Page 96 of Ruined in Vows
“Fucking get your head in the game,” I bark under my breath, careful not to be too loud. It’s an old building that echoes. We don’t want to draw any unwanted attention. He straightens, his face turning serious. Then he nods like an obedient soldier.
Huffing, I murmur, “Tell me how we were ever friends? You don’t seem like the sort of guy I would choose to be friends with.”
Leo snorts, slapping me on the shoulder. “Well, you did. And not only that, but we have also been friends for over twenty years now.”
Turning away from him, I start down the hall.
“Quit being a pussy. This isn’t a fucking Hallmark movie,” I mumble under my breath, trying to shake off the moment and get my head back in the game.
We move in stealthy silence; the only sound is the chatter coming from the guests inside the nave. When we round the corner to the office, we are startled to a stop by the armed guard waiting outside, not one of ours. Before he can pull his weapon, I aim my gun, shooting him in the head before he has a chance to call for back-up.
“Shit man. He didn’t stand a chance.” Enzo laughs.
“Get him inside,” I command, stepping over his body and pushing the door to the office open.
Enzo and Leo drag the body inside, kicking the door shut behind them. Sighing, I drop down in the chair behind the desk, holding up my arm to speak through the small microphone at my wrist. “We made it to the office, Nic.”
Crackles sound in my ear, then his voice comes down the line.
“Good. Allegra just passed the church. Part two of the operation can begin.” My blood heats in my veins, the need for vengeance a living breathing thing inside my body. “Oh, fuck.”
“What?” I grate out, my heart pounding in my chest as an ominous feeling falls over me.
“Vincenzo, his right hand, and his sister just pulled up,” Nico growls.
“What the fuck?” I snap, jumping out of my chair and pacing the small room.
“What’s going on?” Leo asks, watching me with concern.
“Vincenzo is here,” I grate out, my jaw clenched so hard I’m surprised I don’t crack a tooth.
“Fuck. That’s one situation we didn’t account for,” he breathes, running a hand through his hair.
“Yeah, because we never believed Riccardo would be so blatant. They are taunting us, it’s the only explanation for why he would bring him here.” I voice my thoughts out loud.
“Or they genuinely believe that you are dead and it’s safe for them to come here, because they are in the clear.” Enzo points out.
I pause, mulling over Enzo’s statement. It could be the case. But something tells me there is more to it. Listening through the earpiece, I wait as Nico greets them, then tells them to make their way inside. Once I know I am safe to, I speak.
“Talk to me?” I urge, but it’s more of a demand.
“This changes nothing, we stick to the original plan, but we take the Conti’s too.” Nico’s voice leaves no room for argument.
“Got it,” I grunt out.
“Everyone is in place. Time to show these fuckers just who they are dealing with. See you on the other side.” Nico rumbles down the line before I hear the tell-tale sound of footsteps as he no doubt enters the church, where he will then chain lock the door.
“It’s go time.” Determination laces every word as I look between the other two men. Blank masks simultaneously fall into place on their faces as they nod their agreement.
“As we know, the guards from both families have been allowed weapons. Always be alert, and make sure you shoot to kill any Romano scum.” I hitch a sardonic brow. “Please try to avoid hitting any of our own. Got it?”
“We got it,” they agree in unison.
Resolve works its way through my veins, every muscle locking into place.
Whatever the outcome, by the time today is over, my wife will be free.
Chapter 55