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“By whom?”
“A monster. I don’t have time to go into it. Can I bring the dogs to your place?”
“Well, sure. But I need to know what’s going on.” Carrie was obviously upset, her voice shaking.
I struggled in the seat, twisting so I could look at the traffic behind me. “I don’t have time.” I’d risked being caught by taking my car, but at least it was in a secured location that the asshole couldn’t find. Maybe the bastard didn’t know what I drove, although I had a feeling that Gabriel had investigated me, learning everything about my life, including what car I drove. Still, Carrie lived far enough away from my apartment that I couldn’t walk the dogs there. Oh, God. What was happening? Why? I’d done nothing wrong.
But you believed you killed his brother.
Fuck the little voice. Yes, I’d had survivor’s guilt, but it was an accident. I certainly hadn’t planned on losing control, the car spinning.
“I’m leaving work now. I’ll meet you there. Whatever is happening, be careful, sis.” I had to be worried about Carrie’s safety as well. There was no telling what Gabriel would do. What I did know was that the man was powerful. He was also dangerous.
I ended the call, shoving the phone into my pocket as I drove into the parking garage, barely able to catch my breath.
A stalker.
Gabriel was stalking me, hunting his prey. There was no other explanation for what had occurred between us. I’d ditched the surgery by begging another surgeon to handle the simple procedure. After watching the news reel, I’d tried to calm my nerves, even though the terror became paralyzing. The man outside had remained close, hovering like a vulture. I’d finally caught a glimpse of his weapon and there was no doubt he was prepared to capture me.
The reason?
Luciano Giordano’s death.
Did his brother blame me for the accident? Was I some pawn in a horrible battle between my father’s regime and a powerful syndicate? Whatever the reason, I would be the one to pay in the dangerous, vicious game.
With my life.
I hadn’t succumbed to playing a victim my entire life. Not as a kid when I’d been bullied or the assault on the subway years before. I’d fought back both times, one leaving me with bruises and broken bones. And I’d do the same thing again.
I constantly glanced over my shoulder, calculating how much time I had before the end of the surgery. The second another surgeon left the operating room, my ruse and time would be up. As I headed toward the elevators, creeping sensations swept over me. I could barely catch my breath, the fear suffocating. I slapped my hand on the button, dancing from one foot to another. While I had mace in my purse, I was no fool. That wouldn’t work for two seconds.
Especially against the big, fat gun.
What had I been thinking, not doing my own investigation of Gabriel before I said yes to a date? I knew better and not just because I was living in New York. There were nut cases everywhere. He’d wowed me, seduced me, and I’d been a willing party. And to think the man had been my hero, saving my life. It was all too crazy. Why save me then plan on killing me?
That’s what all mafia guys did. Right?
Now I was thinking crazy, but at least my mind was working.
The elevator rattled, an indication of the age of the building. When it finally pinged, indicating my floor, I almost had a panic attack.
You can’t do this.
There was my little voice again. Bitch.
When I stepped into the dimly lit hallway, I held my breath, scanning both sides. There was no one and no noise given the time of day. Most people worked a normal job, which left the building almost empty.
No one will hear you scream.
True enough.
At least I’d grab some kitchen knives, taking them with me. All I needed to do was grab a few things, the pups and I was out of here. Hopefully things would be that simple. My hands were shaking as I unlocked the door, noticing there was no sign of forced entry. Before I opened the door, I glanced at my watch. I had at least another thirty minutes but that was it.
As I walked inside, I remained where I was, listening…
The only thing I heard was the scampering of little paws and the woofs both Goldie and Shadow always did when someone came home. I nearly fell to the floor in relief after closing the door, allowing them to lick my face as tears started to form.
Nope. I wasn’t going to do this. It was time to suck it up and get the hell out of here. Should I call my father? And tell him what? Some strange man was hovering in the hospital? That I’d made the mistake of dating then fucking the very man he intended on destroying? Yeah, that would go over well. Besides, if I was wrong and became the reason Gabriel was sent to prison, which is something my father would force to happen, then I would never be able to live with myself.
