Page 81 of Promises in the Dark

A smile tugs at my lips, and I’m thankful my brothers can’t see it beneath my mask, or else they’d give me shit. For the past two days since we returned from Italy, all I’ve been able to think about was that goddamn perfect kiss. She melted into me so beautifully as if she were made to fit in my hold, her body pressing against my chest as her lips danced in a perfect rhythm with mine. And I can’t stop myself from wondering if I’ll ever be lucky enough to experience it again.

Leo slips a finger beneath the fabric, lifting his hood to reveal his chin. “Then why do I need to—”

“For the love of God.” Vin drags a hand down his face, clearly frustrated. “Keep the fucking thing on!”

“Fine.” Leo huffs, crossing his arms over his chest, sulking.

I quickly type out a message and slip my phone back inside my pocket.

Alex

I’ll be home soon, Fiorellina.

Mauro slides his brass knuckles over his fingers and inserts a magazine into his gun, the click echoing in the car.

“You good?” I ask.

He nods. I’m ready.

Our eyes turn to the newly constructed warehouse about one hundred yards away. Vin presses a button on the center of the screen, connecting us to Eli.

Eli answers on the first ring. “Finished already?” he asks with a hint of amusement.

“Just got here,” Vin replies. “And the estate?”

“Secure. I’ve got double the number of men on duty tonight. No one is getting inside these gates.”

“Good.” Vin rubs his jaw. “Keep us posted if anything changes.”

“You got it. Stay safe.”

“We will.” He ends the call, then presses another button on the screen, connecting him to all three SUVs parked beside us.

“Sir?” one of the soldiers asks.

“How many guards?”

“Ten outside. There are no windows, so we have no idea what’s waiting inside.”

Vin nods, deep in thought. “On my signal, I want two guards on each side of the building setting the explosives. My brothers and I will handle getting the women. If any of their guards manage to get by us, take them out. I don’t want a single motherfucker getting away. Once the women are safely outside, Alex will lead them to the designated SUV, and I want them sent to the nearest hospital. No one is to put a finger on any single one of them. Capisce?”

“Yes, sir.”

“When we are all a safe distance away from the warehouse, Alex will be setting off the explosives.”

“Understood.”

He drums his fingers on the steering wheel. “My brothers are to get home in one piece to their women, and my dogs are waiting for me to feed them dinner. If any of my brothers don’t make it out, you will be my dogs’ replacement dinner. Have I made myself perfectly clear?”

“Y-yes, sir.”

“Good.” Vin ends the call, eyes straight ahead. “Leo and Mauro, take out the men in front of the entrance and clear our path to the door. Once inside…” His eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror. “I want you to handle getting the women out of here. The three of us will take care of any guards inside.”

I nod. “No problem.”

Vin opens his door, and we follow suit. The guards in the other vehicles step out and use the cover of night to sneak around the building. We wait until the last one is in position, surrounding the warehouse exactly as we wanted, then walk straight ahead.

Our balaclavas may hide our faces, but our presence is immediately felt.