Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Enzo’s reaction tells me I’ve struck gold.
“How’s your standing in the Family, Sal?” When Enzo flinches, I say, “I’m guessing you did something bad. I assume this is your way of trying to worm your way back in. Like a fishing expedition.”
Enzo nods, but then he realizes what he’s doing and stops.
Sal grunts, lighting the blowtorch, the blue flame hissing. I’d have to be a psychopath not to feel fear as he approaches me. If last night with my woman taught me anything, it’s that there’s more feeling in me than I ever guessed before I was with her.
Sal approaches, waving the torch. “You think you’re one smart bastard, don’t you? But you’ll break. Everybody breaks.”
“Maybe,” I say. “Or maybe you’ll torture a CEO and public figure. You still won’t get what you want. But your actions will bring attention you can’t handle.”
“We can’t handle… You hired a two-bit security firm I’ve got wrapped around my finger. You think the cops can help you?”
“Kidnapping is a federal offense,” I snarl. “You might be able to twist local firms, maybe even the cops, but the FBI, Sal? Can you twist them, too?”
“Sal…” Enzo begins.
Sal wheels on him. “Shut the fuck up. We’re doing this. You think the Don will care when I bring him a controlling share in Do It All?”
“Never going to happen,” I snap.
Sal turns back to me and brings the flame toward my face. I strain against the metal cuffs. The chain makes a squeaking noise, and my bones ache as I push against the resistance. I’ve gone from one kind of heat to another, from pleasure, love, connection—to hell.
“Are you going to make me hurt you?” Sal grunts. “Force my hand, Logan? All you have to do is make a few calls and tell them you’ve got a new client. You can arrange the majority over the phone from here. Then we’ll escort you to any in-person meetings.”
“I fought too long and too hard to let a little prick like you take this company from me. I made this company to help people, motherfucker.”
He sighs, shrugging. “Okay, then. But don’t blame me…”
He moves the flame closer to my face. Sweat beads on my forehead as the hissing blue flame triggers fear and adrenaline to pump through me. I’ve experienced torture before, but not like this. It was its own brand of misery and twisted form of pain.
But I’m ready to endure what I must for Do It All.
“Sal,” Enzo says. “Just got a text from one of the guys. Elliot Whittaker is here for you. Says he wants to speak to you about Logan. Sounds like he wants to beg for his life. Some girl is with him.”
“Piper?” I roar, then immediately regret it when I see the look of victory on Sal’s fucked-up face. When he sneers at me, I growl, “You’ll regret it if you touch her. This isn’t your way back into the Family, you sick bastard.”
Sal takes a step back, turning off the blowtorch. “Enzo, go get the girl. Stick Elliot in a closet. Or put a bullet in his head. I don’t give a damn. But clearly, Logan’s got a little flame for Elliot’s sister. Piper… I’ve seen her before.”
Enzo leaves the room. My heart pounds as ugly, violent images crash into my mind, thoughts of blood and mayhem and all the evil crap he’s going to do to her.
“You’re going to do what I want,” Sal says. “Or I’ll gut that fat bitch.”
When he calls her fat, I strain even harder against the metal bindings, my muscles bulging, my veins feeling like they might pop. How the fuck have we gone from so much closeness and steam to overwhelming pain so fast?
I hear Piper before I see her. “Get… off…”
“Quiet,” Enzo grunts, dragging her into the room.
He pushes her in front of him. I stare miserably at my woman. She looks so devastatingly beautiful and determined; her cheeks flushed fiercely, her hazel eyes alert. She looks like she’s ready to fight these three mobsters herself.
“Piper,” I whisper, shaking my head.
“I couldn’t leave you,” she hisses.
“I thought you’d call someone.”
“Call who?” Sal says harshly. “I own this city.”
“You’re a petty thug who’s got a few cops in your pocket, and you’re half decent at intimidation. You don’t own shit.”
“Maybe not yet. But soon, I’ll own your whole damn company. Unless you want me to ride this little piggy until she squeaks.”
The next time I strain against the bindings, I feel the shackle on my right hand loosen slightly. My forearms must be bulging against the metal, or the arrogant prick didn’t tighten it properly. I wriggle my hand, feeling it loosen some more.
“Don’t fucking touch her,” I growl.
“What have you done to him?” Piper groans. She tries to pull her hand away from Enzo, but he holds her steadily.