In the door way a man has Maria in his grip. There is tape over her mouth, and she looks terrified. His gun is pointed at her side, and there is a cold smirk on his face.
“Come on in, Maria. Have a seat, sweetheart,” my father gestures for her to sit next to him. The man drags her in and pushes her into the chair next to Paul.
He reaches out and runs his hand over her cheek.
“Such a pretty little thing, isn’t she?” He muses. “It would be terrible if something happened to her. Something deadly. Something painful. Do you know how easy it was to take her?” he grins at me from across the table, his hand still on my wife.
I sit down again. Two other men walk into the room to stand behind my father with their weapons in hand.
“What do you want?” I ask coldly. I have no choice but to negotiate. Her life is at risk, and I will give anything to keep her safe. Even if it means giving away my power.
“I want both properties on Fifth Street at the docks. I want three SUVs and the yacht. And a private jet.” He lists assets that belong to my alliance. My company.
“You can’t have all of that.”
“It’s what I want, boy. It’s that…or this…” he pulls her closer, and she yelps, the sound muffled against the tape over her mouth.
I close my eyes for a moment to block out the sight of her so that I can think.
Sighing, I speak slowly. “You can have one of the dock properties, two SUVs, and either the yacht or a jet.”
My father cocks his head to the side and thinks it through for a moment.
“That will be a good start,” he nods. “I accept.”
I stand up again, glaring at him.
He nods at his guard, who pulls Maria to her feet.
The man turns her to face him and rips the tape from her mouth in one harsh jerk.
She yelps and covers her mouth with her hand, scrunching her nose in pain.
I hold my hand out, and she runs around the table to me, pressing herself against my side.
“We’re done,” I tell my father.
“For now,” he grins. “Just keep it in mind, Joe, my son. Keep it in mind how easy it is for me to reach your pretty little wife.”
The threat shoots livid fury through me, but I have to turn and walk away.
Maria is back in my arms, and that’s what’s important right now. My only concern is getting her out of here. Getting her home is my number one priority.
I tug my car door open and gently push her inside. My eyes dart up and down the street. “Strap in,” I tell her.
She nods as I close the door and run around to the driver’s side. I don’t trust that man one bit. It wouldn’t surprise me if he made an attempt on my or her life, even after the negotiations went in his favor.
In the car, I start the engine and pull out into the street in a hurry. Maria groans and clutches her stomach.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, reaching out to put my hand on her leg.
“Nothing. It’s fine. Just get us home,” she murmurs through clenched teeth.
She’s clearly in pain. Her face is strained, and her fingers are clawing at her stomach.
I press my foot against the accelerator. I’ll have to help her when I get home. Right now, we need to get out of here.
But when Maria starts crying and buckles forward, I pull over to the side of the highway. No one stops behind us. I don’t think we’re being followed, and I need to see what’s going on with her.
