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***
Kade
I tore the bowtie from my neck as I stormed into the private back room of the hotel. I heard Caitlyn’s frantic scream, telepathically—she was smart as hell but I hadn’t gleaned any clues from her sudden disappearance. Antonio had to be behind this, no one else would have a reason to kidnap her. I removed my suit jacket, and then my pants. I changed into jeans and a navy thermal shirt since I didn’t have my normal nighttime clothing, including my mask with me. Something caught my eye and I noticed a letter. Had Antonio sent me a ransom note? I picked it up.
You and the girl have foiled me one too many times,
“Foiled?” I scoffed. “Says Mr. Old-Timey Villain. All right, Antonio. What the hell do you want?”
Let’s settle this like grown men. Come to the docks. Get into Lisa’s Folly and row out to my yacht.
“Row? Now you want me to fucking row a boat? What the hell, asshole?” I shook my head. If I wasn’t so pissed off, I might have laughed. So help him if he touched even one silky strand of hair on my girl’s gorgeous head. I’d rip him to fucking pieces. I scanned the rest of the note, full expecting it to have ransom money listed in gold bars or some such nonsense, but thankfully there was nothing else listed.
Come alone.
“Uh, yeah. I fully planned on it.” I contemplated going home to get the full protective outfit on, but at least I had the Kevlar vest so it would have to do. I couldn’t risk him hurting Caitlyn more than he already had. “Jackass.” I hadn’t expected this outcome even when Caitlyn rushed off to the bathroom. No, this wasn’t in my plans. I texted Louisa and she called me on the phone. “This line isn’t secure, Sis. Just keep that in mind.”
“This is all my fault!”
“Did you kidnap Cate?”
“Well, no, but–”
“Then this is most certainly not your fault. I can’t stay on the phone. I’ll fill you in on the details as soon as she’s back in my arms. Do not beat yourself up or I swear I’ll wreck those perfect ringlets you made.”
“Please go and find her. I’ve always wanted a sister and she’s so much prettier than you.” My sister laughed, but it was uneasy and filled with apprehension.
“Very funny, sis. I’m going to kick Antonio Morelli’s ass all over this city if I have to.”
“Not a secured line, little brother?”
“Damn right. I want that slimeball to know I’m coming for him but you don’t need to be involved. I love you. See you soon.” I ended the call and then pocketed the phone. I was ready for a fight.
***
The tiny row boat hardly looked sea worthy, but I climbed aboard and rowed out to the yacht. The trip took less time than I’d anticipated, and I arrived in record time. I was furious over the turn of events, but I found a rope ladder hanging down for me to grip. Antonio was either considerate or an idiotic bastard. The main deck was still in the open night air, and I found my way around without being disturbed.
Something felt off.
Four thugs greeted me with their fists. Fucking lovely. I knocked them out since my blows were designed to incapacitate but not kill them. I met four more and then another four. Was it Antonio’s lucky number or some shit? After several rounds of men, my breath labored. I crouched down to give myself a moment, and surprisingly the last man standing let me have one.
“Antonio knew if we grabbed your sister that you’d come.”
My sister? Wow. Their ignorance shined brighter than their collective muscles.
“Huh? Well, you fine gentlemen seem to be mistaken. My sister is working tonight, so she can’t possibly be on this boat.”
“You think we’re stupid?” Something flickered across his face, and he sneered. “Don’t try to play us, pretty boy. We got her.”
“You grabbed the wrong woman, but I felt like confronting your boss. Antonio and I have a lot to talk about. Would you mind bringing me to him?”
“Not on your life.”
“Ah, suit yourself.” I straightened and then disarmed the goon from his gun. Shock settled into his features and I let him charge at me. I pulled a defensive move and had he been watching earlier, he would have known not to come at me directly. “Fucking prick.”
I stepped around his unconscious form and strutted down below the top deck. It turned out to be a good choice and I walked straight into the room where Antonio was holding Cate. She was tied down to an oversized armchair in the middle of the room.
They drugged me. I’m still too weak to break out of this damn rope, but I’m almost there.
