Page 115 of Merciless Monster

“So, what’s the plan, Franco? Are you going to dangle me as bait?”

“If I have to. You’d better hope that Dante loves you as much as you think.”

“Will you let me and my son go when this is over?”

I ask the question, even though, instinctively, I already know the answer.

Franco smiles.

“I’ll see you a bit later. Someone will bring you something to eat.”

He turns his back to me and heads for the door.

“No! Wait! Franco!”

He ignores me and keeps moving. I have a sudden urge to throw something at him or at the very least scratch the skin off the back of his neck!

Stay calm, Mia. The man’s a mountain without a soul. He WILL kill you and you’re no good to anyone if you’re dead.

I let out a feral scream as soon as the door locks behind Franco.

If ever I needed Dante, it’s now. I collapse to the ground where I sit with my head in my hands for the longest time. Angelo. My baby won’t know where I am. I don’t even know how long it’s been since I left the house? Will Dante know that I’m gone yet? Is he looking for me?

“Please, Dante,” I whisper. “I need you now more than ever. Find me.”

26

DANTE

Bruno and the men I brought with me from Rome came to the ranch under the cover of darkness on the second night after we’d landed in Texas. He and the others have been dressing and working as ranch hands ever since, replacing the regular staff after Mia’s uncle agreed to help us.

The permanent staff have all been paid extra and are enjoying a well earned holiday in the meantime, courtesy of the De Luca family empire. This was done in case whoever may or may not have been watching the place wouldn’t think anything had changed.

The two of us are sitting in the office, enjoying our morning coffee while talking about the call Mia received earlier.

“This is crazy, Boss. I should go with her,” Bruno says.

“I know, Bruno, but I can’t take any chances.”

“Come on, Dante. No one will see me.”

“You don’t know that, Bruno.”

“Let me send someone else then.”

“Okay. But don’t tell Mia. I don’t want her to panic. If she knows someone is watching over her, she may give him away.”

“Agreed. I’ll send Lucian.”

“Thanks, Bruno.”

* * *

Watching Mia leave was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. She had no idea that Lucian was following her from a distance. I feel a bit better knowing that she’s not out there all alone, but one man isn’t an army.

I check my watch. Mia should have called by now. I wonder what’s keeping her. I call Lucian’s phone, but he doesn’t answer. He may be unable to speak to me now, so I take a deep breath and try to hold it together.

“For Heaven’s sake, Dante. Will you stop pacing? I’m nervous enough as it is. I don’t want to have to replace my brother’s expensive Persian rug on top of everything else that's going on.”

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