"Last warning," the voice hisses.
The pathway to the front door of the building tilts sideways. I'm on the ground now, though I don't remember falling.
My vision narrows to a pinpoint.
My mind is thick with fog, but I’m aware enough to know that this isn’t a random mugging. Someone thinks I'm worth killing over what I've discovered.
I try to focus, to memorize anything about my attacker, but consciousness is slipping away.
As darkness claims me, one crystal-clear thought remains: Dom was right all along.
DOM
I’m a fucking idiot.
I sit in my car, engine off, staring at the apartment building where Olivia lives. I grip the steering wheel like I’m holding on for dear life.
If I let go, I’ll fall back into her, something that can’t happen.
She’s FBI, out to put me in prison and perhaps willing to use dirty tricks to make it happen.
Yet here I am, like some lovesick teenager, unable to stay away.
Every time I close my eyes, I see her. The defiant tilt of her chin, the flash in her eyes when she challenges me.
I feel her skin against mine. Hear her voice. It's pathetic how much space she occupies in my head.
I've handled rival organizations, corrupt politicians, and would-be usurpers without breaking a sweat.
My people respect me, fears me when necessary. I know how to manage them.
But Olivia? She’s got me twisted up and confused. I’m struggling to believe she was behind Rocco’s kidnapping.
I’m worried she hasn’t heeded my warning and now has someone inside her institution targeting her while La Corona is also watching and waiting.
She has no idea the danger she’s in.
I suppose that’s why I’m here.
I’m protecting the woman who may not deserve protection. How fucked up is that?
Her car pulls up and she parks. I sink lower in my seat as she approaches the building entrance. This is ridiculous. I'm a grown man, the head of the Vitale family, hiding in a car like some amateur stalker.
I should leave. For my own sanity, I need to get the hell out of here.
I reach to press the car’s start button when I see a figure detaching from the darkness beside the building entrance.
Average height, dark clothing, but there's purpose in his movements as he approaches Olivia from behind.
My body moves before my brain catches up. I'm out of the car, crossing the street in long strides, hand already reaching for the weapon at my back.
The man lunges forward, driving her against the door of the building.
I'm running now, fury pumping through my veins. Olivia struggles, landing a solid kick to the man's groin, but he's bigger, stronger.
He clamps his hand over her mouth as he pins her arm.
He leans in close to her like he’s saying something, but I’m still too far away.
