I swallow hard, thinking fast. “He said… he has plans for me,” I answer in a shaky tone. “He said he had some business to attend to earlier, but when he got back, he would kill me nice and slow.”
Lazaro narrows his eyes. “He was gonna kill you today?”
“Yes. He was keeping me trapped in his penthouse. So you see, I’m not his weakness. He won’t risk his life for mine.”
“Hm. Then I guess the question is what to do with you?” He gaze drags up and down my body. “You’ve certainly grown up. When I’m don, I’m taking Francesca Casella as my wife, but you’d make a pretty mistress. I’ll just be sure not to tell you any secrets.” He laughs at his own joke.
I cringe away. I’d rather freeze to death in here than allow this man to touch me.
“Why don’t you let me go? I’ll be good, I promise. I can be useful to you and Mrs. Rizzo.”
“We both know that’s out of the question. Now, you be a good little rat. For now, you can keep Julius company.” He laughs again, turning to go.
“Wait! Where’s my friend?” What have they done with Julianna?
He glances at me over his shoulder. “She’s been keeping my boys company. They’ve taken a liking to her.”
Bile rises in my throat. He can only mean one thing by that. I shudder.
Even though I just met Julianna, she’s my sister in law, and it sounds like she’s already been through hell in her life. I feel responsible for her, like a big sister. I can’t let her suffer at their hands.
The door clicks shut and panic blooms in my chest. I’m trapped. I’ve been taken and locked in a cage.
But this time… it’s not onlymylife on the line.
CHAPTER 53
Maximo
My heart pounds a frantic rhythm as Niall guides me through the city. I’m desperate to find them. The need to get to Elena physically aches.
I was so arrogant to assume I could keep her safe from everything, forever. I’ve not only fucked up with Elena’s safety, but also Julianna’s. My father’s going to kill me—which he has every right to do after this disaster I’ve caused by being blind to the immediate threat around us all.
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
“There’s a split coming up in the road. Take the right fork,” Niall’s voice comes through the speakers.
“Got it.” I weave through traffic, honking at all of the assholes in my way, including the pedestrians who think they’re car-proof motherfuckers.Move!
An incoming call rings through my phone system. I glance at the dashboard to see who the caller is—Portia Rizzo. Whatever she has to say can wait.
I let the call go to voicemail. But she’s persistent, calling a second and third time. Each time it goes to voicemail but she doesn't leave a message, which has me guessing this is urgent.
Fuck.“Niall, I have to put you on hold.” I switch over and answer Portia with an annoyed, “What?” This can’t possibly be important enough for my time right now.
She gets right to the point. “Lazaro has Elena. I think she’s in trouble.”
Confusion creases my brow. My stomach drops. That doesn’t make any sense.
“What do you mean? Lazaro’s chained to a chair, waiting for what’s coming to him. His sons took Elena.” Unless he somehow managed to get free.
“All I know is that he just called me. He asked about her working as a spy for me, and I played along, confirming that she’s betrayed you?—”
“Do you know where she is?” That’s the only detail I need right now, the rest can wait.
“I don’t. If you’re supposed to have him locked up, and his sons kidnapped Elena, then something serious is going down. Why haven’t you notified my husband and the other dons?”
I grunt. “Because my own underboss stabbed me in the back. I don’t trust anyone right now.”
