Page 76 of Tempt Me
"Marco...he's in a house here in Coe Bay. Not far from the villa, on the other side of the road. Number one one five seven," he confesses, his voice shaking. "He orchestrated the attack on the villa... Antonio's men interfered and messed everything up."
"Is he alone?" I ask, praying for any shred of information that could give us an advantage.
"He has men with him. Armed and dangerous."
"Thank you," I say through gritted teeth, my heart racing at the thought of confronting Marco and his armed men. I turn to Rue, holding her gaze as I make a silent promise to protect her at all costs.
Turning, I leave the captive as Rue scurries after me.
"I'm going after Marco. It's the only way to ensure Rue's safety," I tell Vik and Fran, who are waiting impatiently.
"What did you do with the captive?" Vik asks, peering around me at the still-open door of the room.
"You do with him what you want."
"Mm."
Seeing the wheels turning, I know the man won't make it much past the next hour if he's lucky.
"Isaac," Rue starts, "I'm coming with you."
"Like hell you are," I growl. “This could be a trap.”
"Isaac," Rue tries again, her voice harder this time. "Don't sideline me. It's not your call."
"It's very much my call. I am your bodyguard, and I'm telling you to stay here."
"Agreed," Vik states, his tone leaving no room for argument, not even from his wayward daughter.
"Fine," she hisses, her dark eyes filled with fury. "Go have your fun and come back to the little women when you're done."
Fran snickers behind her hand but takes her daughter's arm. "Leave the big boys to their games,cara. We have work to do here. Good luck, Isaac." Francesca gives me a tight smile. "Give that bastard what he deserves."
"Count on it," I reply before heading to my bedroom to prepare.
As I gather my gear, my thoughts race with images of what might happen during this confrontation. Will Marco be alone, or will I face a small army? Will there be a chance to capture him alive, or will I have no choice but to eliminate him?
No matter the scenario, I must prepare for the worst. I load my gun and tuck it into the back of my waistband, then slide a spare knife into my other boot. Pockets filled with extra ammo and a few other essentials complete my arsenal.
As I leave the villa, I can only hope that my actions today will bring an end to the threat that looms over Rue's life for now. She deserves so much more than a life spent in fear of being abducted and used, and I'll do whatever it takes to give her the peace she deserves for however long that lasts.
Chapter42
Isaac
The salty sea breeze stings my face as I approach the house covertly that I was directed to. It's a more modest house than the villa, which isn't surprising, with open gardens and small windows. It is the perfect hideout for someone like Marco. But it's also the perfect building for me to get inside quickly and efficiently.
As the heavy drops of rain fall on my face, the storm that was ominously brewing comes to fruition. Creeping closer, each step I take is calculated and silent, my senses alert to the slightest hint of danger. As I near the door, I know there is only one way to do this, and that's going on the offensive. Being coy won't work. I need all guns blazing.
Drawing Bessie out of my boot with my left hand, I pull the gun out of the back of my pants with my right.
"Marco!" I yell, kicking the door open with a decisive thud, ready to dive if I hear the click to indicate explosives.
There is nothing, so I step over the threshold and come face to face with the dick who nearly got away with my woman.
"Ah, Isaac," Marco smirks as if we were old friends, reclining lazily in a worn-out armchair with a gun pointed directly at my chest. "I've been expecting you."
"Then you know why I'm here," I say, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "You aren't getting her."
