Page 26 of Deadly Intentions

I knew Massimo was right. In our world, criminals never left loose ends. And to Javier Costa, Catarina was a loose end.

“Let me call Drew. He’s at the hotel and can help us get some information on the motherfucker. Even if I thought he would let her just leave, he fucked up when he threatened her life.” Massimo stepped into the hallway.

“We need to make arrangements for Michael’s transfer. I want him in Vegas, where I can oversee his recovery.” Antonio looked back at the bed.

“Go do that. Vincenzo and I will go talk to Harley and see what she can tell us about the lovely Dr. Brooks. When Catarina is done meeting with the prick, we’ll head over to her house and come up with a plan.”

Antonio nodded and joined Massimo in the corridor. Vincenzo blew out a frustrated breath and glanced at Michael.

“I prayed my brother would get closure, but not at the expense of my sister’s life.”

“I will protect her with every breath in my body.” I shot him a hard glance.

“You really love her, don’t you?”

“With all that I am. I let her slip through my fingers once, but I won’t do it again. If I have to bind and gag her, she’ll be coming home with me to Vegas. And then I’m marrying her.”

“Alright then.” Vincenzo smiled. “Let’s go learn about the doctor.”

I followed him out of the room. Harley was seated behind the nurse’s station, filling out some paperwork. “Harley.” I startled her. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to make you jump. I wondered if we could ask you some questions about your boss.”

“Dr. Douche?” She pursed her lips. “Sorry. I don’t like him. Sure, you can ask me anything.”

We spent the next thirty minutes learning all that we could about the man who’d threatened Catarina—or at least had a hand in doing so. Harley had worked at the hospital for three years and told us Dr. Brooks had gone through a nasty divorce. His ex-wife had cleaned him out financially, turning him into the asshole she’d nicknamed Dr. Douche. If I had to guess, Dr. Brooks got tangled up with Javier Costa because of money. Desperate people made bad choices. Choices that had deadly consequences.

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Vincenzo grinned. “This doctor in bed with some bad dude over money.”

“Yep. And he fucked up, threatening Catarina.”

“Yes, he did.” Vincenzo got a wicked glint in his eyes. “I feel sorry for him.”

“You do?” I tilted my head at him in confusion.

“He had no idea the monster he works with is nothing compared to the monster I am. He signed his death certificate the moment he took part in sending that goon to hurt her.”

“You’re one scary mother fucker, Vin. I’m glad you consider me family.” I chuckled.

“It was only a matter of time before you became family for real. We all knew you were in love with our sister—at least we suspected it. Massimo couldn’t be happier that his best friend will be the man to guard our sister in all the ways that matter.”

“I’d die for her. But not before making him bleed out—that I can promise you.”

“Well, how about you don’t do that. Let’s just clean this mess up and bring my baby sister home.”

“Deal.” I smiled. “You might have to help me tie her up and drag her back.”

Vincenzo laughed. “Good thing I know a bit about using ropes.” He winked.

“I don’t think your sister needs to know about your sexual preferences. Besides. If anyone is going to introduce her to being tied up—it’ll be me.”

“How about you keep that shit to a minimum? You might be like family to me, but I’ll cut your dick off in a second if I have to think about where you put it.”

“Deal.”

We headed back into Michael’s room and waited for Catarina to return. She wasn’t going to like our plan, but it was for her safety. And while I’d been joking with Vincenzo, I wasn’t above tying her up and forcing her back to Vegas.

fifteen

CATARINA

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