Page 1 of Detained
PROLOGUE
FRANKIE
TEN YEARS AGO…
“You fucking did what?”I slam my fists down on the table as my asshole of a brother bows his head in shame. I told my father countless times Marco was not fit for the job. He isn’t a leader.
Today has proven that.
“I had no choice. You said we needed to get the Capris under control.”
I can’t believe what I am hearing. My jaw ticks as I try to suppress some of this rage inside of me, so I don’t shoot him in the head.
“So, you thought killing his wife would be the way to get him to back off our territory?” I spit out.
“He hasn’t said a word since.” He shrugs, and my hands ball into fists.
I lunge over the table, grab him by the throat, and squeeze. His eyes bulge as he claws at my forearm.
“You piece of shit,” I seethe.
Blue begins to tinge the edges of his lips before I release him to fall back in his chair, gasping.
Pulling out my phone, I watch him closely and dial Leila.
The woman who’s had me wrapped around her finger since we were kids. My blonde beauty who is carrying our daughter. I came here to tell my brother we were leaving. Our flight is booked to Cuba to start our new life away from the mess he keeps bringing to our door.
I don’t want my family anywhere near him.
Holding the cell to my ear, I glower at him as it rings. “I swear to God, if anything happens to her, I will kill you. Blood or not, you will die.”
His face pales.
Relief washes over me when I hear her sweet voice through the speaker.
“Baby, I need you to get home, lock the doors, and wait for me.” I rush out my words.
“I’m at Marco’s with Carla. We’re safe here, right?”
I shake my head, my heart rate spiking. His protection is nowhere near the standard I would have over my family.
“Fine. Stay inside the house. I’m coming to get you.”
As I sprint out of the door, I jump in the car and put her on speaker.
“Leila,” I shout into the phone.
“I-I’m here. Do you want me to get Rosa and Eva inside?” Her voice shakes.
I press my fingers to my temple as I speed down the road.“Where are they? I need you and our baby safe, Leila.”
There’s a pause. “They’re playing in the garden.”
My hands clench the steering wheel. “Tell them to come in, baby. Please, just listen to me.”
“Y-you’re scaring me.”
I bite my tongue before answering, ‘good.’ I know this life scares her. That's why I am taking her away. Why I never acted on my plans to take Marco out and assume his place as head of the family.