Page 141 of Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride

"If this wasn't La Corona," I say, "then someone's about to have a very bad day."

I break every traffic law on the books getting back to my apartment, with Marco right behind me.

The elevator seems too slow as it lifts to my apartment.

I exit it, gun already drawn.

The splintered door frame tells me someone forced their way in.

Did she know them? Did she know she was in danger and that’s why she didn’t open the door to them?

"Angelica!" I shout, sweeping through the living room, checking corners, my heart hammering against my ribs.

No response.

"Angel, it's Daddy! You can come out now!"

Still nothing. Panic threatens to choke me as I move toward the bedroom, Marco covering my back.

"Check the other rooms," I tell him, pushing open the bedroom door.

The room looks untouched except for the door, which has been kicked in. I drop to my knees, looking under the bed.

Two terrified eyes stare back at me from the far corner.

"Angel," I breathe, relief washing over me. "Come here, baby."

She crawls out slowly, tears streaking her face, and launches herself into my arms.

I hold her so tight I worry I might hurt her, but I can't let go.

"I was so scared, Daddy," she sobs into my neck.

"I know, baby. I know. You're safe now." I rock her gently, kissing the top of her head. "You did so good calling me. So brave."

Marco appears in the doorway, holstering his weapon. "Rest of the place is clear."

I nod, still holding Angelica. "What happened, Angel? Tell me everything."

She pulls back, hiccupping. "Isabella told me to hide under the bed and be quiet. She said not to come out until you or Mrs. Rossi came."

"Did you see who took her?"

Angelica nods. "I–I got out when they left. I needed my phone to call you."

My heart stops. "You came out of hiding?"

"Just for a minute. Then I went back under the bed like Isabella said."

I close my eyes briefly, imagining what could have happened if they'd returned and found her.

Thank fuck Isabella had the good sense to hide Angelica, to think of my child even as she had to know that whoever this was wanted her.

"Did you recognize the men?"

"No, but he was yelling at Isabella."

I press my forehead against Angelica's, trying to keep my voice steady. My emotions are nearly my undoing at this moment. "What did the bad man want? Did he say anything?"