I stare at him for a second, surprised at the question. I assumed that the answer was obvious, but the truth hits me in a sudden realization.
The Rossis have no clue why the Romanos are coming at them. Maybe they have guesses, but the Romanos haven’t actually contacted them. As far as they can tell, it’s just a random attack without any provocation.
“It’s over territory,” I answer him. “You made a deal with the Zhang Syndicate that the Romanos used to do business with. They cut the Romanos off, and they’re pissed.”
“How the fuck is their decision my problem?” He releases Grace and she backs away, but her eyes fall to her father and then to me.
“We could have negotiated,” he says with a hard voice, his jaw tensing.
“It’s easier to negotiate with a dead man,” I point out.
He shakes his head, clearly considering what I’ve said.
“Let him go,” Grace says, breaking the silence.
My princess. I look at her proudly.
Toni laughs. “He really fucked you up, didn’t he?”
I glare at the asshole. Anger rolls through me, but I need to play my cards right. I keep myself under control. For now.
“Okay,” he says finally. “I think I have a deal for you.”
“What is it?” I ask, impatient.
“Take a message to the Romanos for me. If you do that, I’ll let you live. If not, I’ll have my whole familia hunt you down. Understand?”
“What message?”
He grins. “Just a little something. I’ll tell you how to find it soon. Do we have a deal?”
I stare at him, and I know I should turn this down. I shouldn’t accept without knowing exactly what this message is.
But then I look at Grace, and I have to accept. She can’t be given back to these people, these fucking animals. She’s mine and I’ll do anything in my power to keep her and keep her safe.
“I accept,” I say.
“Wonderful.” Toni grins huge, then gestures at me. The thug with the knife walks in and cuts away my ropes and the zip ties from around my wrists.
Slowly, I stand. My muscles groan in pain, but I don’t care how sore my body is. Grace pushes off the wall and runs to me. She throws her arms around my neck and I pull her close against me, holding her tight. My eyes never leave her uncle though, or any of the other men. I don’t trust them. We need to leave while we can.
I can’t deny the relief of holding her in my arms though. I hurt from a million bruises and I can barely stand, but I’ve never felt better in my entire fucking life.
She pulls back and stands at my side, facing her uncle. “I’m leaving with Gio,” she announces with a firm voice.
He raises an eyebrow. “The fuck you are. You’re a Rossi.”
“I’m leaving,” she says. “My father is dead, and I’m free now.” The men shift uncomfortably, watching the two stare each other down. I move in front of her protectively. He has no reason to keep her, but he could if he wanted to.
Toni stares at her, then looks at me. “Is this what you want, too?” I can see the resolve in his expression. An immense pressure leaves my chest.
“She goes where I go,” I say simply.
He shakes his head, his expression mystified. “What a fucked up pair.”
I can’t help but grin. Maybe, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Toni sighs. “Fucking hell. Fine, girl, go with him. I don’t give a fuck. But remember, if he doesn’t live up to his promise, you’re both dead.” His expression turns to ice.
