Page 56 of The Sting of Love
I give that bastard credit—he must have seen the look of love on me long before I realized it. “Yes. That motherfucker got me good, and he’s serious as fuck.”
“How did all this happen? I only left last week.”
“I didn’t know I was being watched. I think he sent his goons to watch me after the meeting I had with him.” I release a ragged sigh. “Alex, I slipped up. The first thing I knew when I realized Amadeo was screwing with us was that he wasn’t going to be happy about being cut loose, especially from a guy like me. He didn’t like it, and I guess the only way to get to me no matter the cost to him is to go after her. There were a lot of mistakes I made when I was with her. I was completely oblivious to everything around me and allowed enemies to see my weakness.”
I allowed them to see her.
I figured that the only time Amadeo or his men could have seen me properly and made any assumption about me and Willow was the day I took her to the beach. It was the second day of her staying with me. I thought we were on the beach alone. We kissed a lot, and I think that was the only time I showed affection for her where anyone could have truly seen me.
“I’m sorry. Where is she, Donny?” he asks, and I focus on his intense gaze.
“She’s safe.”
He studies me. “Safe… where is safe? You haven’t mentioned a safe house. You haven’t talked about her reaction to what’s happened, or anything like that.”
Fuck… I’m going to have to tell him the truth, although I think he’s already guessed from the suspicion that’s now forming in his eyes.
“I have her locked away… safe.”
“Locked… away? Donny.” He straightens and grits his teeth. “You mean locked up?”
“It’s not like that,” I say quickly, even though it kind of is. Taking women isn’t our way, but sometimes needs must. “She doesn’t understand the danger, Alex”
“So, you took her?” he hisses but keeps his voice low. “You’re holding her captive?”
“My father is watching her.”
“Jesus… Donny…” He glares at me. “That’s a whole other shit of trouble we don’t need. What if she goes to the cops, Donny? Have you thought about that? We can’t have that worry either.”
“I just hope I can sort this all out before it gets that far. I’ll make sure she doesn’t say anything.” I know that’s not in my power. Willow could go to the cops. Then I don’t know what will happen if she does. We have police associates here who can make certain problems go away, but management of a problem all depends on what happens.
“And if she does?” He raises his brows, and I don’t have to guess what he’s thinking. If we were worse men, the conversation would be about eliminating any kind of threat she may cause. Essentially eliminating her. That’s not a conversation I’m having with anybody.
“Alex…” Panic grips me, and it laces through my voice. “I don’t know what else to do. I made sure I told her she needs to stay put until this blows over. Then I’ll let her go. She knows that. She knows I’m holding her captive to keep her safe. It’s not ideal, and I’m ashamed that it came to this, but you know as well as I do that when push comes to shove, you have to do what’s necessary. I’d rather do this than allow Amadeo to kill her. You know he will.”
He sighs, but his expression softens as understanding fills his eyes. “Fuck. This is shit. I get it. I’m not happy about it, but I get it. Let’s just keep that part under wraps between us and hope we can sort out this shit sooner rather than later.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” I dip my head in gratitude.
“I hope something turns up soon.”
“Me too. Alex, I have to… go see her. I won’t stay long. I’m thinking of going early in the morning and coming back later in the night tomorrow. I just need her to see me.” Today would be the second day of her being with Pa. I’m probably the last guy she wants to see, but I need to show my presence there to assure her that I don’t mean any harm.
“Okay. Then we’ll really try and get what we can done today.”
My phone buzzes in my jacket pocket, and I answer it when I see it’s Gibbs.
“Hey, Donny, I got something you need to check out. Can you guys come to Mario’s office?”
Mario’s office?I’m already standing. “Of course. We’re on our way.” I hang up, and Alex stands too. “Gibbs found something in Mario’s office.”
“Let’s go.” Alex inclines his head to the side, and we head over to the office.
Gibbs is sitting in front of the computer. He lifts his head when we walk inside.
“What have you found?” I ask him.
“A whole load of shit. I do believe this is what Mario returned to get the other day,” Gibbs replies. “In my search through his stuff, I found a document referring to a file. This is the file. It was encrypted but I got through it.”
