Stefano

I’m ready to chew up and spit out everyone around me. I need to get a grip on my aggression or I’m going to smash in Corey’s dad’s skull. I hope to fuck he knows where she is.

We put on kevlar vests under our shirts because I definitely don’t trust this guy. All three of us also set our phones to record. Audio surveillance goes both ways. Having evidence against Mr. Crooked Fed could be useful.

I didn’t like what Sondra said about Corey’s childhood with this dickbag. I already knew it sucked, but now I want to make him pay for it. He damaged her. I want him to bleed.

Dial it back, stronzo.

We arrive at the Hard Rock and pull into the underground parking area. I get out with the suitcase full of nothing and we check our weapons. There are video cameras up in the corners, but it looks to me like someone already shot them out.

Okay, dickhead. Where are you?

I stroll through the garage like I’m going for a goddamn walk with my dog through the tulips until I spot him, leaning up against a pillar.

“Simonson.”

“Tacone.”

“Where’s your daughter?”

“She’s somewhere safe,” he says, simultaneously relieving me and ripping my heart out. She did go to him for help.

Is she working with him?

Fuck—I know she’s not. She’s not.

“She’s ready and willing to testify against you, but she doesn’t want to.”

My heart slows, drags like a lame horse in my chest.

“Oh yeah?” Now I’m just teenage bluster. I can’t even think. Can’t discern what’s what here. Dammit. Corey is my blind spot. I should’ve let Nico or Leo take the lead on this.

“That’s bullshit!”

I nearly drop to my knees.

Corey comes marching out from around the corner, looking like a fiery angel with her red hair spilling out behind her.

“Corey, get back,” her father barks, but she ignores him. She’s blazing toward me. Anger crackles all around her and my heart skips up to speed. I’m suddenly sure of her—I know this woman.

Fury crosses her father’s face. I should’ve paid attention, but I only have eyes for Corey. I need to apologize, let her know I believe her.

“Stefano, I’m not a part of his scheme. Not at all. Don’t believe a word he says.”

“Stefano,” Leo barks, drawing his weapon.

It’s too late. Simonson fires on Leo, hitting him in the chest.

Corey whirls. “No!” she screams and leaps in front of me. Her body jerks and crumples to the asphalt.

I draw my pistol and fire on Simonson. The bullet hits him right in the forehead but I don’t wait to see him fall, I’m running for Corey. “Call 911,” I shout at my men, scooping her into my arms. Blood spreads rapidly across the top of her shirt. I ball it up and push on the wound.

No, please.

Don’t let her die.

Not now. Not like this.

How could I have doubted her love?

She took a goddamn bullet for me.

And I failed her.

In every possible way.