Page 122 of Possess Me

“Is that why you’re so damn late?” I moved forward, clasping his hand. Yes, I was grateful Mikhail had thought to send members of the Costa Cosa Nostra.

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Did you bring anyone with you?”

“The whole gang is here.” He walked closer and I could tell he was on edge.

“What is it? Something is off.”

“Hey, better late than never. I had to break up your party, but I think you got problems.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning we didn’t see anyone coming in. Not a single soldier. I mentioned that to your buddy, Carlos? He’s on his way, but I think we need to get the fuck out of here. Now.”

I glanced at the trees and swung around to face the building, which I could barely make out through the trees. “Shit. Fallon.” I took off running, furious with myself that I’d dared leave her alone. What in the hell was wrong with me?

When I got close, we both heard a single shot being fired.

Now I knew why Bella had been growling.

Without second guessing myself, I reacted, racing toward the building.

Bella was close behind, her barks and growls much deeper than before.

Alessandro was right behind me and before I even reached the door, I heard shouts coming from all sides.

I’d made mental note of every soldier on Carlos’ detail. I knew how they dressed, the ammunition they carried.

And their faces.

The asshole at the corner of the building was here for one reason.

Abducting Fallon.

I fired off a single shot, gunning him down before he had a chance to go inside.

But I knew at least one or more enemy soldiers had breached the perimeter.

“Watch out,” Alessandro snarled and pushed me out of the way.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

I barely paid any attention, bursting in through the partially open door to find one enemy down, writhing in agony while another had Fallon in his arms. She was fighting him valiantly, using her skills learned in the Air Force.

But the asshole was strong.

Before I had a chance to handle the situation, Bella reacted first. She leapt into the air, tackling the soldier, foaming at the mouth as she dug her sharp canines into his arm.

That gave Fallon enough time to throw a hard kick into his gut, swinging around and grabbing the weapon I’d given her.

“Bella. Off.” I had no idea if the dog knew any commands, but with the deepness of my voice, she knew I meant business. Instantly, she backed off, still growling and remaining close.

With three long strides, I had the bastard in my hand, yanking him up and glaring him in the eyes for a split second before silencing him with a single bullet.

Another shot echoed in my ear and I threw a look over my shoulder.

Alessandro had finished off the jerk who’d been left alive.