She sighs and leans back, saying sadly, “I hope he’s dead.”

Suddenly, we remember just who is sitting here and we stare at her as her voice shakes. “It was obvious he was deranged. Thank God Winter acted so fast. I was so afraid.”

Angelo lowers his voice. “We would never have put you in danger without protection. I’m just sorry you had to meet him at all.”

“I’m not.” She exhales sharply and forces a brighter tone to her voice. “At least I looked him in the eye and saw the madness for myself. The only thing that scares the living daylights out of me is that I’ve inherited some of it.”

Just looking at the sweet, pretty blonde who looks as if she was spun from cotton candy makes my lips twitch for a second and Angelo’s own expression softens as he quips, “I think you’re right.”

“Excuse me.” She looks up in alarm and he says with a smile, “Any woman who marries a savage must be mentally disturbed. We’ll get you professional help. God knows you’ll need it.”

She shakes her head and points her finger at him, making me grin. “You leave my husband out of this. He’s one of the good ones.”

Angelo bites back a grin as Charlotte jumps up. “I’ll go and fetch us some coffee. Obviously, I would prefer tea, but I guess that’s probably not an option.”

She makes to leave, and Angelo says firmly, “Sit down.”

She spins around and he sighs. “Ivan was right to send you here. You need protection and setting you free in this hospital is not an option. I’ll organize the coffee, and Iwillfetch you a tea, just in case you think we are all savages.”

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