about him than he thinks. I know he’s happily married, and he has a cute little family with 2.5 kids that he would do anything to protect.
“You and your brother have someone who doesn’t belong to you, and I want her back, unharmed. Otherwise, I’ll be forced to take something pretty and sweet of yours.”
The sly grin that was on his face just moments ago has evaporated into the air. In its place is a dark emotionless mask.
“You touch my family, and you’ll wish death finds you before I do.”
“Then you know how I feel right now. Dove is mine, and I know your brother has her in his possession.”
Damon shrugs. “I don’t know anything about a girl. But I can tell you that Xander doesn’t do meetings unless it’s a business deal that benefits him. So, if you don’t have something to offer in exchange for this girl—if he even has her—I would get the fuck out of my club while I still have the patience to let you walk out of here.”
“Where is she? I want answers!” I’m very close to my breaking point, so close I can almost taste the destruction in the air.
“And I’m telling you, get the fuck out of here before I put a bullet between your eyes.” The way he’s looking at me, tells me he’s not lying, and I’m torn on if I should continue to push him or just walk out. When I see him reaching for his gun, I lunge for him, but fucking Alberto grabs me from behind and pulls me back.
“If you die, you’re no use to anyone,” Alberto growls. I shrug him off, hating to admit it, but he is right. I’m no good to Dove if I’m dead.
Staring into Damon’s eyes, I hope he sees just how badly I want to hurt him. I’m restraining myself, walking a very thin rope of rage. “This isn’t over. I’ll be back, and when I am, you’ll tell me everything I need to fucking know.” Damon smirks like he doesn’t believe me, and I turn my back to him. On my way out, in a fit of rage, I toss a chair over my shoulder.
I don’t care if he shoots me. Let him. Matteo will come for me, eventually, because to him, I’m a pawn in his war against the Rossi’s. He needs me just like I need him, even if he won’t admit it. Walking back out to the SUV, it takes every ounce of self-restraint I have to continue walking and not turn around.
I want answers, and it feels like I’m giving up on Dove by not getting them. It’s only been a few days, but each day that passes without her by my side worries me more. Is she eating? Showering? Are they hurting her? Is she okay?
Fuck. Getting into the car, I drive back to Matteo’s mansion. When we arrive, I find the bastard sitting in his study with a glass of whiskey in his hand.
“Have a seat, gentlemen,” he says. Alberto takes the seat next to his boss, but all I do is cross my arms over my broad chest and stare him down like a disapproving parent.
“I told you walking in there and demanding to speak to Xander wasn’t going to work, and still you sent us. I wanted to kill that asshole so badly it took everything in me not to wipe the floor with his face.”
Matteo smirks. “And you’re not the first to feel that way about Damon Rossi. He takes some getting used to.”
“I don’t want to get used to him. I want to find Dove and leave this world behind me.”
“Your debt to me isn’t paid until I say so, there will be none of that.”
Teeth grinding, I tell him, “You’ve done nothing but make me run around with my head cut off. I don’t owe you shit until Dove is safe and secure in my arms.”
Swirling the whiskey in his glass, he stares at the amber liquid like it holds all the answers to our problems. As if it would be that easy.
“Damon said Xander won’t even consider a meeting unless we have something to offer him.” Matteo looks up from the glass, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“That’s not surprising in the least bit. The man is a businessman after all, so I wouldn’t expect any different.” He pauses. “The best I can offer him is some territory, give him a chance to expand a little.”