Page 80 of Deadly Wrath

Alessio seemed pissed but didn’t say much. He dropped me off about thirty minutes ago and took off. No clue where he went, it’s not like he’d tell me. He’s probably off to shoot something or someone, so it’s hard to say with him.

I kick off my heels, letting them clatter to the floor. My fingers toy with the hem of my dress, ready to peel it off, but my mind’s spinning too fast.Ezra.

I can’t get his face out of my head. His black hair and brown eyes look so familiar, in a way that makes my stomach knot. Fifteen years of seeing no one from my family, and then,bam,there he is. My grandparents on Dad’s side died when I was a baby. Mom’s parents passed after I went to live with Clover, but he said it wasn’t safe for me to go to their funeral. No brothers. No sisters. Mom was an only child. Dad’s only brother, Tito, is rotting in prison and wants nothing to do with me.Clover is my only person. No one else wanted me or missed me when I was gone.

But then Ezra said, “Leah Johnson,” and something clicked. Clover called Mom that name the night we ran.

My bare feet hit the cool floor as I pace, my heart thudding against my ribs. Memories claw at the back of my mind, but I can’t latch onto anything.

Ezra knows something, he has to.

Most of Alessio’s security is posted at the casino tonight, which is perfect for me. He probably thinks I’m upstairs binge-watching Netflix, sipping wine like some obedient fiancée. Yeah, sure.

I grab my heels and head for the hallway, creeping like a teenager sneaking out after curfew. Every step feels louder than it should. The whole house feels like it’s watching me, and I’m waiting for someone to yell, “Caught you.”

The garage door creaks as I push it open. I freeze, holding my breath.Damn, could that be any louder!I stare at the lineup of temptations like I just walked into a luxury dealership. Ferraris, Lambos... I scan the options. My eyes land on the Maybach. It’s sleek and has windows dark enough to hide me. If I’m lucky, the guards will let me roll right out. I don’t have a backup plan if they don’t. Maybe if I drive like an asshole, theguards will assume I’m Alessio and wave me through. Here’s to hoping.

I walk over to the key box by the door, pop it open, and grab the keys. Sliding into the driver’s seat feels like sinking into a leather cloud. I hit the ignition, and the engine purrs, sounding way too sexy for something with four wheels. I fumble with the GPS, punching inSatana’s,because, like the glorified prisoner I am, I barely know my way around.

The garage door starts crawling upward, the metal screeching like it’s trying to call attention to me. Shit, I’m going to get caught before I even leave.

I grip the wheel tighter.Go now or never.

As soon as it opens, I slam my foot on the gas. The Maybach fliesforward, and the tires screech against the driveway, leaving tire marks on the pavement. I swerve a little, just enough to make it look intentional.

Channel your inner Alessio. Be an asshole. Own it.

I press harder on the gas, coming closer to the gate, but it’s still closed.

Come on. Open. Please open.My foot hovers over the brake.Brake or you’re rearranging your face, Liv.

At the last second, the gate swings open, and I shoot through it like a missile.

My heart is racing so fast, but I can’t stop the breathless laugh that bubbles out. Fast and the Furious,eat your heart out.

I need to find Ezra.And I’m not stopping until I do.

I pull up to the front ofSatana’sand slide out of the car, tossing the keys at some random valet. That was kind of rude. I should turn back and apologize but fuck it. He’s a big boy. He’ll survive.

I must’ve channeled my inner Alessio a little too well.

My palms are sweaty, and I can’t tell if it’s nerves or the adrenaline pumping through me, probably both.I’ve been a VIP inmate for months now, and while I’m not exactly complaining, it feels good to be out on my own. Freedom tastes like risk and bad decisions, and I’m here for it.

I walk through the front door, and damn, this place got busier since I left. Crowds swarm the entrance, people dressed to impress, flashing jewelry, and fake smiles. I make my way through the crowd, my eyes scanning every face. I’m here for Ezra, but I’m also keeping an eye out for thebig bad wolf,just in case Alessio decided to double back. It’s his grand opening, after all.

This place feels like a maze, and I swear I’ve circled the same section twice. I’m starting to feel like I’m chasing my own tail. It’s only been an hour or so sinceAlessio and I left, Ezra still has to be here. When I’m about to say screw it and head out, I spot a baggy jacket and black hair. He’s heading toward a door with a small sign near the door that readsGrotto.

I lift my chin, channel every ounce of fake confidence, and walk up like I own the place.

“Good evening, Mrs. Gualtiero,” the security guy says, opening the door.

Well, damn. That was easier than I expected. I guess Alessio didn’t tell all of his security that he took me home.

“Olivia.”

My name snaps me back to reality. I turn around so fast I nearly trip over my own feet.Ezra.Right there. His eyes are on me, and he looks both surprised and like he’s trying to figure out if he should be worried.

“Hi,” I say, instantly awkward. “I... um... was looking for you.”

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