Page 73 of Broken Princess

"Well, that's changed a bit in recent days," he answers. "See, originally, I just wanted Miceli. This was between him and me, but you took out a whole lot of my men, and I'd like the chance to settle things in person. With both of you."

"Just name the time and place," I say through my teeth.

"I'll text you an address once Miceli arrives. No sense in getting the festivities started until everyone's here for the party," he sneers. "And this goes without saying, but if you want to see your blushing bride again, you're going to come alone. Both of you."

"Put Amelia on the phone," I order. "Now."

"Young love. So eager," he taunts. A moment later, Amelia's voice comes on the line, hoarse and frightened.

"Lorenzo?" she cries.

"Amelia, I'm coming for you," I promise. "Just hold on."

"Lorenzo, don't, he—"

Her voice is muffled, and it sounds like he gagged her. I can hardly see through my rage, but I force myself to go numb. I need to be clear headed if I want to save her.

"How sweet," says Milo. "I think that's enough. Remember what I told you. I'll be in touch."

The line goes dead, and I stare at the phone in disbelief.

This is my worst nightmare come true.

I'm going to have to go along with his plan, at least for now. But I swear, if he so much as touches a hair on her head, he's going to be praying for the devil to save him.

From me.

CHAPTER 38

LORENZO

I've been pacing back and forth for what feels like an eternity, waiting for Milo's call. When the phone finally buzzes, it's just a text of an address and a picture of a house in the middle of nowhere.

I know that's where Amelia is being held, and I have no choice but to go there.

I'm not going to let Milo hurt her. I'll do anything to protect her.

Even if it means walking into a trap.

Before I have the chance to call Miceli, I get a notification that his plane has landed. Perfect timing. It's his fault Amelia is in this mess, but there's plenty of blame for me as well. I never should have let my guard down. I never should have been arrogant enough to think I could keep her safe from him forever.

I quickly send a text to Miceli, letting him know where I'm going and to meet me there, because there's no time to waste. Once I make sure I'm prepared and get into the car I rented, I set off for the destination with a bad case of deja vu.

This time, though, I'm not leaving any loose ends.

When I arrive on the outskirts of the property, it's well past nightfall, and I see another car up ahead. I arm myself and get out, only to realize it's Miceli. We both put our guns away and walk over to each other.

"What did he say besides the address?" he demands. There's no time for small talk.

"Nothing," I answer, shaking my head. "We're going in blind. And I'm sure he's waiting for us."

Miceli just nods. "I'm sure he is," he agrees. "But I have a plan. When we get in there, I'll distract him. I'm the one he wants, so it'll give you a chance to find Amelia and get her out."

"I'm not so sure that's true anymore," I admit. "But I'll take her the first chance I get. No matter what. And if you're the one with that chance, I expect you to do the same."

He nods gravely as an unspoken understanding passes between us. There's a high probability of one of us not getting out of that house alive, but as long as Amelia does, it doesn't matter.

We can agree on that, if nothing else.

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