Beautiful Seduction

As I pumped off the third shot, the door was thrown open, the movement instantly grabbing my attention just as she screamed.

My sweet angel.

The woman I’d sworn to shove aside now stood with blood and brains covering her face. The interruption was exactly what the asshole needed to lunge in my direction. As a sharp blade was jammed into my neck, Brando got off two shots, catching the Russian between the eyes. Jerking back, I gasped, ripping the knife into my hand, blood streaming down my fingers.

Then I heard what sounded like gunfire coming from outside the back doors exiting the corporate wing.

I pulled my hand away, taking several deep breaths, moving toward her quickly.

“Fuck.” The thumping sound of the music would keep anyone from hearing the planned massacre, Adamos’ men attempting to come in through the back.

Or maybe I was incorrect with my initial assumptions. Rage fueled me as I pushed her out of harm’s way, snarling as I shifted the gun back and forth, ensuring none of the fuckers were still alive.

Niccolo burst inside, hissing as he surveyed the scene. “I counted ten of the assholes. We can handle them, but you need to get the fuck out of here.”

“They’re Russians,” I barked, my mind swirling around the possibilities that the Bratva had betrayed us. Or were they working together, a deal made in exchange for territory?

And blood.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“Oh…” Cassidy’s moans flipped another switch. Nothing was going to be determined during warfare.

Ten meant nothing and Filip would know it. It was just another preview before the main show. But who was the puppeteer? I grabbed her by the arm, jerking her closer. Her eyes were wild and as she brushed her hand through the blood, she glared at me. There was such shock.

And hatred.

How the hell could I blame her?

Who the hell are you, sweet angel?

She was definitely smack in the middle of this.

“Che cazzo sta succedendo?” he asked. What the fuck is going on?

“I’m going to find out. I’m taking her with me as incentive for the bastards. There was another assassin here as well.”

He glared at me. “For her?”

“Yes. I took care of him, but that complicates things.”

“I’ll say. You’re in the middle of a shitshow, brother.” As usual, Niccolo had a sneer on his face.

“Penthouse, Ritz Carlton. Have it swept for her things. Keep them. And pay attention to if anyone is talking.”

Niccolo nodded. “I’ll have two of my men go there in a few minutes. Now, get out of here until we can get this shit under control.”

“Let go of me!” Cassidy insisted, punching one hand against my chest.

I wrenched her arm, lowering my head and forcing her to look into my eyes. “You need to be quiet. Do you understand me?”

“But I’m gonna tell you, you’re a fool to take her with you,” Niccolo huffed. “End it here. I’ll take care of the cleanup.”

“That’s not going to happen, but she had two friends with her. A blonde in a purple dress and a redhead in a green one. Make certain they understand they need to keep their mouths shut.”

“Do you need me to handle them?” Niccolo asked.

“No!” Cassidy yelled, blinking several times then throwing me a nasty look. She started to struggle in my arms again, doing her best to free herself from my hold. “If you hurt my friends, I will kill you.” When she managed to punch me in the face, I growled.