Page 133 of Righteous Enforcer
I shrug and open the door. “Come in.”
The courier enters, standing at attention as he awaits our answer.
"Tell Ivan the Dantes refuse his insulting offer,” Alessandro says, sitting in his chair, looking like the powerful Don he’s finally becoming.
"He anticipated this response," the courier says. "He said to remind you of what happens to the woman."
“I can read.” Alessandro sneers. “He can do what he wants with that traitor.”
It’s not easy to hear those words, but I stay quiet.
The courier glances at me. “I was told you’d be more sympathetic. She is the mother of your child, is she not? The Pakhan was certain you were weak when it came to her.”
I arch a brow. “I assure you, I’m quite strong.” I smile as I pull my knife, and with a single move, I slip it between the courier’s ribs before he knows what’s happening. His eyes widen in shock as I twist the blade, ensuring the wound is fatal.
He drops to the floor.
“Well… that’s one way to deal with him,” Alessandro quips. He rises from his desk and opens his office door, calling Nico in.
“Pack the head and send it back to Ivan,” Alessandro instructs. "Make sure the eyes remain open. Get rid of the rest of him."
“Yes, sir.” Nico calls for his men, and they carry the courier out. I can already imagine Ivan getting the box with his messenger’s head in it. That alone will signify our answer.
It takes all my will to tamp down on the doubt about Eva’s role in all this. Once Ivan sees that head, if she really is a prisoner, he’ll kill her. Odds are he’ll send her head to me.
I close my eyes, trying not to see that image.
I know what I saw and heard.
She is Ivan's accomplice.
And if she isn’t… well… at this point, either way, there's no turning back.
34
EVA
It’s been several days since Ivan kidnapped me. To be honest, I’m surprised I’m still alive. I’m also disappointed that there’s been no sign of Adriano. Maybe today, as I know Ivan sent a messenger to the Dante estate.
Ivan’s demands were ridiculous. Even he knows it. He’s just poking the bear.
Wanting to prod the Dantes, Adriano in particular, into doing something.
In this case, he hopes Adriano will try to save me, and he’s lying in wait for that to happen.
I both wish for him to come and for him to forget me. I want to be out of here, and he’s my only hope.
But I know that he stands little chance of surviving a breach onto Bratva property.
I would rather die in this room than watch Ivan kill Adriano.
The hardest part of my situation is thinking about Mirabella. I
s she still sick?
Is she asking for me?
Does she think I abandoned her?
