My heart pounds, but I force myself to stay calm. "If you had anything that damaging, you'd have already used it. The FBI would have moved on Adrian by now." I tilt my head. "You're bluffing."
His jaw tightens. "You want to test that theory?"
"Yes. Actually, I do." I cross my arms over my stomach protectively. "Because I don't think you have anything. I think you got greedy, stole from the wrong people, and now you're desperate. But you have nothing on Adrian that matters."
We just stare at each other waiting for the other one to break. He does first, and his eyes go cold.
"Fine. You want to play it that way?" He takes a step toward me. "Then we go to option two. The Morozovs would pay very well for Adrian Nero's pregnant wife. They want his territory. His businesses. And you'd make excellent leverage."
Ice floods my veins. "You wouldn't." I take a step back.
"I don't want to. But if you won't help me, what choice do I have?" He moves closer. "I'm sorry, Sera. But I need to survive."
"By selling your sister?" My voice cracks. "By selling your nephew?" My hands go to my stomach, cradling my son.
"By doing what I have to do." He reaches for my arm. "Just come with me quietly. Don't make this harder than it has to be."
He grabs my wrist, yanking me forward.
And that's when I scream.
I scream as loud as I can, primal and desperate.
Gabe's hand clamps over my mouth. "Shut up! Shut the fuck up!"
But it's too late. I hear running footsteps. Shouting.
The guards.
Gabe shoves me hard into the lockers. My shoulder connects with metal and pain explodes through my arm. Then he's running, darting past me toward the back exit.
The door bursts open. Two of Adrian's guards rush in, guns drawn.
"Mrs. Nero! Are you hurt?"
I'm shaking so hard I can barely stand. "My brother. He went out the back. He?—"
"Stay here." One guard stays with me while the other two chase after Gabe.
But I already know they won't catch him. Gabe has always been slippery. Always one step ahead when it matters.
The guard who stayed is speaking into his radio. "Code red. Mrs. Nero was attacked. Suspect fled. We need backup and?—"
"I'm fine," I manage. "Just get me home. Please. I need to go home."
The drive back to the mansion is a blur.
They call Adrian. I can hear the guard's side of the conversation. It’s clipped, professional. "Your wife is secure. Shaken but unharmed. We're en route."
I stare out the window, watching Manhattan slide past, and I feel... strange.
Not panicked. Not scared.
Calm.
Like a switch has flipped in my brain.
Gabe showed his hand. He threatened me. Threatened my baby. Threatened to sell me to the Morozovs like livestock.
