That’s when the banging starts.
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
"Signora DeLuna!" a voice yells. "Let me in, it’s me! Igio!"
Scarlet pushes forward. "That’s one of our most trusted men?—"
"No."
I grab her arm, forcing her back. She blinks at me.
"Today?" I tell her. "Nobody is trusted."
Her lip trembles, but she nods. I motion the women into a corner, Sophia and Gigi, the two who are armed, slightly in front. Violet is behind them, hands shaking but brave. Scarlet, in the back, is shielding her stomach like a lioness.
I take position beside the door.
I mouth to Scarlet:Say it.
She hesitates, then nods and calls, "I—I’m coming!"
I reach around and open the lock. It clicks quietly, then I crack it open, just enough for Igio to come in first. I grab his arm, yank him sideways, twisting his balance—another man pushes in behind him—Sophia fires, a clean shot into the chest. Followed by two more for good measure.
My eyebrows go up.
Okay.
Respect.
Violet screams, more from adrenaline than fear. I slam Igio’s head against the wall, just enough to knock him out cold. Two more attackers rush the door, and I fire. Once, twice. Both go to the ground, then I shove the door closed with a grunt and lock it again before more can come and try to force their way in.
Breathing hard, I turn around. The women are staring at me. Scarlet is gripping her stomach. Gigi and Sophia have their guns still raised. Violet is pale but nodding.
"Alright," I say, brushing hair from my face, "we wait out the storm."
I gesture at Igio’s unconscious form. "Do you have something to restrain him?"
"Oh—uh—yes!" Scarlet dives into a drawer and pulls out… pink, fluffy handcuffs.
We all stare.
She turns bright red. "They’re real! I promise!"
A few nervous giggles break out. Even I can’t stop the smirk tugging at my mouth.
"I don’t judge," I tell her, snapping them around Igio’s wrists. "Except the bubblegum color." I shake my head.
More giggles.
I search him for his phone, weapon, and radio. All the usual.
My phone buzzes.
SASHA:
Perimeter secured. Safe to come out. Pippa, Vito, and I are coming for you.
I turn to the others. "Call your men. We’re going out with escorts only. No one else."
