Page 15 of Targeted By Vengeance

“Come visit on your break,” she told him as she started towing us inside. “I owe you a drink.”

“I got you,” he called after us.

Inside, the flashing lights illuminated the silhouettes swinging to the beat blaring from the DJ’s speakers. Roman and I created a hand chain behind Lexie as she weaved through the crowds towards the stairwell. She led us towards an empty section in the corner. The table was engraved with a plaque that read “Reserved” with a drawing of a red lipstick print.

We were barely able to sit down before the servers were ambushing us with greetings for Lexie and inquiries for drink orders.

I didn’t miss the raised brow Roman gave her when they all finally scurried away.

“Don’t start,” Lexie said, waving her hand. “I had to keep some things to myself.”

“Why?” I asked. “You aren’t allowed over these parts or something?”

“At one point in time,” Lexie said with a shrug. “But did I give a fuck? Absolutely not.”

Roman shook his head. “You’re lucky Adrian and Javier didn’t find out your ass was coming over here. The whole block would’ve been up in flames.”

“Well, they’re cool with Aspen and his crew now. So, it’s fine. That doesn’t mean you run back and tell them though.”

“You know I ain’t saying shit.”

“Who’s Adrian and Javier?” I asked.

“My fuckass brothers,” Lexie replied. “I love them to death, but they’re overprotective as hell. Crazy as shit too.”

“And so is she,” Roman said. “Don’t let her fool you.”

“Oh, hush. You know you love my bullshit. Speaking of…” She trailed off as the server arrived with a few bottles and pre-made shots. She picked up one of the shots and held it up to me. “Cheers: to choosing violence.”

Smiling, I grabbed one as well and clinked my glass against hers.

THE ASSASSIN

I rapped my knuckles against the door with my free hand. As much as I wanted to just let myself in, I needed to take Maria’s advice and follow Simone’s lead.

I probably looked like a fool standing here with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates, but apparently humility was my best bet at getting Simone to forgive me. I already knew she was going to have an attitude when she opened the door and saw me.

Knowing her, she was going to roll her eyes at the gifts and tell me to go to Hell. Which is fine. I deserve whatever insults she’ll shoot at me. All of it wouldn’t matter so long as she lets me kiss her after. The list of plans I had to make it up to her was long, and I intended to check off every single one.

I knocked again when she didn’t answer. “Simone!” I called. “Look, I know you hate my guts right now, but I need to see you! Open up so we can talk!”

Silence answered me again.

I held my ear to the door, trying to listen for footsteps or movement. My brows came together when I didn’t hear either.

Shoving the gifts underneath my arm, I dug into my pocket and pulled out the keycard to the apartment. I unlocked the door and pushed it open. “Simone?”

My voice bounced off the walls, echoing through the empty living room. I called her name again as I rushed down the hall towards her bedroom.

The sheets were thrown over in a messy pile at the foot of her bed. Her closet doors were wide open. Cosmetics products were scattered over the vanity dresser. The black burner phone I’d given her sat on her nightstand.

And no sign of Simone.

Where the fuck did she go?

Did she try to leave again? Did someone break in and take her? Why the fuck would she leave her phone behind?

Turning on my heel, I ignored the acceleration of my heartbeat and fished my phone out of my pocket. I dialed Dante’s number and paced while I waited for him to answer.