Page 21 of Hostile Love
That smile usually gets me whatever the fuck I want, even though it’s fake. I’ve never had to force it on Dani. When I laugh with her, it's one hundred percent natural.
“You’re loyal and a decent fighter too.”
His eyes narrow, skeptical of my sudden praise.
“But I’m not her enemy…I’m herfiancé. Ask Blanco yourself if you don’t believe me. Dani and I are tying the knot, Dario. That’s why you need to help me.”
There’s a collective gasp from everyone around me and Dario folds his arms.
“That might be the case, Souza, but Daniela wanted to leave––on her own––without you. From where I’m standing, she couldn’t give a fuck about your arrangement.”
I take a steadying breath as black wisps of anger creep over my vision, doing my best to contain the surge of emotion before it swallows me whole.
Hearing the bomb blasts demolishing the Souza owned transportation company behind us, I step into Dario’s personal space.
“Two million dollars for anyone who brings my fiancé to me within twenty-four hours. Hurt her, though, and I’ll shove a grenade down your throat.”
Once I’m strapped into the helicopter, I send Giovanni a text message to warn him about the war I’ve started and then glare out the window.
How the fuck am I going to get my woman back to Sicily?
7
DANIELA
Matheus Souza’s flames scorched me.
They crackle with such an intensity that my blood runs cold when I move away from him.
I adore the burn. Crave it even. Hate how it takes hold of me.
Despite all of that, I had to walk away. To have some self-respect, regardless of how difficult it would be to disappear.
The cold hard facts are poison to my veins, slowly killing me.
And now, wandering the city streets, my foggy thoughts are spinning out of control and I’m fucking freezing.
For the first time since Mama had died, suffocating loneliness weighs me down and holds me captive under its dark surface.
I’m lost.
Confused.
Heartbroken…
All out of ammo, knives, guns, and a cell phone to contact Blanco, I follow my feet for miles. Unconsciously, I make my way back to the mansion where there’s an arsenal of weapons at my disposal and a bathtub to soak in while I think.
Staying in the shadows where I’m at my happiest, it doesn’t come as a surprise to find a few lights on inside the mansion.
All of Blanco’s homes are permanently guarded and his various housekeepers organize cleaning crews to move in immediately after he vacates the premises.
Tonight is no different. I know the protocol and I understand his movements.
He won’t be here.
Numb and cold—I punch in the key code, slip through the main gates, and dodge the security cameras, knowing their exact positions and all the blind spots.
A few armed men guard the front door, so I creep around the side and gaze up at the balcony leading to Sofia’s bedroom.
