“Now we wait.”
The phone rang almost immediately.
Francesco answered.
“Change of plans,” he said smoothly.“Bring the money, or your girlfriend doesn’t see another day.I’ve got a gun on her—and two more on her twins.”
“No!”I lunged.
He shoved me hard.The chair tipped.I crashed onto my back.Pain exploded through my spine.
He laughed into the phone.“Relax.She’s fine.For now.”
Francesco’s gaze dropped to me, slow and assessing.
“She’s flat on her back,” he said.“Just how I like my women.”
The call ended.
I bolted for the door.
He caught me, twisted my arm until fire shot through my shoulder.
“Calm down,” he said quietly.“Or I’ll smash your head into the wall.”
I froze.
“Tell me you’ll behave.”
I nodded.
He slapped me again.Harder.
“I asked for an answer.”
“Yes,” I whispered.“I’ll behave.”
Only then did he let go.
Time dissolved.
Then—
A knock.
Another.Harder.
On the window.
“Peyton, it’s Celine.I left my phone in the restroom.”
Francesco frowned.“Go.”
I moved with him behind me.Her phone sat on the sink.
When we returned, she knocked again.
He spun me toward the door, fingers biting into my arm.“Get rid of her.Try anything and I’ll kill you.”
