Page 118 of Ruined By Blood
She studies my face, searching for the catch, the hidden price. Finding none, she smiles—a real smile that reaches her eyes.
"Thank you."
I check my watch. "We should get going if you want to see your mother before I head to the warehouse."
Sienna nods, rising from her chair. I follow her lead, touching her lower back as we leave the kitchen.
CHAPTER 39
Ipull into the warehouse on Fulton Street, the tires of my Audi crunching over gravel. The building looks abandoned from the outside—old brick, boarded windows, rusted metal door. Perfect for what we need.
No one would hear the screams.
Inside, the air smells like metal and bleach. Alessio stands by the far wall, scrolling through his phone, looking bored despite the bound man in the chair behind him.
"You're late," Alessio says, not looking up.
"Family breakfast." I shrug off my jacket, hanging it on a hook by the door. "How's our guest?"
Alessio's mouth quirks up. "Started beggingabout an hour ago. Offering money, properties, connections—the usual."
I roll up my sleeves, methodical, one fold at a time. "Of course he did."
Sterling's head snaps up at the sound of my voice. His face is a mess—blood crusted around his nose, one eye swollen shut, lip split. Alessio's been busy.
"Feretti." His voice cracks, desperation leaking through. "This is a mistake. We can work something out. I have money, connections in Europe you could use. Think about what you're throwing away."
I approach slowly, circling him like prey. "You've been selling your daughter since she was fourteen." My voice comes out cold, controlled. "You watched men hurt her. You kept her mother drugged for years. And you think I want your fucking money?"
"Everyone has a price." He tries to straighten in the chair, wincing as the zip ties cut into his wrists. "Name yours. Twice whatever you're thinking."
I laugh, the sound echoing off concrete walls. "It's way too early to start begging, Sterling."
Fear flashes across his face as I reach into my pocket. Not for a weapon—just my phone. I place it on the metal table beside us, then roll my shoulders, loosening the tension.
"You're going to tell me everything," I say, voice conversational now. "Every business partner. Every account number. Every property. Every man who touched Sienna."
His good eye narrows. "And why would I do that?"
I lean in close, my lips near his ear. "Because how long it takes determines how much you suffer before you die."
His face drains of color, but there's still calculation in his eyes. Still thinking he can find a way out.
"You won't kill me," he says, voice steadier now. "Too many connections would come after you. The Sartoris would?—"
"The Sartoris already know you're here." I step back, giving Alessio a nod. The Sartoris are our closest allies since we opened the Venetian Rose Casino together this year. "They're getting a percentage of your business once you're gone. Turns out loyalty can be bought—just not mine."
Alessio slides a metal case across the table. I pop the latches, revealing a neat row of implements. Sterling's eyes widen, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool air.
I select the blade from the case, testing its weight. The fine edge catches the light from the single overhead bulb, sending a reflection across Sterling's face. His good eye follows the movement, pupils dilating with fear.
"We'll start simple," I say, voice calm like I'm discussing the weather. "A finger for every lie."
"This is insane," Sterling sputters. "I'm Henry Sterling. You can't just?—"
I slam the blade down, embedding it in the wooden arm of the chair between his fingers. He flinches, a whimper escaping his throat.
"That was a warning," I say. "Next time, I won't miss."
