Page 60 of His Kidnapped Queen
Some idiot had probably called the cops, and I’d rather not have to deal with them, either, so we need to get the fuck out of here.
Arturo finds a stray glass of whiskey and tosses it in Nico’s face. Nico sputters, gasping in ragged breaths, and wakes up.
“You can’t control me,” he says again, words slurred, and I roll my eyes.
“Maybe not, but you need to understand your actions have consequences, Nico. That bloody nose? A consequence.”
He grunts in response, but he lets me and Arturo help him up and out of the warehouse. Alfonso is waiting for him outside, and the two disappear in Nico’s sportscar before I can speak to him further.
Fuck.Some part of me feels guilty, even though I shouldn’t. Father hadn’t sanctioned the poker night, either. It isn’t like I’m going against orders. Fatherwantsme to keep Nico in line. He just doesn’t like how it has to happen.
The only thing Nico listens to is violence.
Arturo hums. “Guess my job is done. You good, boss?”
What kind of expression am I making for him to ask that?
I nod sharply. “Fine. Thank you for your help. Keep eyes on him.”
“And report to you before taking action. I got it,Caputo.”
He gives me a sharp salute before heading back to his car. I follow him, waiting for him to drive off before I do. I don’t want anyone following me to the cottage.
I hate that it had to come to this, that it had to come down to me beating up my brother. I don’t like to solve all my problems with violence. But it’s the only thing Nico knows, and I guess I can’t be surprised, given the lifestyle he grew up in.
He deserves consequences. I just hate that I have to be the one to give them to him.
17
SOPHIA
I glare at the closed door like staring at it might make it melt off its hinges. I shouldn’t be irritated that Luca pulled away, that he didn’t take advantage of the situation. What kind of man would he be if he did?
And as much as he’s harmed me, I don’t believe Lucaisthe type of man who would do that. His dossier mentioned that men who have worked for him have told cops he has a code: no women or children. But I suppose I shouldn’t believe that so easily. After all, I certainly didn’t know he would kidnap me. I’d never even imagined the possibility.
I’m surprised he remembered me at all. It had to just be because I was a novelty, the only cop he ever slept with. It couldn’t be for any other reason.
My stomach growls. I haven’t eaten since that sandwich that Luca made me, and I’m starving. I think about the lamb chops that Agnes makes, the ones she sends home with me, and just the idea of them makes my mouth water.
“Hey!” I call, hoping that Luca will hear me. “I’m hungry.”
A grunt sounds from the door, but I can’t quite make out any words. I get closer, putting my head against the door.
“What was that?”
The door opens and I stumble forward, placing my hands on a hard chest…one that isn’t Luca’s.
I look up at Diego.
“I said, what do you want?”
I squeak and stand up straight. “Uh…anything. Where’s Luca?”
He doesn’t answer, just taking my hand and leading me to the kitchen in an iron grip. I follow easily enough. I’m not going to make any trouble, not for Diego. I’m afraid of him in a way I’m not afraid of Luca. And I know I should be afraid of both of them, but there’s just something about Diego, how quiet he is…
He plants me at the kitchen island and opens the fridge, gesturing to everything in it.
“I can make anything we have. So I ask again: what do you want?”
