Page 279 of Iced Up Love: Part Two
“Deluca?” I ask.
Christian nods.
“Should be here any minute.”
Right. Because this is bigger now. Not just us. Not just Vargas. The entire syndicate. I exhale slowly, forcing my focus back into place.
“What’s the plan?”
Christian’s expression shifts, something sharper settling into it.
“We got intel,” he says. “From the guy we pulled in earlier.”
My attention sharpens instantly.
“Location,” Lucian adds. “One of Mateo Vargas’s safe houses.” That pulls something deeper in me tight. Finally.
“We move on it,” Christian says simply.
No hesitation. No debate. Just fact. A low rumble of engines cuts through the space outside before he can say anything else.
Every head turns slightly. And then, he walks in.
Deluca doesn’t need to announce himself. The room shifts around him. Men straighten. Voices lower. The air tightens.
He moves through the warehouse like he already owns it, his men following behind him in quiet formation, just as controlled, just as precise.
His gaze finds me almost immediately. And it stays there. Measuring. Weighing. Deciding.
“You’ve caused quite the stir,” he says, his voice smooth, controlled, but carrying easily through the space. “For the Bellandi family… and ours.”
Something in my chest tightens, but I don’t react. Not outwardly. His eyes flick briefly to Christian. Then back to me.
“I hear you’re married,” he continues.
The words hit differently. Personal. Targeted.
“I’m disappointed you didn’t accept my daughter’s hand,” he says, almost conversationally. “But thankfully… we came to another arrangement.”
My gaze shifts to Christian. Sharp. Questioning.
What the fuck did you do?
But Deluca isn’t finished.
“You’ve impressed us,” he says, his tone shifting slightly, something colder threading through it. “Your ability to step up. To take care of what belongs to you.”
Lia flashes in my mind.
“But this,” he gestures slightly, meaning the shooting, the chaos, everything, “puts you on thin ice.”
The words settle in the room like a warning. Clear. Unavoidable.
“We will assist in finishing this,” he continues. “Eliminate Vargas from the board so we can return to business.”
There’s no room for argument in it. No space to negotiate. It’s already decided. His gaze shifts to Christian.
“My men are ready when you are.”
