Drago's Woman

The neighborhood was uncomfortably quiet, each of her footsteps sounding too loud. Her father would never speak to her if one of his guards found her first. She needed a face to face.

The dryer vent on the side of the house created clouds of steam just ahead. She wondered if they still kept the spare key behind the loose brick on the wall. Or maybe she’d be lucky and it would be unlocked.

Before she reached the door, a hand slapped over her mouth from behind. Another wrapped around her chest, pinning her arms to her sides. The man was huge and strong as an ox. She could feel his strength and determination. It only brought her beast to the surface.

Belle used her legs to push off against the brick wall, unbalancing her attacker. She bent down and gave a swift right punch to his groin, making him howl and clutch his stomach.

Even though she’d gotten out of his grip, she was still pinned in the narrow walkway along the side of the house, and she’d just pissed off this giant.

****

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

Drago pounded his fist against the counter after reading Belle’s note. They’d just fucked each other last night, and he swore they’d made strides in their relationship, but he had a deep-seated feeling that she was breaking lately, growing more desperate to get Ava back. It was the reason he’d met with Carlos. David Vent had found an address where he believed they were keeping Ava. Why couldn’t she have waited a few hours?

Drago knew where Belle would go. She wanted to get her daughter, and felt he was holding her back. God knew he’d tried to find her location for weeks. Every time he thought he’d found a door, it would close. The revelation today was huge. He’d already sent someone he trusted to scout out the house. The wheels were already in motion, but Belle was gone.

She’d go right to the dragon’s den and get herself killed. He had to get to her father’s house before she did. Or was he already too late?

He raced down the highway, weaving around cars with disregard. Every minute could count.

Why did he leave her alone when she was so emotionally fragile?

He kept playing different scenarios over and over in his head. He should have been a fucking man and forced her father to give up Ava at gunpoint on day one. Playing by the rules had never served him well. Drago should have shown Belle he was capable and given her exactly what she needed. But he had to be a fool and play it safe. Now Belle’s life could be in danger. Her father had cops and government officials on his payroll. If a single mother with no known address suddenly went missing, no one would care or notice—even if it all pointed to Randal Aiello.

He tore off the highway exit and parked right in the fucking driveway. Drago wasn’t there to play games. He may be retired, but his lifelong career had made him notorious for handling himself in and out of a ring. His name was still spoken with whispers and fear.

Drago bounded up the steps to the front of the house.

“Drago!”

He stopped in his tracks and followed the voice to the side of the house. The first thing he noticed was the body on the ground, then Belle standing over it.

“You kill him?”

“Head lock. He tried to tap out, but this isn’t the ring,” she said. “He’ll live.”

Drago raised an eyebrow. The guy wasn’t exactly a lightweight. He was reminded that Belle was a force to reckon with.

“I thought you’d need my help. When I read the letter, all I could think about was losing you,” he said. “I’m sorry for taking so long getting Ava back.”

“No, you’re right. We have to find her before they’re on to us in order to keep her safe. My father and Donald Ford have to die.” She looked up at him with those big blue eyes. He noted a shimmer of tears, but she fought to hide her emotions. As soon as they were out of harm’s way, he’d tell her the good news about Ava.

He pulled her against him. At first, she was hesitant and stiff, but then she leaned into him and rested her head against his chest. “Does he know you’re here?”

She shook her head. “He’s not home.”

“Probably for the best.”

“I’m guessing he knew I was coming. I stopped and talked with his politician buddy, and I’m sure he called my father the minute I left.”

Belle was going to be the death of him. “What exactly did you say to Ford?”

“I threatened him. Told him I knew everything, and if anything happened to Ava, I’d spill it all.”

“You know those kinds of men don’t look the other way.”