Page 110 of Dirty Hearts

He growled. “What’s the plan, Claudius? You’re about to declare war. That’s what this is. Goliath aside, the Antonellas and the Manellos are with him. You doing this signals war.”

“I know. But it’s not going to stop me from getting my hands on Goliath. Seven years, Luc. I’ve been looking everywhere for that bastard for seven years, and he’s back in Chicago.”

“Well, you aren’t going after that psycho by yourself. Or, sorry, you Dante and Gio while the other two rogues help the other guys.”

I’d told him about Alex and Jude, and he didn’t believe it. Or for the most part. He didn’t believe that it was both of them.

“Where are they anyway?” he added. “Alex and Jude.”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care.” I ran a hand through my hair. “Luc, I need you here. Look after the women. Take care of Ava. She’s the most important thing to me. Just… don’t let her out of your sight. Tomorrow’s her restaurant anniversary. She’s been looking forward to that. If you could take her and make sure she’s okay, I’d be grateful. It’s normal. She deserves normal. She deserves to have tomorrow because she’s worked hard for it. I need to know you’ll take care of her.”

“Claudius.” Her voice spoke straight to my soul, and I turned around to see her.

Ava.

I wanted nothing more than to take her and hold her close to my heart, but I willed myself not to.

I just looked at her. Her long legs were golden against the deep pink night shirt, and she had her hair piled up on top of her head in a messy bun.

“I was worried sick,” she continued in a shaky voice.

It was time to leave. Better to go before I changed my mind. I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t look at her and not love her.

I looked at Luc, and he gave me a nod, silently agreeing to my request.

That was all I needed, assurance that she would be safe. Safe for her was anywhere far from me.

Especially with the plan I had brewing.

“Claudius.” Ava looked at me expectantly, waiting for an answer.

I turned instead and walked away.

“Where are you going?” she called out.

But I didn’t answer. I just walked through the door and left her.

When I got to my bike, my phone started ringing. I thought it was Ava, but a quick glance on the screen showed me it was Cora.

I answered straight away.

“Hey, sorry to call so late.” Her voice sounded strained.

“You’re still at the office?”

“Yeah. I’m with your dad. I’m gonna head to the hotel in a minute.” She pulled in a deep breath. “Claudius, things are bad. I managed to hack into the frequency at the cabin at the quarry. Your dad and I listened in on a very interesting conversation. We’re right about the nukes. It’s them, and it’s all happening tomorrow.”

I bit the inside of my lips hard. “Tomorrow? Fuck, what are they planning?”

“Not on the phone. Can we meet first thing? Six in the morning?”

“Sure.”

“Good, see you then.”

God,I needed strength.

Tomorrow. It was all happening tomorrow.