Page 44 of His Ruthless Obsession

Nerio's face darkens with each word. His jaw clenches, a muscle ticking. By the time I finish, his hands have curled into fists.

"That fucking rat." His voice is deadly quiet.

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything earlier. I didn't know who to tell. Who to trust-"

He crosses to me in two strides, cupping my face. "You did the right thing waiting for me." His thumb traces my cheekbone. "Smart girl."

The kiss he gives me is fierce, possessive. When he pulls back, his eyes have gone stormy.

"Stay here tonight. Don't leave. Don't let anyone in." He's already reaching for his phone. "You can trust Marco if you need to. I need to handle this."

"You're not staying?"

"Can't. Not tonight." He kisses me again, briefer this time. "Lock up behind me."

I watch him stride to the elevator, his movements controlled but radiating fury. The doors slide shut and I'm alone.

The penthouse feels massive suddenly, empty. I curl up on the couch, hugging a pillow to my chest. It's strange how quickly I've gotten used to falling asleep in his arms. How much I misshis warmth, his presence. He doesn't always spend the night but he'll at least stay for a few hours…

At least make me forget everything else for a little while.

Sleep feels impossible tonight.

18

NERIO

Ilean against my desk, Marco's expression darkening as I relay Jazz's intel about the phone call she overheard. It didn't take me much digging to get a tail on Angelo and figure out they had something going down tonight.

"Angelo and Frankie." Marco cracks his knuckles. "Can't say I'm surprised about Angelo. Always thought that rat had wandering loyalties."

"Get Tony and Ray. We'll handle this tonight." I check my watch. "Tell them to meet us at the warehouse on 35th in an hour."

Marco nods and steps out. I pull my phone, sending a quick text to Jazz. I'm not even sure why, but I do, telling her I'll be home as soon as I'm done. The word hits hard, home. But she is that for me.

I press send, not waiting for a reply, and then I grab my coat and head down to my car.

The warehouse looms dark against the Chicago skyline. Tony's already there when I pull up, cigarette dangling from his lips. Ray arrives right after, followed by Marco.

"Boss." Tony crushes his cigarette under his boot. "Marco filled us in."

"Carlos wasn't the only one dipping in, either. Angelo's been skimming from the sports book for months." Ray's voice carries across the empty lot. "Guess we know where that money's been going now."

"They'll be meeting their Mantione contact at midnight." I check my piece, making sure it's loaded. "We split up. Tony, take the south entrance. Ray, cover the loading dock. Marco and I will come in from the front."

"What if they spot us?" Tony asks.

"They won't." I slide my gun into its holster. "But if they do, don't let them leave alive. Clear?"

Nods all around. We move into position, the crunch of gravel under our feet the only sound in the still night. Every shadow could be a threat, every whisper of wind carrying potential danger.

Marco takes up position beside me, both of us pressed against the cold brick wall flanking the main entrance. Through the dirty windows, faint movement catches my eye - someone's already inside.

"Two shadows," Marco whispers. "Moving toward the office area."

I grip my gun tighter, adrenaline sharpening my senses. "Get ready," I murmur into my earpiece to the others. "Show's about to start."

The door creaks open as Marco and I head inside. It's far too easy to make it up to the office area, where I see Angelo and Frankie. The door is still open and they're too busy whispering between themselves to notice us until it's too late.

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