Page 8 of Playing with the Devil

“I’m not your goddamn wife,” she sneered.

The muscle in my jaw ticked. “Come. Here.”

Her darkened gaze didn’t falter. “No.”

I looked over at Rafé who had a tall blond trapped to his front by holding his forearm to the guy’s throat. With a single nod, Rafé tossed the blond to my feet and I placed a bullet between his eyes, watching his body collapse in a pool of his own blood.

Her grip on the gun loosened for a split second but it turned firm again and this time, little Nereus was tossed in front of me.

“Now,” I ordered, my muzzle pressing to Nereus’s forehead.

Her face paled and she instantly dropped the gun. “Don’t you fucking hurt him.”

I cocked my gun and she hurried toward me.

I grabbed her by the side of her neck and pulled her closer.

Lowering my face to the side of her head I inhaled, her familiar scent settling deep in my core.

Her body tensed. “I won’t leave with you. This is my home.” Her voice held a soft tremble, but I didn’t give a fuck.

“Your home is in New York City. With me.”

I met her gaze, pupils blown with disgust. Fury. “Antonio, don’t do this.”

“Do what?” I faked curiosity. “Pick up my wife so that I can take her back to where she rightfully belongs? In my house. In my bed. Under me.” I tugged her closer, her rigid body pressing to mine. “Let’s go, moglie.”

“I’m not your goddamn wife, now get your hands off me.” She placed two firm hands on my chest in an attempt to shove me back but I didn’t budge.

Fuming because of her disobedience, I gripped the side of her face.

“You’ll be my wife whether you like it or not.” My words seemed to force a subtle tremor through her body. “I don’t care if I have to drag you to the altar with my fist full of your hair. Or if I have to force my ring on your little finger. You’re mine, Nirah, and you’re not going anywhere.”

“I’d rather gouge my eyes out.” She forced through bared teeth.

I gave my head a slight shake then ran the pad of my thumb across her cheekbone. “I need those pretty eyes on me.”

Her lips curled in disgust. “Fuck you.”

I gripped her face. “I can’t wait to fuck this pretty mouth into submission.”

“Try it and I’ll bite your dick off.”

“You sweet talking me?” My tone lowered and rage consumed her eyes. “Now, let’s go home.” I slipped the gun into my waistband and Kiril silently approached us, handing me a syringe.

“I’m not leaving with—”

“Shh.” I sank the needle into her neck and her eyes widened before her body went limp in my arms. I handed him back the syringe before tossing her onto my shoulder.

My men lowered their guns and my eyes landed on Cesar. “Kill every last one of them, and burn the house down.”

“Yes sir,” he replied.

“Then meet us on the jet. I want every last one of you back home. Our work here is done.”

Cesar nodded in understanding and I turned, heading for the front door.

Bodies lined a pathway to the door, broken glass crunching under my weight. Crimson painted the walls, and the stench of gunpowder enclosed us. I’d say it was a successful operation.