“Well, this is taking entirely too long.” Bruno’s tone was nearly bored as he emerged from the unmarked door and without a second glance, fired a round through Cooper’s temple.
Francesca’s shriek of horror was louder than the silenced shot that had taken Cooper’s life as he lay staring sightlessly at the ceiling above him.
“Let’s go, Francesca.” Bruno held out a hand to her.
“Not on your fucking life,” I growled.
“Definitely not on my life, but on hers if you don’t move.” He smiled nearly gleefully as he pointed his gun at me and fired. I grunted as the bullet found purchase in my shoulder but was determined not to move an inch from my girl.
“Maddox.” Francesca’s horrified gasp sliced through me.
“I’m fine,” I bit out. The last thing she needed to worry about was a flesh wound. I’d had worse.
“Francesca, let’s go,” Bruno repeated. “I will keep firing. I would rather not hit you in the process, but if that’s what it takes…,” he warned.
“Stop. I’ll go with you.” Francesca’s quiet declaration had me gritting my teeth.
“You stay behind me,” I ordered as she did exactly the opposite of that, stepping out from behind me and into his sights. “Fuck, baby,” I rasped. I couldn’t hide the agony in my voice.
She looked over at me, her expression remarkably calm. “You’ll find a way. I know you will.”
She knew I’d come for her. And I would. I’d come with a thirst for blood and a blistering demand for vengeance.
Her expression was fierce, determined. My woman was a lioness, a warrior.
I’d never been prouder—or more fucking scared.
He pulled her through the door, his gun now pointed at her, knowing that was far more effective at forcing my caution. I’d take as many bullets as I needed to but would never risk her.
I had my phone to my ear within seconds, barking out orders to Gunner for him and Pop to get on their bikes and haul ass out to the side entrance. I waited only a moment, not wanting to risk Francesca by following too closely, before I ran through the door they’d disappeared behind just in time to see the taillights of a black Lincoln turn the corner.
Gunner and Pop’s bikes came into view seconds later and I hollered the make and model of the car, gesturing for them to follow it.
My heart hammered in my chest as I raced for my truck, grateful I didn’t have the bike. I didn’t feel the pain in my shoulder—my adrenaline was at an all-time high—but I doubted I would have been able to manage my Harley.
I’d lost sight of Gunner and Pop and prayed to fucking God they had eyes on Francesca as I hit Call on my cell.
“Maddox.” Asa picked up on the first ring, sounding perplexed that I’d called.
“Cooper was dirty. It was a setup at the station. Bruno has Francesca,” I ground out in rapid fire succession. I had no time to waste.
“One of my men got a line on him right after you left the club,” he replied, his tone cool and collected. “I’m fairly certain I know where he’d take her.”
I prayed he was right. The thought of losing her, of losing our babies was more than I could comprehend. I’d never survive it. I wouldn’t want to.
“His blood, it’s mine,” I growled.
“Understood.”
Chapter 26
FRANCESCA
“They’re still following.” Bruno’s driver glanced in his rearview mirror for what felt like the hundredth time, his grip tense on the steering wheel.
“We’ll lose them when we swap vehicles,” Bruno replied, too calmly for my liking.
The sound of Axel and Gunner’s motorcycles behind us was just about the only thing keeping me sane as I sat beside Bruno in the back seat of a town car.
