“Good. Now, let’s focus on Catarina.” She leaned in and pressed a kiss to my lips as the SUV came to a stop. Pushing her door open, she climbed out, leaving me to stare at her behind.

“You won the lottery with that one, Massimo. She’s a real treasure, and I’m glad she’s going to be part of the family.”

“Thanks.” I looked back at my long-time friend. “I want you to be my best man when the time comes.”

“Me? You sure you don’t want one of your brothers?”

“No. You’ve been with me through all the ups and downs. They can wear a monkey suit and be groomsmen.”

“I’m honored, my friend. Now, let’s go see what the fuck is going on. Someone messed with our own. That doesn’t sit well with me.”

“Me, either.” We climbed from the SUV, and the three of us headed inside.

forty-five

MADISON

Massimo wason edge as we listened as Catarina recounted the incident. She was scraped up, and her scrubs were torn, but beyond that, she wasn’t severely hurt. I watched Massimo and Vincenzo pace around the room like caged animals. Donny was at Catarina’s side, watching her every move.

“Can you tell us anything else about him? Height, accent, anything?” Vincenzo spat. His temper was palpitating throughout the room.

“No, Vincenzo. I told you. The man, and yes, I am certain it was a man, grabbed me from behind. He tried to force me into the passenger seat of my car, but I kicked him in the dick. He grabbed my shirt, ripping it.” She waved at the material which hung loosely, exposing her tattoos beneath. She was covered in beautiful artwork, spanning her entire chest and arms. Catarina usually kept them covered for work, but now, she was exposed for all to see.

Donny growled beside her. “Here.” He slipped off his jacket and handed it to her. “Put this on.”

“Thanks,” she whispered, her eyes looking at the floor in embarrassment.

“Don’t.” Donny grabbed her chin. “Never be ashamed, Cat. These people will be found, and this man will pay for what he did to you. Do you understand?”

She held his gaze. “Yes.”

“Donny,” Massimo said, causing Donny to step back and let go of her face. “I want you to stay with Catarina, personally guard her.”

“Me?” Donny looked shocked. “Shouldn’t we put someone else on this detail? You need me to flush out information.”

“I need her protected more. I trust you like one of my own brothers. Knowing she is with you will give me some peace right now.”

Catarina glanced between the two of them.

“I don’t need a babysitter, Massimo. I’ve worked my whole life to put some distance between the family and my career. Having him around will undo all of it.”

“I don’t care. Someone tried to kidnap you, Cat. Do you understand that? If you hadn’t gotten away, I’d be calling Mom and Dad to tell them you were gone.Please. Do this for me.”

“Fine,” she sighed. “Whatever. But this isn’t going to be forever. And we,”—she turned to Donny—“will have to set some rules.”

“I like rules.” His eyes glinted with mischief as he chuckled. “I will be wherever you are. In fact, we should go now. I need to grab some things if I’ll be staying at your place.”

“Wait, adamnminute. I didn’t agree with that.”

“Well, I agree with Massimo, Catarina. Donny needs to be with you all the time until they can figure out what’s going on.”

“Of course, you’d say that, Madison. You’re fucking my brother.” Catarina barked.

Massimo grunted, but I put my hand up, halting him.

“Yes, and he fucks me thoroughly, but that has nothing to do with your safety.”

The men in the room stifled their chuckles as I stepped up to her.