Page 76 of Wicked Knight 2

“Let’s not count our chickens before they’re hatched.” I sat on the edge of the sofa armrest. “Just because the Society made a promise, it doesn’t mean they’ll keep it.”

“You’re right, son.” Papa braced his hand on my shoulder. “It’s too early to celebrate.”

“Maxim.” Tore burst through the library door, looking like he’d seen a ghost. “They’re here.” He panted a breath. “The Chicago crew.”

As soon as he uttered the words, the alarm in the compound went off. They were bound to attack sooner or later. I’d hoped we would have one more day to get ready. “Get the women and children to the kitchen. And gather all the men.”

“Yes, Boss.” Tore rushed out the door.

“I’ll call Rex.” I took two steps toward the landline on the conference table, then remembered I now had a phone. “Fuck,” I muttered under my breath then fished it out of the front pocket of my jeans.

A hint of fear registered in Papa’s eyes as he ambled toward me. Not a minute ago, he’d been daydreaming about being the Pakhan to rule them all. And now here he was silently asking and expecting my protection. The mindfuck.

“They’re early,” I said when Rex himself picked up the phone.

“Jesus.” He blew out a breath. “Can you hold them off? My men are on their wa, but they need more time.”

“We’ll do our best.”

“Luca.” He paused for a moment. “Don’t put your neck on the line for them. They’re not who you think.”

“I got it handled.” I dropped the call.

“What did he say?” Ivan poured himself another shot. “Are they coming or what?

“They’re on their way.” I turned to Papa. “You should go down to the kitchen. You’ll be safe there.”

“Yes. Let’s go now.” He snapped his fingers twice to get Ivan’s attention. “Leave the booze. And move.”

I grabbed my gun off the table, darted to the door and opened it slowly. The intruders couldn’t have made it inside the house yet, but I had to be sure. The quiet living room made the hair on the back of my neck stand out. It was the calm before the storm.

“It’s clear.” I motioned for them to follow me.

Before we reached the kitchen stairs, two men appeared at the entrance. Somehow, they had gotten through our line of defense, which meant, it was only a matter of time before the rest charged through the main house.

“Get down.” I shot a glance over my shoulder, just as Papa grabbed Ivan to use him as a human shield. “Down now.” I lifted my arm to aim at the intruders. I got the first man square in the chest, but the second one managed to shoot before he hid behind the door.

“Maxim,” Ivan called for me.

“Fuck.” I stared at Ivan on the floor with his shirt covered in blood. I made to help him but headed for the front door instead.

Out on the courtyard, I found the second man dead on the cobblestones. When I lifted my gaze, I came face to face with one of Rex’s men, the one who’d led me in to see Rex this morning.

“Is the cavalry here already?”

“No cavalry. Just me.” He holstered his gun inside his suit jacket. “Rex sent me in in case you needed help.”

“Jesus. Well, I need help.” I ushered him inside the house.

“I’m Frank.” He offered me his hand after I locked the door behind me. “Mr. Gallo.”

“I know.” I shook his hand. “Call me Luca.”

Papa met us halfway. “The kitchen is not safe. They’ll come through at any moment. We need to leave.”

Frank glared at Papa before he turned to me. “Rex gave me specific instructions. If things got bad, my only job is to bring you home safely.”

“Where Maxim goes, I go.” Papa dipped his head in my direction.

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