Page 96 of War Within
He took a step up, leaning close. “Yeah, boss?”
Turning my head slightly, yet keeping eye contact with Xavier, I gave orders. “Call Jackson and tell him to keep everyone occupied. I need to access the east wing basement.”
With a nod, he immediately marched out of the room, placing the phone to his ear as he reached the exit.
“Don't worry, someone's in trouble for this.” I flashed a glimpse at Luca.
He shook his head faintly, shrugging. “I’ll look into it.”
I nodded once, turning my attention back to Xavier.
“Thank God you're so easy to work with.” His expression relaxed. “Some of the Italian guys can be so fucking g—”
Shifting in my seat, I leaned forward. Propping my elbows on the table, I glared intently, daring him to finish that sentence.
“I mean,” he exhaled, “they're just stubborn.”
Before either of us could say another word, Emir poked his head through the door. “Ready boss.”
I led everyone into the foyer of my home The plan was to go down to the basement. Unfortunately, that was cut short by an interruption. Jane was backing towards us, hands cupped over her mouth, not watching where she was going.
“I'll be right back, Valentina!” She spun around to see a crowd of men, staring at her. “Oh my God, I’m sor—” She froze. Mouth agape, she jumped back.
“JANE!” Xavier yelled.
“ZAY?!” She shouted.
“Fucking knew it.” Emilio muttered under his breath.
Jane took off sprinting up the stairs without so much as a noise.
“Emir, handle this and get them out of here.” I growled. “Carmine, come with me.”
Carmine and I dashed up the steps, chasing Jane within seconds. We marched down the hall to my bedroom. The door was open, but Jane was not there.
“Lily’s room.” Carmine murmured.
Spinning around, we stomped to the guest room Lily had been sleeping in.
I threw the door open, not bothering to knock. Jane was in the middle of the room in front of Lily, covering her face. I lunged, catching her as her legs gave way.
“I don't understand!” Lily gasped. “I thought he was dead!”
Jane buried her head in my lap while I held her in my arms on the floor. “I thought he was dead too!” She leaned back, shoving me away, standing. “Why the actual fuck is mydeadex in your house?”
Carmine arched a brow, pulling Lily into his side then dropped his hand. “Dead ex?”
“Jane, what are you talking about?” I reached out for her.
She jerked away. “Xavier Flynn? He’s my boyfriend who died. The one I literally just told you about earlier.”
“The guy downstairs is very much alive.” I shook my head, trying my best to connect the dots.
“It was like seeing a ghost.” Jane seemed genuinely shaken. “He lied to me!”
Lily, who had been somewhat quiet and in shock, clenched her fists, burying them into her hips. “Personally, I want to kick his ass right now.”
I lifted my hand. Carmine, draped his arm over her, yanking her even closer, helping her get the hint to keep quiet.
