Brando, my father’s second-in-command, is standing in front of the limousine along with Miller, the driver.They both nod once I strut to them in my high heels.
“You’re coming instead of Taddeo?”I wonder.
Taddeo is always present during my father’s meetings.He’s not only a certified gemologist, he’s also a highly trained killer.We spar on a weekly basis, just like I do with Brando and Miller.
“Another assignment,” Brando grunts and rounds the limousine to open the door for my father who leaves the mansion with a briefcase in his hand.
I sit across from them during the ride.My mind keeps wandering to the secret inside my belly, wondering if I should tell my father.It would get me off the hook when it comes to the engagement.On the other hand, I know that in this world we live in some men have solutions to any problems.
My chest squeezes painfully at the thought of being forced into an abortion.I curl my fingers into my purse to prevent covering my belly with my hand.Dammit.I just found out and I’m already protective of the new life inside me.Maybe I should message Macsen to share the news.How would he react?
The limousine comes to a stop in front of the elevator in the underground parking lot of a secure building where we have an office for new meetings.It has a security system with a few of my father’s soldiers protecting the exits.Miller opens the door for us and Brando is the first one to slide out, after that my father, who turns and offers me his hand to help me exit the limousine.
With Miller in front, Brando at our back, we make our way toward the elevator.No word is exchanged and technically not needed because we’ve done this countless times.My grandfather founded the diamond business as a front, which might not have started out completely legally.Extortion is how he got his hands on the mine, and taking out rivals pushed him to the top.
He thrived in the diamond business and managed to push a standard twenty percent profit margin and even higher when it came to the rare, high-quality diamonds.It turned into a family trade and has only grown since.
My father took over when my grandfather was gunned down in the street when he was coming out of a restaurant.Mafia business is what got him killed and it’s why my father keeps a lid on that part.He’s a feared kingpin because of the way he rules without a trace of violence ever resurfacing.
A businessman ninety-nine percent of the time, but those who really know him see the blood dripping from every inch of his body.He taught me everything I know, and has trained me to be the best.Not just the becoming an assassin part, every detail of the diamond business as well.Even if he almost kept this meeting from me, just like he’s been keeping more information to himself these days.
The elevator doors open and my gut clenches.I’m instantly on edge and slide my hand into the purse I’ve thrown over my shoulder to palm my small gun.Normally I prefer ninja stars, and I can’t quite explain my reaction right now, other than “this doesn’t feel right.”
We all exit the elevator, the thick carpet under our feet keeps our movements through the hallway silent until Miller barks, “Down.”
A moment of fear stuns me.My hand covers my belly and a wave of pure panic hits me hard.The sound of a bullet kicks my training into gear and I step in front of my father to fire off a round of bullets while Miller does the same.
Ignoring the grunts from behind me, I kick off my heels and reach for a ninja star.Knowing every inch of this building, I run to the left where there’s another hallway leading back to the other side where the shooter is.
Adrenaline is pumping when I come to the end of the hallway, right before the bend.I take a calming breath and throw a quick glance around the corner to spot the fucker who is trying to kill us.Shit.There are two men and some might prefer a gun, but I rather depend on my throwing skills.
Shoving the gun back in my purse, I take another ninja star in my other hand.In one smooth move I step out into the open and throw, hitting one of them in the throat.The other guy aims his gun and pulls the trigger.I hiss at the burning pain when I’m not fast enough to jump back.Without thinking I step back out and throw the other ninja star, hitting the fucker in the back of his retreating neck.
He stumbles and falls forward.I’m already running in their direction and take one of the two thin knives from the bun on the top of my head.
Right before I enter the opening of the other hallway I bellow, “Die motherfucker.”
I don’t curse a lot, but it’s also as a warning so Miller, Brando, and my father know I’m stepping into their line of fire.One of the shooters is gurgling and has pulled out the ninja star I buried into his jugular, creating a nice arterial bleed.
The other one is trying to crawl to his feet.I jump onto his neck, grab a fistful of hair, and jab the knife into his throat.My chest is heaving while rage burns hot through my veins.
“Nice,” a voice states from behind me.
I whirl around and barely, just barely, stop myself from throwing the knife at Brando.
He frowns and mutters, “Jumpy much?”
Inhaling a deep breath, I shrug and roll my shoulders, feeling a pull of burning pain at my side.
“You’re bleeding,” my father says when he steps closer.
I glance down and the panic is back full force.The bullet grazed my side and the ripped fabric of my dress shows the wound is nowhere near my belly.Still, the thought of anything putting this pregnancy at risk is suffocating me.
“Everything okay?Are you hit anywhere else?”His concern is screwing with my head, especially since he’s to blame for all the recent fuck-ups.
“Shut up and focus on this fucking mess.We walked right into a setup in our own damn building.How the hell is that possible?”I snarl.
A cold look washes over my father’s face and he grits, “That’s what I’m going to find out.”
