Page 47 of War Within
Twenty minutes after going over every minuscule detail of the plan, Vincent and Vito excused themselves to go outside and prepare for departure. Emir sighed.
“Are you ready for this?” I lifted my hand to my chin, awaiting his answer.
After a brief pause, he nodded. “Ready.” He pulled his phone from his coat, glancing at the screen. “They’re ready for us.” He started to leave.
“Emir.”
Pivoting, he crossed his arms over his chest. “Yeah? I mean yes, boss?”
“While they're loading up the trucks, I wanted to say thank you.”
He nodded once. “You're welcome, sir. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this family.” He quickly lifted his palms. “I mean not your actual family but—”
“I knew what you meant.” I slapped him on the shoulder blade, as we strode outside.
Four armored hummers awaited us outside in the bitter cold night. A light snow had begun to fall, and the smell of fireplaces filled the air. No matter the situation, I always absorbed my environment. It was how I functioned, keeping me focused and aware.
I knew in my heart Jane was alive, but I knew in my mind, I quite likely had to kill my own flesh and blood tonight. I had ordered the guys not to do it, leaving it to me. The longer Jane was gone, the more I realized I wanted to be with only her. There was still a part of me who thought she did not deserve the world I live in.
Peeking up at the sky, I wondered why I was being put to this test. Nothing about this was easy. Anxiety rushed through my veins, picturing her hurt. It was my fault. Now, she was not only a prisoner, she was also caught in the middle of our war.
I found myself questioning if Marco had anything to do with the money going missing from the account, but that would have to wait. I was supposed to be protecting my entire family, not fighting them. Unfortunately, it was time to attack.
“Leo.”
“Yes, boss?”
“Thanks for flying over. Are you ready to do this?”
He nodded. “You know I'll do whatever needs to be done.
“Remember,” I placed my finger on his chest, “no one is to kill Marco. You don't want to know the hell that will be unleashed if he dies at someone else's hands tonight.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll remind them again before we leave.”
I stared ahead at the face of each man, knowing the goal was not only to bring her back safely, but to make sure they all came back in one piece as well. “Emir, call Emilio. Tell him we’ll be unreachable for the night and to get ready for the next phase.”
VIRE Intl. Offices: New York, New York
Pronto.
We’ll be unreachable for the night. Please tell Luca, and be ready for the next phase.”
I will be ready and let him know.
I dropped my phone back into my pocket.
“What's up?” Luca arched a brow.
“That was Emir. It’s beginning.”
“God, Gio is going to murder Marco.”
Roaming my office, I threw my hands up. “This is literally why I trust hardly anyone!”
Swiping my hand across an end table, I smacked an overpriced lamp off, sending it crashing to the floor. Luca watched on in silence, knowing one wrong word would make me lose my shit.
“Fuck him! I had high hopes for that kid! He turned out to be a piece of shit.” Bending over, I grabbed the crowbar that was leaning on the wall next to the large, mounted television. Twisting it in my hand, I closed my eyes. “I know it's not the way to speak of our nephew, but I can't help but think he was failed by us all somehow.” Opening my eyes, I narrowed my gaze on the screen.
