Page 45 of The Don

I try so hard to resist but you can’t argue against cold steel pressed to your head and as the soldiers cuff me to the wall, this is a party I wish I could decline the invitation to.

Carlos stands back and stares at me with lascivious intent, and I hate the shiver that passes through me at the evil expression on his face.

“You will wait for me to return. I need to get back to the party but I will be return later tonight when I’ll devote the rest of it to collecting my debt.”

He turns as a man heads into the room and says in a deep voice, “We’ve got a problem.”

“What problem?” Carlos appears irritated, and the man growls, “Paulie Danone. He’s asking for you.”

“What now?”

Carlos sighs as his soldier nods.

“He says he has information and saw you arrive.”

“Where is he?”

“In the interview room.”

Carlos shakes his head.

“I’ll give him two minutes and then we’re out of here.”

He doesn’t glance back and strides after his soldier, leaving his wife and the two soldiers who dragged me here behind.

As soon as he is out of sight, Giselle snaps, “Leave us.”

The two men don’t even question her and exit the room, closing the door softly behind them.

It’s a little eerie as she studies me, before coming closer and saying softly, “You are very beautiful. I heard the rumor.”

I can’t speak because of the tape sticking to my mouth and she whispers as she drags a soft finger down my chest, “I was told there was a woman in training to kill my husband. An assassin, if you like, and I was curious.”

I shiver as she stares at me with interest. “Such a prize, so adorable it’s almost a shame knowing my husband will ruin such a beauty.”

Her eyes flicker with distaste and she hisses, “And he will—ruin you. He will torture you, rape you several times and subject you to the cruelest acts. You will wish to die, but he will prolong your life for his own amusement. That is who he is. A sadist with no heart. I should know. I’ve lived in hell long enough.”

I’m in shock as she presses against me and runs her hands against the cold hard wall to lace her fingers with mine and she says with an icy edge to her voice, “I almost wish I could stick around and watch. I would be cheering you on over him any day.”

She sighs and says with despair, “He will return and dismiss his guards so he can play with you uninterrupted. Use what you have learned because you will only get one opportunity to kill the bastard.”

She glances up and I see the regret in her expression. “You know, Callie…” She sighs, and leaning against me, whispers, “I have spent my entire life hoping someone will release me from my prison. Kills the man I hate with a passion and sets me free to live an ordinary life. If you are the one to give me what I want, then come and find me to allow me to thank you personally when you are successful and I’ll reward you well.”

The steel of my own knife strapped to my inner thigh is a reminder of some hope at least, and I pray this woman leaves before she decides to explore my body any further.

The sound of footsteps outside makes her pull away and stand silently waiting for it to open and as her husband enters the room, he growls irritably, “Giselle. Hurry, we don’t have long.”

Neither one of them glances at me as they head outside and as the door slams shut behind them and I hear the key turn in the rusty lock, I feel nothing but relief that I’m now alone.

CHAPTER32

LEO

My men search the entire hotel from top to bottom and there is no sign of Chastity or the Matassos.

I am out of my mind and when I notice Diana heading my way, I waste no time in reaching out and gripping her arm hard.

“Where the fuck is she?” I growl into her ear, and she shakes her head, the tears sliding down her face.

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