Page 29 of The Mobster’s Secret

With every breath I take, the urge to spring into action rises. I don’t even need a gun. I could just hop in a truck, speed over to his sad excuse for a manor, and break the faces of every one of his men. I’d take my time on him—make him pay for crossing me. For taking the person most dear to me in the world.

Willow…

But that would be putting her life at risk. No. If I am going to get her back, I’m going to have to be smart about it.

“What do I want?” I hear him puffing again on that stupid cigar. “This isn’t about what I want, Ivan. This is about what you want. And I can bet you want to see your sweet little girlfriend again, isn’t that right?”

The rage inside me reaches new heights. Keeping your cool in this business is essential. Flying off the handle only leads to violence and death, and I’ve been pretty damn good at staying under control since I took over the family from my father. But now I’m about to lose it.

“Vincent, if you touch her—”

“I’ve got no intention on touching her, Ivan. Just as long as you agree to a few of my conditions.”

My knuckles go white as I grip the counter. “What conditions?”

“The club,” he replies, almost laughing. “You let me use the club to wash my money clean, and you get your little sweetheart back. Now that’s fair, isn’t it?”

I glance at Tom. His face is tight, and he’s already whispering to Brian. He knows the shit is about to hit the fan.

The last thing I want is Vincent Messina coming in on my operation. He’s part of the family who killed my father. So far, I’ve tolerated him and done the occasional deal when it benefited me. But bringing him in on one of my most reliable ways of legitimizing my operation is the last thing I want to do.

And I’ll be damned if I do.

But if I want to get Willow back, I’m going to have to play along…for now.

“Sounds fair, Vincent,” I grit out. “Now why don’t you tell me where you want to meet.”

Listening to Vincent lay out plans that he wants me to follow nearly causes me to explode. This little snake son of a bitch thinks he can have power over me? I didn’t become king of New York by bowing down to roaches like him. Maybe I would have done business with him if the deal made sense, but now he’s going to feel the full wrath of my empire.

I hang up, then drive my fist into the mirror beside me, shattering it. Shards of glass spill to the marble floor. No one speaks. But after a moment, Brian steps up to me, his voice low.

“Greta called back. Apparently one of Vincent’s men was running his mouth at the club. She says she’s got some info about the meet.”

Protective rage blares through me. All I can think about is Willow and what I can do to save her.

“Greta,” I say, taking the phone from Brian. “What do you have for me?”

10

WILLOW

I wake up expecting to feel the soft comfort of Ivan’s bed—the silky smooth sheets and the warmth of the home. Instead, I open my eyes to blurred vision and a biting headache that feels like my skull is about to shatter.

And then I remember…

The van…men jumping out and snatching me up…a rag being put over my face…

I’ve been kidnapped, and I don’t need anyone to tell me who’s responsible. I know.

Vincent Messina.

You were right, Ivan…

The sound of male voices falls over my ears like a dull murmur. I can’t quite make anything out. I’m still out of it. It’s like a heavy blanket lies over me, dulling my senses. But as I take deep breaths and swallow hard, focusing on my heartbeat, I feel myself starting to come out of it.

“If she thinks she’s getting out of here alive, she’s crazy,” a male voice laughs.

“Silly little bitch. Should have known better than to step into a world where she doesn’t belong.”