Page 122 of Venomous Throne

“Don Mancini, I would like to have a word with you…when you are otherwise unoccupied.” I took a deep breath and forged ahead. “I should have called, but time is of the utmost importance.”

“You should have called.” Mancini’s voice held a threat.

I winced internally.

But then anger quickly overtook the rush of self-consciousness. Fuck him. I was a boss, same as he was. This was important. My people’s lives were at stake.

I squared my shoulders. “My apologies. But you’re going to want to talk to me.”

“Well, since our business is concluded, I’ll let the little bitch humor you,” Bonetti laughed, edging toward the door. “Oh, and by the way,Jaxon,” he sneered. “However did you convince her to work with you?”

Jaxon took a menacing step forward.

I threw myself in front of him. “Not right now.”

His gaze shifted to me. Something wild pulsed deep in those grey depths. Desperation wafted from his pores.

“Did she pay you more not to kill her?” Bonetti continued.

I really wanted to shoot the fucker myself, but spilling blood—

Wait.“What?”

“Oh, that’s rich,” Bonetti chortled. “She doesn’t know.”

“I will kill you,” Jaxon growled.

“No, you won’t.” Mancini had a weapon in his hand. It was trained at Jaxon.

My heart skittered frantically as my brain tried to process what was happening while trying to keep everyone alive.

“I hired codename 0942 to assassinate you, signora. This man showed up, led me on about how it was going to take more time, and now he’s salivating over you like a dog with a bone.” Bonetti turned to Piccolo. “No offense, pup.”

Piccolo bared his fangs.

The world rocked underneath me. I took a step backward.

“Isabella—” Jaxon’s voice was strained.

“You…you were here to kill me?” I whispered.

This betrayal stabbed deep, far worse than his past offenses.

The strength that carried me through, that made me delusional enough to think I could deal with bosses and underworld players, fizzled out like a match dunked in red wine.

“Things changed.” Jaxon took a step forward. “Ichanged.”

Details started to make sense. I reexamined our first few interactions. Jaxon wasn’t here to be with me. To fall for me. Or even to help me!

He was my doom.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Signora Mancini,” Bonetti simpered, now standing in the doorway.

“Please leave,” Penelope said frigidly.

“As you wish.” The enemy slipped away.

I couldn’t face him. I couldn’t deal with the don. There was only me and the man I thought I loved.