Page 243 of Kissing the Villain

“Watch me,” I said and walked away.

Drake was on my heels, keeping his pace as I headed toward the back door on the south side of the mansion. Marcello texted that he’d left us weapons in case of emergency. I had no intention of opening fire unless it was necessary. We’d gotten Alex and Rhiannon out of harm’s way, and I intended to live another day to marry my beautiful Queen.

My cell phone dinged in my pocket. I opened the group chat and scrolled through the messages.

Aiden

We’re on the boat.

Cole

Not without getting shot at. Watch your six leaving the island. They have snipers on the roof.

Marcello

Not anymore.

Sonny

Are we clear on the west side?

Marcello

The seaplane is waiting for us. You have 60 seconds max. Move your asses.

Luca

We’re on our way.

Aiden

Has anyone talked to Alex?

Marcello

She’s with the DeLucas, sleeping off the drugs on the boat.

Luca

We’re done talking until we’re off this island.

I shoved the phone into my pocket.

Drake chuckled, holding his phone in his hand. “You don’t have to be an asshole to Aiden. He’s one of us now.”

I pushed open the back door and searched the patch of grass for the hidden bag. “This is not the place nor the time for this discussion.”

“He’s just worried about his sister.”

“We’re all worried about Alex,” I shot back as I slung the hunter-green duffle bag over my shoulder. “Let’s go.”

As we power-walked around the building, I reached into the bag, grabbed two guns, and handed one to Drake. Marcello had everything from grenades to machine guns in this bag of tricks. My brother never left room for chance, and with our lives on the line, we couldn’t afford to be unprepared.

“I never thought we’d be leaving this island like cowards,” he commented with a groan.

“This is the smart play,” I assured him. “They left us without a choice. We’re out-manned, outgunned, and not in the position to fight the owners ofIl Circo.”

He nodded in agreement. “I want to kill every one of them for what they did to Alex.”