Page 39 of Beast

“I’m going to protect her.” I pulled out the piece of paper with my information on it. Dickwad behind me tensed, but I gave him a lazy wink. “Here. This is the code for my radio. Call me with whatever information you come up with.”

I had made the right decision, turning my back on my boss and killing anyone who stood between me and Natalia.

For now, I just needed to buy time for her father to discover who ordered the hit and why. Then I could deal with the aftermath.

His mouth tightened into a thin line, but there was a pleading look in his eyes that made me pause for a moment.

“You have until dawn on Sunday to bring me my daughter,” he said finally, with a stern look on his face to mask the fear that wafted off him like sour milk.

“No. We need to make sure everything’s in order.”

“Six days,” he repeated. “At dawn. Or I will find you and kill you myself.”

“She doesn’t even know I’m here.”

His jaw dropped as if he were in shock about my revelation. I slumped back down into the chair, feeling like a fool because he knew exactly what I just said.

“So, you’re in love with my daughter. You’ve taken her and now you’re here out of concern.” He waved his finger and then laughed as he fell back into his chair. “It all makes sense now. You would kill; you do what you’re told, Tomas. All men like you do.”

He wanted to insult me. Tell me that I was stupid and men like me do nothing but follow orders. I knew if I reacted to it, then not only would she be dead, but I would be too. Something I wasn’t willing to risk. I came here for a reason and it was to protect her, and I was going to live with that same mission in mind.

I jumped up out of the chair.

“Remember, you have six days to bring her to me.”

I shook my head. “If Natalia wants to come, then I will bring her.”

“If? I’m her father.” His face reddened, and if I didn’t say something quickly, I didn’t doubt he’d blow my head off.

I bit back, “She knows what you did to your brother.”

He opened and shut his mouth, unable to say another word.

“And if anything happens to me or her, the information will be released to all the families. No one will back you after they’ve discovered you broke the cardinal rule of Bratva: family before all.”

The silence was deafening and spoke volumes.

I spun on my heels and left. I had the last word, but then I knew a man like him wouldn’t let it slide. I had to tell Natalia what I’d done and what could happen if her father didn’t help us.

The next few hours were a blur as I headed straight for the island. My men had the okay that I was on my way back, but it would be dusk before I returned.

I was puzzled about who would want Natalia dead and if it was the same mafia leaders who wanted her taken to persuade her father to vote how they wanted. Except we couldn’t count on that. A rival leader could’ve put the hit on her to take her out of the equation.

I tightened my fists, holding back my wolf who wanted to kill anyone who stood between me and her.

When I reached the shore, I phoned the two men I’d left to watch over Natalia.

“Anything?” I asked.

“Nothing, boss,” Emer said over the radio. “Been quiet all day.”

Relief flooded me. Natalia was safe. For now.

I knew I had to tell her what was going on and that it might not be safe to stay on the island, but I didn’t want to frighten her more than necessary.

My chest squeezed and I couldn’t wait to see her. To hold her in my arms and know for sure that she was safe.

I ran up the dune to the beach house and opened the door.

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