Page 136 of Steal My Heart

“Returning to the scene of the crime; an interesting choice to announce your return,” I comment.

“I’m a sentimental bastard; what can I say?”

“You could start with ‘I’m sorry, Angelo.’ Getting on your knees and begging would certainly help your case.”

Fabien tips his head back with laughter. “Knew all that unchecked power would go to your head, little brother. Have a seat.” He kicks the chair across from his, and it goes flying from the table.

“Congratulations, by the way.” I stroll across the room and grab the chair, bringing it back to the table and sitting.

“What for?” Fabien cocks his head. “Using the element of surprise with my early release? Bilking you out of millions on this hotel deal? Outwitting you and reclaiming my rightful place as boss? Or is it my devilishly handsome good looks?”

“None of the above,” I say in an amused tone, crossing my leg at the ankle. “Congratulations on your nuptials. Too bad your new bride, Sienna, can’t be here with us to celebrate. Don’t worry, I’m taking good care of my sister-in-law. For now.”

That brings the cocky fucker down a rung. His cool facade slips, rage flickering in eyes nearly identical to mine.

“You didn’t think I’d walk into this little trap without an ace up my sleeve, did you?”

If Vitto Calvani taught me anything, it’s always to have one.

Remi

“Why are they at Hotel D’Amico?” I ask Alessandra while nervously holding onto Nola.

“The CO gave me Fabien’s release address, which is the hotel’s. Plus, the hotel lounge is where Fabien shot the fed, and that’s why he went to prison. Fabien’s being dramatic, is my guess,” Alessandra explains.

“A family trait,” I mutter. “What’s the plan when we get there?”

“I haven’t figured that part out,” Alessandra admits as we approach the hotel.

“Pull through the alley; there’s parking in the back,” I lean forward and tell Corinne.

She does so, and we pull around to find several vehicles parked.

“There’s Nic.” Alessandra says as we park. “You’re staying in the car with Nola and Corinne,” she tells me.

“Not a chance,” I say, my chin lifted.

“Fine. Just don’t get killed, okay? I don’t want that kind of smoke from Angelo.”

“And here I thought it was because we were friends.”

“We can exchange friendship bracelets after all this,” she says impatiently. “Let’s go.”

“Nola, you stay here,” I tell her.

Corinne mutters something, making a sign of the cross.

I try to slip out, but Nola’s quicker, already having jumped out.

“If you get me killed, I’m gonna be pissed,” Nic tells his cousin. “Oh my God, and you brought Remi and the bobcat?” His hands land on the top of his head. “Angelo’s going to kill the both of us!”

While they’re being dramatic, Nola and I walk to the service entrance door and try my old key. To my amazement, it still works.

“I’m going to need the backstory here.” Alessandra catches up to me.

“I’ll tell you when we exchange friendship bracelets after all this.” I scoop up Nola, holding her despite hermeowingprotests.

Nic pulls out his gun, making a Shhh motion with his finger. Moving in front of us, he enters through the employee area of the lounge with us on his heels. The first door we reach is Sienna’s office.