Page 67 of Maximum Bet

Natalie, Cecilia, and I share a grim look.

“Dominic,” I say. “Adam was shot, and when we left, Sam was up against the two men who hit Adam. We don’t know what happened to him.”

Dominic curses. “We knew about Adam. I don’t know Sam’s status, but we lost a few men.”

Silence stretches on both ends of the line.

“For now, stay at the hospital,” Dominic instructs. “If my soldiers aren’t already there to protect you, they will be soon. We’re headed to the airport to fly back.”

“No, we aren’t,” Leo quips in the background.

“Oh, really?” Dominic retorts.

I can’t see them, but I can imagine the glares they are sending each other’s way.

“Dominic, we can’t risk you being spotted after . . .” Leo trails off, and I can only imagine what devious activities he is referring to. “We need to leave through private methods. We have to go back to the docks.”

“We’re traveling under aliases,” Dominic counters.

“Guys,” a familiar voice chimes in, and I realize Dominic’s cousin, Nico, is with them. “You know the women are safe. It’s doubtful they’ll be targeted while they’re at the hospital. Dominic, it’s smarter to leave by boat, especially after . . .”

“After what?” Natalie asks.

“Dominic,” Cecilia sighs. “What did you boys do?”

A chorus of “nothing” breaks out from the four men on the other side of the call.

I roll my eyes. I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough.

“Nico is right,” Cecilia says. “We are safe for now. Dominic, I am sure your father is on the way. Obviously, Lucas is, too.”

“I’d guess so.” Leo laughs. “He’s called me ten times since we’ve been talking.”

Marco snorts. “You really put the fear of God into him with that threat, Dom.”

“Shut up.” We hear a smack and a curse from Marco.

“Fine,” Dominic says. “None of you leave the hospital, understand?”

“Yes,” I say along with Natalie.

Cecilia taunts himwith, “We’ll see.”

“We’ll be back as soon as possible.”

Cecilia ends the call and huffs. “Cassandra, I don’t know how you put up with my son. He’s such a pushy ass.”

In astonishment, Natalie and my mouths drop. Only Cecilia Tarriello would be allowed to speak of Dominic that way.

“Now, let’s go check on Sadie. I’m sure she could use our support.”

Cecilia leads the way as the three of us venture to find our friend.

Chapter 23

Cassandra

He’s perfect.