Page 54 of Ruins
Lucky bastard.
“Excuse me,” I say to Vasilisa stepping away from her. Nico is my brother’s consigliere, and he wouldn’t call unless there was an emergency.
I swipe to answer, “Go for Santo.”
“Sinner’s live, meet us at the town house,” Nico says giving me a name that’s laid dormant for a couple years now.
I turn back to Vasilisa and her expectant gorgeous face. “I have to cut our day short; I have some business to attend to.”
Her brow furrows. “Business?” She questions looking around the office.
“Familybusiness,“ I allude and watch as her brows raise in understanding.
“Of course,” she nods.
“I’ll walk you out and Marco will take you home,” I say leading her out of the office and toward the elevator as I text Marco.
“His name is Marco?” She asks. “That’s good to know, he doesn’t speak so I just sit in silence.” She chuckles, but a fire ignites in my chest at Marco ignoring her.
I walk her out to the car, where Marco stands waiting. Before he can reach for the door, I beat him to it, opening it myself and guiding her inside.
As she settles into the seat, I reach for the belt, my hand hovering just inches from her face. My fingers graze the soft fabric of her dress as I carefully pull the strap across her, clicking it into place.
When I look up, our eyes meet—hers wide, searching. In their depths, I see every color, every unspoken emotion, clear as crystal. For a brief moment, her gaze drops to my lips. Then, just as quickly, she looks back into my eyes.
“Marco will let me know when he drops you off, but I would really appreciate a text from you letting me know that you’ve arrived safely,” I say softly.
“Okay,” she replies with a soft smile.
I shut the door and turn to Marco. He catches the look on my face and takes a step back, but not fast enough.
I grab him by the collar, yanking him close. “If my wife speaks to you, youanswerher.” My voice is low, controlled. Deadly.
I shove him off. “Get her home safe.”
Marco nods quickly. “Will do, boss.” He scrambles into the car, wasting no time as he peels away.
I don’t wait to watch them leave. I’m already in my car, dialing Nico as I tear out onto the road.
He picks up on the first ring.
“Talk.”
“Someone tried to take Elena this morning,” Nico says, voice clipped. “Riot got the guy. Put him on a flight here. Angelo’s been working on him.”
Pressure clamps down in my chest at the mention of my sister’s name. My hands tighten around the wheel.
“Elena okay?”
“She’s rattled, but Riot’s got her. She’s safe.”
“I want her back home.”
“Angelo said the same. She’s refusing.”
“We’ll handle that later,” I grit out, ending the call and pressing harder on the gas.
The ride is a blur—just speed, headlights, and the steady pulse of rage in my veins. When I finally pull up to the abandoned house, I don’t hesitate.
