Page 52 of Wicked Truths

“We need to discuss the fighting incident that happened during practice on Monday.”

I knew this would come up eventually. Although, I was hoping it would be at the arena and after things were running smoothly again.

Nodding, I glance at the two men sitting on the ground before returning my gaze back to Arturo. “I was completely out of line, sir, and it won’t happen again. I know I need to act more like a captain than an ordinary player.”

He claps me on my back. “You’re a good man, Montgomery.”

“Thank you, and I promise I have no intention of ruining your family or the team’s reputation.”

“I know that, son. I’m not worried about either reputation. The only reputation I’m worried about is Francesca’s.”

My heart races at the mention of me being his son. It was almost my reality two years ago. “Believe me, Ihave no plan to mess that up. I never have and never will.”

“I know that, just like I know you’re lying to her about working for me.”

Shit.

“I don’t like lying to her, but I’d never go against your wishes. Or Joey’s, for that matter. But I can’t ask her for honesty, loyalty, and commitment if I can’t do the same for her.”

“I understand that, and if you feel like you need to tell her about your employment with the family, then do it. You don’t have to worry about Joey and me. We can handle her anger. Just make things right between the two of you.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

I spin around and grin.

Now I need to go get my woman.

A loud feminine scream echoes throughout the shipyard.

I know that scream. It’s Chessie.

What the fuck is she doing here?

“Help!” Her voice is full of fear and desperation.

I let my feet lead me toward the sound, running faster than I ever have. She needs me right now.

Rounding the corner, my feet stop moving as my gaze lands on her, thrashing around the ground like a fish out of water as a man drags her.

She yells over and over as she fights and kicks at her attacker, but his grip on her wrist tightens. The sight leaves me completely frozen and unable to move or think clearly.

What is she doing here? How did she even know about tonight’s job? Who is the man, and what does he want with her?

Tires squeal as a black SUV pulls up to the gate and stops suddenly. The attacker continues to drag Francesca to the car that’s waiting just beyond the gate.

Her mouth moves as if she’s saying something to the man, but he ignores her and continues to drag her along the concrete.

Reaching into the waistband of my pants, I pull out my gun and aim it at the man. Should I aim for a headshot to make a statement? Maybe a chest to make it quick?

No, that’s too easy. He deserves to be in pain.

I aim my gun lower and shoot the guy in his leg. He screams out in pain, bringing a small smile to my face.

The bastard deserves to be shot in his balls for hurting Francesca.

Lifting my gun slightly, I aim for his groin.

“Don’t kill him. We need to interrogate him.” Joey says breathlessly from behind me.