Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
"Aden and Elias signed their death warrants," I snarl. That’s the only warning Marco will get.
I watch as the man in question scrubs a hand through his hair, broadcasting his frustration.
“Elias is a wildcard. He doesn't want to upset our father. He has more reason for that than the rest of us, but he won't let them hurt Melina or Helena.”
"Bullshit! That pig of a father of yours gets a hold of the women, he will hurt them," I bark. "I have no doubt about that."
"It’s possible he knew my father would take them and is trying to help her as long as possible. I'm not saying I'm close to him, but he's not like the twins. I can promise you that."
"What about Gio and Sebastian?" I ask. “Where are they in all this?” I keep asking questions, looking for hope. I also need something to focus on instead of the gaping hole that has opened in my chest.
"I put a call out to Gio. He couldn't talk much. He said they would protect her, but we need to move fast. He said something about Doyle Kelly's men arriving there in a few days and he and Sebastian were being watched."
"We need to beat those motherfuckers there."
"What are we going to do?" Niko asks.
I shrug as the wheels in my mind turn until something concrete comes to me.
"We're going to offer them a trade. My woman—"
Marco interjects. "And mine."
I nod. "Our women for Doyle."
“How are you going to manage that when that bastard is dead and in pieces?” Victorio asks.
"They don’t know that yet. Plus, Killian hasn’t delivered the son of a bitch yet. We can bluff our way until we get inside to rescue the women.”
"Then, we head out now. I want Dracos’ head on a platter and anyone and everyone helping him dies, too. No one stays alive that might be a threat to my woman.”
Niko is about to argue, but I hold up my hand. "Niko takes over here. Marco, Vic and I will lead the charge, but I also want seven more of our best soldiers."
"You're going to blast my father's fortress of a home with ten men? When he usually has at least fifty or more on duty?" Marco asks incredulously.
"My men are better trained and disciplined. They are far better than your father's. I could do it with five, but I want a few more to circle around the women to keep them safe."
I walk off with Niko following right on my tail.
"Damn it, Antonio. I know I'm still healing, but I can fucking do this," he growls.
I turn around, facing off with him as I slap a hand on his shoulder, stopping his argument.
"I know you can, old friend. You’re my second now, though. I need you to watch over everything here. Vultures will smell weakness. I need you to make sure they don’t take advantage right now. Not to mention, it would be just like that bastard Dracos to attack here while I’m trying to find my wife. You're the only one I trust through and through to keep things secure. Plus, your wife is pregnant. She has lost too much lately, as it is. She needs you close."
I can see the struggle. I can see Niko questioning whether this is about his progress or if my words are true. I don't have time to talk him through it. This is my order as his boss.
Niko nods stiffly. "I won't let you down."
"I know that. Maxwell did his fair share of assuring me that you never would. That man's judgment was never wrong."
Niko feels the same pang of loss as I do in that moment. I see it in his eyes.
I turn around, walking off as he follows me.
"I'll make sure your jet is ready. I'll contact our ally in Turkey to switch you to a chopper when you land. You can get into our secure airstrip near Athens. It'll be quicker that way. It'll give you more time to surprise the asshole. I'll also have a flight plan logged for your jet to be set for Athens, so if Dracos is monitoring you, he will think he has a few days."
I smile. Max was right. Hell, he was always right. Niko was the perfect choice to have my back.
I get to my room to rush through packing Melina a bag. I was going to shower, but I can’t even think of cleaning myself up when who knows what condition she’s in at the moment. I just know that when I find her, she will want to be in clean clothes. I’ll rescue her and kill her father—there can’t be an alternative.
Dracos won't be getting away from me again.
melina
Staring at the door, I try to imagine what the rest of the plane looks like. I don't know why, but it's helping me concentrate on keeping myself together. Aden separated me from Helen, locking me in the stateroom and throwing me on the bed.