Page 11 of Dark Desire

Antonio’s laughter made me blush, reminding me I needed to focus on the matter at hand.

“Massimo, it would appear our brother has been bewitched by a woman. Who is she, Vin?” He probed, knowing damn well he was right.

Ignoring his correct assumption, I rolled my eyes and blew him off. “What? No, you’re wrong. There is no woman.”

“Are you sure? It wouldn’t be a bad thing, Vin. A woman could help keep your mind occupied.” Massimo tossed a pen to the table. “I’ve been worried you’re in too deep with the search for Dmitri.”

“We have to find him. My involvement is necessary, and you know it.”

His grunt of disapproval filled the room. “I do. That doesn’t mean I can’t worry about you. You worked hard to bury that part of you, the part you hated when we were younger. And now…” Massimo sighed. “You’ve fallen right back into being him—La Lama. What happens when that version of you takes over completely, and I lose you again… this time forever?”

“You won’t lose me. Once Dmitri is dead, I will go back to being me, the famous chef.”

Antonio pressed his hand against my shoulder. “I still think finding a woman would do you some good. Look at how much it’s helped Massimo. He’s not nearly as much of a dick as he was.”

Massimo shrugged, proving once again Antonio was right. “He’s not wrong. Madison has softened me—something I desperately needed. Something you desperately need.”

“Can we stop talking about my love life or lack thereof and focus on the problem?”

“Right. Dmitri was spotted at the airport, but our men lost sight of him. The important thing is we know he is here. Miguel has assured me his men are keeping a close watch on his property and warehouses. If he shows up, we will know.”

Antonio began to pace the room behind me. “Why is he here in Vegas? It seems dangerous for him to come back now.”

I quirked my brow at him. “Can you sit down? Your pacing is annoying the shit out of me.” My phone vibrated in my pocket, causing me to jerk. Slipping my hand inside, I pulled it out, shocked to see Riley calling. Holding my finger up to quiet my brothers, I pressed the speaker button.

“Vincenzo.”

“Vin.” Her panicked voice filled the line. I could hear the urgency in her tone, causing me to sit up straighter in my chair.

“Riley. What’s wrong?”

“I know you’re busy, but one of the servers is missing and I don’t know what to do.”

“What do you mean, missing?”

I relaxed slightly, figuring one whoever it was messed up their work schedule. “Megan didn’t show up for work. I’ve tried calling her with no luck.”

“Maybe she’s just sick or got her days mixed up.”

“I thought that too, but then a note came by courier. You need to see this, Vin.”

Massimo stood and waved toward Antonio as I stood. “Sit tight, Riley. My brothers and I are on the way to you.”

“Should I call the police?”

“No. Wait for me to get there first.” I pressed the end button and shoved the phone into my pants. “Dmitri is behind this.”

“I have no doubt, Brother. Let’s go. If he has Megan, we need to find her before it’s too late.” The three of us exited out of the club into the alley.

Donny was waiting in the car. Massimo and Antonio climbed inside as I straddled my bike. Following behind them, my mind raced with a million thoughts. Why was Dmitri back and what was his end game?

I parked my bike and hurried inside to find Riley seated at a table. Her expression was weary and filled with concern. “Riley.” I called out to her, causing her to stand abruptly.

“Vincenzo.” She thrust the letter at me and watched as I opened it. Rage coursed through me as I read the words scratched into the parchment.

You may have won round one, but you have only angered the Prizrak. I’m coming for you and your family—not even La Lama can protect you. This is just the beginning of my hold over you. Everyone and everything close to you… will die.

“What does it mean by La Lama can’t protect you? Vincenzo?”

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