Ruthless Heart

When we arrive at the club, I head through the dark hallway towards his office.

I know something is wrong the moment I open the door.

Nero is there, but he’s not alone. Chase is standing right behind him, and he’s got a satisfied smirk on his stupid face.

I bite back a chill of fear.

“Hey,” I greet him with a big smile. “You called. Well, texted. So here I am.” I give him a flirty look, praying that his sullen mood is Mob-related business.

“You deceitful bitch.” Nero’s voice is shaking with fury.

I reel back in shock. “What’s going on?” I ask, the fear taking root in my whole body. I look to the door, but there’s already one of his guys standing there, blocking the exit.

I’m trapped.

“You really need to ask?” Nero’s eyes flash angrily. He grabs a page from his desk and tosses it at me.

It flutters to the floor, and I see, it’s not a document, but a surveillance photo.

His desk is covered in them.

Oh God.

Taken just a half hour ago, they show me going into the research library—and meeting the FBI. With the door open, Greggs is clearly visible, as well as the agent beside him. Then, there are more photos of me leaving. Greggs is standing right by the door. He’s holding onto my hand, deep in conversation as we say goodbye. It looks so damning, as if we’re shaking on a deal.

Fuck.

“Listen,” I blurt, desperate. “This isn’t what it looks—”

“We know who that fucker is,” Chase cuts me off. “Did you think we wouldn’t recognize the man that put Roman behind bars? Your daddy’s little FBI pal?”

“They called me,” I protest, voice trembling. “They’ve been trying to make me cut a deal, but I haven’t. I wouldn’t.” I look plaintively at Nero, but there’s no emotion in his eyes. He’s staring at me like I’m a stranger, completely shut down.

“You can’t lie to us. The pictures tell the whole story,” Chase sneers. “I told you I’d be watching you, and you went and did this anyway. I had no idea you were this stupid.”

“Nero, please!” I beg. “You have to believe me. I helped you with McKenna! I did everything you asked of me!”

But he turns away. “Get her out of here,” he growls.

“No!” I cry. “Nero, I swear, I didn’t do it!”

I’m still begging when they drag me out, back down the hall to a bare concrete room.

The one they put me that first day, when it all began. But back then, I had a chance. I had something Nero wanted even more than revenge.

Now, I have nothing.

Chase hurls me roughly inside. “Enjoy the view, Princess,” he says, grinning. “It’s the last one you’re going to get.”

The door slams shut behind him. There’s no escape. No way out.

No way to stop Nero from killing me, the way he’s wanted since the moment he laid eyes on me.

I fall to the cold floor, and sob.