Page 78 of Bossy Ex's Brother

“Fuck.”

So far, everything I was observing about Don Filippo went against what I’d been told by his brother. Which meant the latter was lying and needed me to take down Don Filippo, so he could take his place.

And the only way he knew to secure that was to take my woman.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

Don Filippo wasn’t looking at me. He glanced at my brother instead. “What’s this about?”

Lorenzo swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

“You said you would cut off all ties with him.”

“Yes,” Lorenzo said. “But now someone is missing, and that person is very important to him and me as well.”

“Yes,” he snarled. “I understand. I lostsomeone importantnot that long ago.”

I sighed and felt a familiar guilt crop up. Even though I didn’t start the fight, I now knew the devastation of losing someone you loved.

“I'm sorry,” I said with a sincerity that I could see surprised Don Filippo.

“It’s fine,” he said. “I’ve made my peace with it. I just wish your men felt the same way and didn’t keep starting shit with my people.”

He was the one who’d set fire to my warehouse today. And wasn’t he planning some large retaliation?

Unless…

A second realization hit me.

God, I was so stupid.

“Your brother,” I said, instantly turning to Don Filippo. “Where is he right now?”

“Why the fuck would I tell you anything?”

“Because he has my woman, goddamnit,” he said. “And also because he’s planning to kill you.”

Don Filippo’s eyes widened. “Why the fuck should I believe you?”

I slipped my phone out of my pocket, scrolling through until I found the audio file. I’d recorded my conversation with Carlo in case he ever betrayed me. Now I knew it was the only thing that would convince his brother.

I watched a lot of emotions play out on Don Filippo’s face as the audio played. Disbelief, betrayal, fury.

“I never…” he sputtered in indignation. “I never fucking did any of that shit.”

I knew that now. “That’s not important. What’s important is that you tell me where he is right now before he hurts my woman.”

“Please,” Lorenzo said quietly, and Don Filippo’s gaze swung to him. “Consider it payback for me saving your life.”

Don Filippo’s features tightened once again, and then he nodded. “Fine. But you’re not taking on Carlo on your own.” Rage glinted in his eyes. “I’ll be the one to put a bullet in that bastard’s skull.”

The shack was surroundedby forest deep in the thickets. We crept silently toward the window, and I saw her through it on the floor in the corner.

Her eyes were fierce, and her hands were behind her back, but she still shielded her sister, glaring at the men who were approaching them. Pride and relief filled me. And love.

I fucking loved that woman.

She must have said something smart because one of the men got up and charged toward her, pulling back his hand as though to hit her. Big mistake, buddy.Not on my fucking watch.Jane recoiled but didn’t move because then he would hit Bethany instead.