Page 32 of Deadly Intentions

My head swirled on the edge of unconsciousness as he affixed the final tie to the table. I was stretched open, fully exposed, in an abandoned warehouse. I had done this to myself. This situation existed because I had tried to deny the reality of who I was.

A reality that would be the only thing to save me.

eighteen

DONNY

My blood boiled with anger.An anger that threatened to spill over and set fire to anyone that crossed me. When we made it to Reno, Javier and the doctor would regret laying eyes on Catarina.

“We’re meeting Alex at his place. He thinks he has an idea where Javier might be, but he needs to check on some things first.” Massimo cut his head toward me. “We’re going to get her back.”

“I know.” I glanced out at the night sky. Hours had passed since Catarina had been taken and my mind couldn’t stop playing over scenarios of what she was going through.

Men like Javier took what they wanted, no matter the opposition they faced. Catarina was a gorgeous woman, which meant he’d probably taken her for more than a pawn against the Anastasi family. When we got to her, I knew there was a chance she would be hurt. That fear was what made the life-sustaining liquid run at boiling temperatures through my entire frame. All it would take would be a glance from her and Javier would be ripped to shreds.

Massimo’s car filled with the sound of ringing. I flicked my eyes to him as his thumb swiped across the button on his steering wheel.

“Massimo.” Antonio’s voice filled the interior of the car. “We’ve loaded up and are about to head to Vegas. What’s your status?”

“We’re thirty minutes out.” Massimo glanced at the GSP display illuminating the car. “Any change in Michael’s condition?”

“No.” Antonio’s sigh echoed through the line. “Harley ensures me the transport is fine and that his condition is to be expected. I finally got to see all the scans and file on him. I’m lucky we even have him back like this.”

“And Harley?” Massimo’s voice was filled with concern as he spoke. “Has she settled down about having to go with you?”

“Actually.” Antonio paused. “About that. The hospital has informed her that if she leaves them short staffed, she will not have a job. Seeing as Catarina has also been terminated for not reporting for duty, they feel like their nursing supervisor should be stepping up and not taking a vacation.”

“Let Harley know she will be hired on as Michael’s private nurse. I will make sure she is compensated for this mess.”

“I figured as much. Rachel is already making space for her at the house.”

My eyes spotted Alex standing on the stoop of his townhouse. His hands were shoved into his pockets, his expression was pensive.

“Antonio, we’re here. I’ll call you when we have Catarina. Make sure the private jet is on standby. I have a feeling we will need it to bring her home.”

“Sure thing. I’ll call Freddy. Stay safe, fratello.”

“He looks pissed,” Vincenzo grumbled from the back seat.

“Yeah. Something’s up.” Massimo parked the car and the three of us climbed out.

“What’s up?” I glanced around at our surroundings. Alex lived in a decent part of Reno, and I was sure his neighbors would start to wonder why four big guys were standing outside at this time of night.

“Let’s go inside.” Alex seemed to read my mind, and we followed him inside.

“Alright. Spill.” Massimo tossed shut the door behind him.

“It appears I’ve been accused of being on the take from Javier Costa. I’ve been suspended pending the investigation.”

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.” Vincenzo’s fists balled against his sides.

“Nope.” Alex ran his hand through his hair. “Looks like Javier knew how to keep the police off whatever he’s planning, because now the spotlight is on me—the crooked cop.”

“And your department bought it?”

“The evidence is damning.” He deflated. “It doesn’t matter. I already know where Javier is.”

“Why didn’t you lead with that?” Vincenzo growled.

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