Page 51 of Dangerous Fortune

Following her like a lost puppy, we move down the hall toward a metal door. Once we push through, we find ourselves in another dimly lit corridor.

“It’s fine,” Ari whispers. “We just keep moving. Right now, they don’t know where we are.”

“Okay,” I mutter quietly as the panic threatens to take over. The musky scent of dust and stale air fills my lungs as shadows dance on the walls, forming eerie patterns.

Uncertainty gnaws at my frayed nerves. “Can I be scared yet?”

“You can give into every single one of your feelings the second we’re driving away from this hell hole.”

“I hope that’s soon.”

“Me too.” She glances over her shoulder. “I wasn’t kidding about being hungry.”

A hysterical laugh bubbles up from my chest, and I know that Ari Bianchi is the only person I ever want to be kidnapped with.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Enzo

Rain drizzles down from the inky sky above as I grip my gun tightly; its cold steel is a reminder of the men I’m about to put into the ground.

“Plan?” Maxsim asks as we wait for the men to get into position. “Normally, I’d suggest shock and awe, but that won’t work in this case since Vargas likely has itchy fingers and doesn’t plan on letting the women live.”

“Between losing a half mil to a woman and the public dressing down I gave him, he’s looking to make us pay and show the world he’s not a joke.”

“Too bad he won’t live long enough to make it possible.”

“I should’ve put him down when he dared to insult me.”

“If we eliminated everyone who did that, the cemetery would have a waiting list.”

“True.” I hear a text alert and study the new map Carolina sent. “It looks like the tunnels are still the best option. According to this map, there’s a hidden entrance on the East side.” I study the warehouse looming ahead. “It’s risky, but it’s the only way to go in undetected.”

“Dark and rat-infested it is,” Maxsim replies quietly.

Franco appears out of the shadows. “Ready?”

“Absofuckinglutly,” Maxsim responds with a smile.

Shaking my head, I stride toward the supposed secret entrance and decide all the rumors about the Russian madman are true. Lucky for us, he’s playing for our team tonight.

Ten minutes later, the darkness of the underground tunnels envelops us, oppressive and suffocating. I can hear our breaths echo off the damp stone walls as we navigate the maze.

“This walk is reminding me why I love blowing shit up. This slinking through the bowels of the building is bullshit.”

“Showmanship isn’t always the answer,” I reply, flicking my Maglite along the walls.

“True, but at least it’s expeditious.”

Stopping abruptly, I hear the muffled sound of a game. “We’ve got company.”

“Wouldn’t be a party without it,” Maxsim mutters.

I study the dim glow of light ahead and see several Cartel soldiers looking at a phone. “Shit.” I curse under my breath, my pulse racing. “We can’t risk a firefight because it will alert everyone we’ve arrived.

“Agreed,” Maxsim whispers, his eyes dancing. “Lucky for you, I came prepared.” He twists a silencer on his gun and steps forward. “One.” The first man goes down. “Two, three.” The other bodies crumple to the ground as the sound of fans cheering fills the space. “Someone made a goal.”

Franco strides ahead, steps over the bodies, and makes sure not to get blood on his pants. “Are you two coming or what?”

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