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“Understood,” she breathed and backed away.

How could I be that menacing in an Armani suit? Both Gio and I took long strides down the corridor until we reached the end. I knocked once and threw open the door.

Only to find Derek somewhat cozy with a blonde chick sitting on his desk. She was fiddling with his tie, playfully tugging on it while she giggled.

His eyes opened wide and he jerked to his feet. Obviously, he knew who I was. “Shannon. Why don’t you head back to your office? We can talk about this later.”

Shannon glared at me before shifting her gaze toward Gio. I sensed my Capo wasn’t attempting to play nice. She finally left, keeping her head down while doing so.

Derek had regained some of his resolve, smoothing his jacket while his upper lip curled in a snarl. “You can’t just barge into my office this way, Mister…”

“You know who I am, Derek, as well as what I can and will do, which means you’re completely aware that I was recently married to a very special woman, a woman you tossed aside. Now, while you might have spawned a child, I understand you want nothing to do with him, but you don’t mind harassing the woman you treated like garbage. Am I correct in my assessment?”

His entire face was pinched. “You’re a fucking lunatic.”

“That might also be true. In fact, it is. Given that I’ve admitted it, I think you understand that your wedding gift was completely inappropriate.” At least the son of a bitch had the good sense to cringe. Even his face turned red.

“Fine. Okay. Fine.”

“Well, see? That wasn’t so hard.” I moved closer, adjusting his tie for him. “From now on, you’re going to be a very good boy and stay away from my wife. No notes. No cards. No phone calls. No emails. No texts. You’re also going to ensure from now on Gabriel is treated like your son. A present every once in a while. A visit at least once a month. All when my beautiful wife deems it acceptable of course. If you do that, I think I can assure you’ll have a happy life. If not…” I turned my head toward Gio who snorted on cue. “If not, then the deranged side of me will pay you a visit next time. Do we understand each other?”

Derek swallowed first before nodding.

I patted his tie, made certain I had a smile on my face, and stepped away. “Good boy. I know I can count on you because the alternative isn’t pleasant. Now, have a nice day.”

As we walked out, a few of the employees shied away from us, including the lovely receptionist. It would seem my reputation preceded me.

“That was some fancy shit back there, boss,” Gio said as I hit the down button on the elevator.

“I learned a long time ago you can get more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.”

He laughed. “Exactly what my mama used to say.”

Funny how women always knew better.

CHAPTER17

Carmella

“Mommy, I want to go home. I want to see my friends.” Gabriel had tears in his eyes as he peered up at me. My heart nearly shattered into a thousand pieces seeing his bright, cherub-like face filled with sadness.

I wanted nothing more than to leave this prison, but that wasn’t possible.

“You have grape juice on your face.” I rubbed his cheek with my thumb, offering a consoling look. I was terrible at pretending to be anything I wasn’t.

And there was no chance I could convince him I was happy.

Up to this point, Gabriel had been accepting of the difference in surroundings, slightly overwhelmed by all the people he’d met, but compliant with the change in venue.

I’d sensed the night before when I’d tucked him into an unfamiliar bed that his patience had started to wane.

So had mine.

But that had occurred a couple of days before.

He giggled, but the tears remained, staining his handsome face more than the juice.

The two of us had been stuck inside Alejandro’s condo for close to three days. Yes, the murder of the couple had stunned me even though something in the back of my mind had known there was a possibility. They’d been decoys after all. But being held prisoner wasn’t helping anything.