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“Ella,” I breathe.
“What about her?”
“She’s at a pre-auction lunch right now with Alex Vishekov. He singled her out the moment we stepped into the first dinner.”
Massimo looks concerned. “Do you think she’s in danger?”
“I don’t know, but I won’t take any chances. I’m going straight over there to make sure she’s alright.”
He nods in agreement before heading out the door. “Let me know what you find out,” he says over his shoulder as he leaves.
I grab my coat and car keys before walking out behind him. I have to ensure Ella is safe before it’s too late.
My blood boils as I drive, a sense of dread curling in my stomach at the thought of Alex Vishekov hurting her. He may be a smooth talker with money and connections, but he isn’t getting away with hurting my family. Not on my watch.
As I navigate through the city’s web of roads, the thunderous roar of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blasts from the car stereo. The aggressive melody somehow mirrors my inner turmoil. I put Ella in harm’s way. I’m the reason she’s an asset in this auction. It’s a grim soundtrack to the gnawing fear in my gut as I near the restaurant.
I park the car outside on double yellows, not giving a shit, and march inside, determined to ensure Ella is safe. I can’t raise Vishekov’s suspicions until we’re sure it was him, but once I am... I’ll delight in taking Gregor’s and Alex’s lives.
The lunch is finished, and some of the attendees are leaving. Luca and Leo are sitting still directly opposite Ella and Alex. Mia is sitting by Ella’s side, and instantly, I relax. My family is taking care of her.
Luca spots me first, and his brow furrows as he gets up and comes to greet me. “What are you doing here?”
“Massimo believes the Vishekov Bratva were behind Erin’s murder,” I say quietly so no one else can hear.
His eyes flash with barely contained rage. My son’s leadership skills are wasted in his teaching, but it’s like talking to a brick wall. “That’s why he’s so interested in Ella?”
I clench my jaw. “We don’t have any evidence yet other than uncovering family links to the Egorov Bratva.”
“We should get Ella away from him now,” Luca says, his voice feral.
I shake my head and rest my hand on my son’s shoulder. “We’re here. She’s safe. The last thing we want to do is rouse suspicion. They can’t know that we’re on to them.”
“Fine. You missed the food, though.”
I shrug. “I’ll survive.”
Ella hasn’t noticed me yet, and I prefer it that way. She’s more at ease than I’ve ever seen her, and I wonder if that’s because she’s unaware of my presence.
I want her to see me. I want to see those pretty blue eyes flash with fire.
She doesn’t look at Alex the way she looks at me.
“I need a drink.” I walk up to the bar and wish I hadn’t when I see Gregor fucking Vishekov standing there.
“Scotch on the rocks,” I order.
The bartender nods and gets me a drink.
I can see Vishekov looking at me from the corner of my eye, but I try to ignore him.
“Remy. I didn’t think you were attending.”
I glance at him. “I had a meeting that ran over, so I’m late.”
He nods. “Of course, you’re a busy man.”
The bartender brings me my drink. “It was good speaking with you,” I lie, moving away.
