Page 36 of Fatal Love

“Rachel.” I brushed my hand down her hair. Even in the early morning light, her golden strands glimmered under my touch. “We’re here, baby.”

She opened her eyes and fumbled with her seatbelt. When she couldn’t get it to unlatch, she screamed. I reached down and pressed the button, releasing its hold on her. “Take a breath. I got you.”

I pulled her to her feet and wrapped her in my arms. After coming unglued on her, I decided I needed to be more like Michael and be her rock. We were both hurting, but she needed me to be strong and that was the only thing keeping me grounded. Otherwise, I was ready to go off half-cocked and likely get myself killed. That would leave her here alone—mourning both Michael and me.

Mourning.

My mind had already convinced itself he was not coming back because he was probably dead, and that thought gutted me. Massimo and Madison waited at the bottom of the steps. Massimo pulled me into a hug while Madison comforted Rachel. Her sobs tore at my soul, fracturing what little of my heart remained. I didn’t know how much I had left in me.

Once we were all seated in the SUV, Massimo turned toward me. “We found where they had been holding him, but the building was empty.”

“How do you know it was the right place?”

“We just know.” Massimo glanced over at Rachel, who was pressed against my side. Madison holding his hand, watching our every move. “They’ve either moved him or dumped his body already.”

Rachel let out a whimper, her body shaking with the pain I was trying to hide myself. I squeezed her hand in mine as I spoke. “Has Ivanov made any demands?”

“No. Which is why I think this was an attempt to lure one of us out. Some of our contacts have heard murmurings on the streets that he wants to enrage you and start a war.”

I grunted, glancing out the window as I responded. “Isn’t there already a war happening?”

“To some extent, yes. But he wants to eradicate our family from Vegas, and likely Italy, too. The only way to do that is to kill us all.”

“Fuck.”

“Exactly. Which is why I need you to keep a level head as much as you can. Can you do that for me, Fratello?”

I glanced over at Rachel and pressed my lips to her head. “For her, yes. I can’t risk leaving her or losing her. So, his plan backfired.”

Massimo nodded his head in understanding. “The good news is we’re all going to Vincenzo’s place. Madison and I have been staying there with him and Riley. It makes protecting everyone easier.”

“How is he handling everything?”

“As you would expect. He wants Ivanov’s head on a platter.” Massimo smirked. “But Riley refuses to let him get out of bed. She told him he was going to be on bed rest with her until the doctor gives him all the clear. Which won’t happen for a few more weeks.”

“That’s probably good for Ivanov. Having an Anastasi pissed off is never a good thing—having La Lama enraged is far worse. Vin, being laid up, will buy him some time.”

Massimo turned his eyes back on the road. “True. But he doesn’t just have us to deal with. He has the Sureños and the Silva's pissed off. Matias offered to send some men here to help if need be. He wants Ivanov dead just as much as us—if not more.”

“That’s good.” I gripped Rachel against my side as we drove toward Vincenzo’s.

I wanted to burn down the world to save Michael, but for now, Rachel needed me. For her sake, and mine, I hoped we would find him.

“We’re here.” I glanced up to find us parking in front of Vincenzo’s house. There were armed guards everywhere, making me shudder with rage. This was Ivanov’s doing. Our lives had been turned upside down because of one man.

I helped Rachel from the car and guided her through the door. “Come on, baby. Let’s get you inside.” Vincenzo was standing at the foot of the stairs, his expression matching my own.

He wrapped his body around mine and hugged me tight. “Antonio.” I lost the control I had and let the tears fall. “I got you, Brother. I got you.”

My body shook with the emotions pouring out of me. Vin just held me, his hand patting my back as he did. Rachel gripped my hand in hers, her own tears falling. I hated to be so weak in front of her, but the truth was, my heart was missing right along with hers.

“We’re going to find him, Fratello. I promise you. Ivanov is going to pay for this.”

I pulled back and wiped my face off. Rachel pressed against me, her arms wrapping around my waist. “Vin, this is Rachel.”

He cocked an eyebrow in question. "The woman who was trying to put my wife in prison?”

“Vin.” Riley’s voice seemed to relax his rigid stance. “She’s not the enemy anymore. Rachel.” She leaned into Vin’s arms and smiled. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

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