Page 103 of Mercenary

“Where are we going?”

“Admirable. I was wondering how long it would take you to ask that question. We’re about to find out the extent of Declan’s deception. If he’ll chose an order over you, or not. Now that we’ve met . . . I’m putting all my chips on you.”

“Declan’s deception?”

“Do exactly as I say.”

“Will Kylie be okay?”

“You’re about to find out. Now tug up your hood and let me do what I do best.”

“What is that?”

“Pay close attention and you’ll find out.”

He slows the car, pulling off the flat dirt road. The car’s engulfed by heavy-limbed walnut trees, which scratch the bejesus out of the red paint. No one in their right mind would venture down this single-lane road. In a Ferrari. Yet apparently, he will.

Steering with one hand, he withdraws a pair of leather gloves out of the center console, then slides them. As we continue on, he silently stares ahead, deep in thought. Leaving me to wonder where we’re going and just what he means by Declan choosing me over an order.

He lifts a finger to his temple and taps his head. “Think like Kylie and you’ll get through this.”

“Did you read that on a greeting card somewhere?” I reply, my nerves getting the best of me. He hits the gas pedal and then we’re flying down the narrow roadway. I’m so preoccupied with his horrific disregard of the limbs wreaking havoc to his car, I miss the true implications of what he means until roughly ten minutes later, when he pulls to a halt in front of two armed men.

Both men step into the road.

Hayden rolls down his window. “Ciao, io sono qui per vedere il signor DiCapitano.”

My eyebrows arch but I keep my chin down and face hidden as I piece together his Italian. Ciao . . . hello. DiCapitano . . . Franco DiCapitano . . . Shelby’s resident lowlife mobster. Until now, I wasn’t certain it was his men who took her. His man I shot between the eyes.

“Hai un appuntamento?”

“Ho un regalo per lui.” Hayden turns toward me. “Flash them a smile.”

I frown.

“Do it.”

I grin, halfheartedly.

Both men peer into the driver’s side window at me, assessing me.

What the hell did Hayden say to them?

“Ti informiamo signor DiCapitano del vostro arrive. Guidare.” They step back and usher us on.

“In case you’re wondering what I said, I told them I have a present for Mr. DiCapitano.”

I stare at him.

“You,” he continues.

“Me.”

“Sorry. But you’re the perfect excuse I need to gain entry into Franco’s goddamn fortress.”

Think like Kylie and you’ll persevere. Great advice. How would he react if I slammed the heel of my hand into his nose?

Terrific. Nothing like a monster like him to bring out the devil in me.