Page 92 of The Billionaire's Rival (Bad Boy Billionaires)

It was the most harrowing drive of my life. I rarely drove in Manhattan, and once I got closer to where things were going down, the traffic grew thicker. Finally, I reached my destination, and pulled over to the side of the road. I knew the chances of Ford’s car still being there when I returned were slim to none in this part of town, but I didn’t give a fuck. It was just a car. I got out and ran. I didn’t know how far behind me the guards were, but I wasn’t letting them catch me.

I slowed to a walk as I neared the location, then I saw them. Miles, Carter, and a group of men dressed in SWAT team black, facing off against a group of men that looked exactly as I’d imagined a criminal gang would look.

31

FORD

Since I’d woken in a cell, my head throbbing and my body bruised and battered, I’d done everything I could to find a way to escape. I’d yet to be able free my hands or ankles, and there were no windows or openings other than the heavy door with a tiny, barred window. I knew it would be locked, but I managed to hop to the door and turn so I could move the knob with my hands. It didn’t budge. The only object in the room was a bucket. If that was my bathroom, I wasn’t going to be able to use it unless I got myself free.

I sat with my back to the wall and hoped like hell that Miles and Carter would figure out where I was. I had no idea how long I’d been there, but it felt like ages. I was hungry and thirsty and desperate to use the bathroom.

When I heard someone approach, I managed to get to my feet, not sure what I could do, but wanting to be ready. A familiar-looking man entered. He had a bottle of water with him, so that probably meant he hadn’t come to finish me off. Who the hell was he? I wracked my brain as he assessed me, standing there teetering on my bound feet. Finally, I figured it out. I recognized him from pictures of Carter with his fellow SEALs.

“I see you do recognize me,” he said.

“Matteo?”

“Yeah. I suppose Carter has been talking,”

“You’re a traitor.” Why did I say that? Did I want the man to kill me?

“I have shifting loyalties.”

That was one way of putting it. “Why are you here?”

“I figured I’d better untie you so you can piss in the bucket or things were going to get messy.”

I’d meant why was he in New York, but that answer would do.

He cut through the zip ties binding my wrists and ankles, and I rubbed feeling back into them.

“Your friends are joining us in a few hours. I’ll be back to bring you to them.” He tossed me the bottle of water, then left.

I inspected the bottle and made sure it was sealed before taking a few huge gulps, then forced myself to sip slowly. If Miles and Carter were coming, then they must have a plan. Whatever happened, I had to get out of this alive. I had to see Jay again.

True to his word, Matteo returned along with another man, and they marched me outside at gunpoint.

I saw Miles, Carter and several security guards facing off against a man I presumed was the leader of this group of fuckers. Matteo moved to stand next to him, and the other man kept his gun jabbed into my back.

I hated having to stay silent while Miles negotiated for my life. I was so close to escape. I wanted to run, but I knew these men wouldn’t hesitate to shoot me. I’d need help from Miles and Carter and everyone they’d brought with them.

“If you want your friend to live,” the leader said, “You will drop the lawsuit and refrain from buying any more property in the area. You will not interfere with us continuing to do business in New York. Any sign that you aren’t complying with our wishes will be considered an act of war against us.”

Miles glanced at me. I knew he was trying to communicate something. No way was he going to give in to their demands. He must have something planned, but what?

He looked back at their leader and nodded. “We also have some terms.”

That must have been a signal because all hell broke loose. The man behind me fell to the ground with a bullet hole through his head and everyone seemed to be shooting at someone.

I took off running toward Miles and Carter as the building behind me exploded.

What happen next must have only taken seconds, but it seemed to go in slow motion. Carter, Miles, and several other men started shooting at our enemies.

Then Jay was there, running toward me yelling, “Ford, behind you!”

I turned. The leader was aiming at me. Jay jumped in between us, and I screamed. Carter was suddenly there, knocking me and Jay to the ground as the leader’s head exploded.

My brain seemed to have gone offline. I couldn’t hear. My ears were ringing from the explosion and all the shots being fired around me. I didn’t know who’d shot the leader, and I didn’t know if he had shot Jay or Carter. I groped for Jay, pulling him to me and trying to see if he had been hurt.

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