Page 51 of The Bonventi Hitman

The blood drains from my face as fear grips me for the first time in as long as I can remember. "What the fuck," I say as I kick over an empty crate.

"I need you to go to the hotel. There are rumors the Russians were spotted there," Luca says.

"I'm on my way. I will find her."

"Fuck," I yell at the top of my lungs as I hang up the phone.

If she's dead, I will kill every motherfucking Russian mobster and wipe Ivan and his family off the face of this fucking earth.

As I run to my car, I frantically try to piece together what could have happened to Sofia, but there are too many unknowns, too many possibilities.

Finally, I arrive back in the city and make my way straight to the Capstone. I can't let myself believe that something has happened to Sofia.

As I burst through the doors of the Capstone Hotel, adrenaline surges through my veins. I scan the lobby, searching for any sign of Sofia or the Russians. The place is buzzing with guests and staff, oblivious to the chaos that I'm in and the Bonventi family is currently under.

"Mr. Falcone, I didn't expect to see you this evening. Is everything alright?" the bellhop asks me, his voice carrying a hint of concern.

Since I can’t run across the lobby, attracting eyes, I start walking fast toward the elevators, the bellhop close behind.

"I need you to make sure no one goes up to the top floor that isn't staying in one of the suites."

"Yes, yes, of course," the bellhop says and hurries over to the check-in desk.

"Come on, come on," I say, pressing the button a few more times.

Finally, the elevator doors open, and I run in and repeat the same frantic pressing, but this time for the top floor.

The elevator moves slower than it ever has as it climbs.

She'll be in the room.

She'll be in the room,I think to myself over and over.

When I reach the suite level, I step out of the elevator and scan the hallway. It's quiet, the only sounds are the hum of the fluorescent lights above me. As I make my way toward Sofia's suite, my heart pounds in my chest. I pull out my gun and with my left hand gently insert the key card. The door unlocks, and I push it open with my foot.

GABRIEL - 20

Iwalk in and quietly shut the door, my arms outstretched, holding my gun ready for whatever may come. I scan the kitchen and see no signs of life. I walk stealthily toward the living room. I turn the corner, my gun leading the way.

"WHAT THE FUCK!" Sofia screams.

I notice she briefly reaches to the side of her waist where a gun might be.

Why would she do that?

"Holy shit, Gabriel, what the hell are you doing?"

I lower my gun. My body is overwhelmed with emotions. I feel such a sense of relief to see her alive. She's standing there wearing headphones, a gray sports bra, and black yoga pants. She's covered in sweat, and I can tell she's just finished working out.

"Where the fuck have you been?" I demand, my emotions lashing out at the cause of my worry.

"Excuse me? What are you talking about?"

"I... just... fuck," I say and put my gun away. I can't formulate words. I can't think straight. Thinking she might have been dead was just unfathomable.

I walk forward and kiss her with everything I have. Her body is stiff, but as I embrace her, I feel her relax and mold into me.

"Okay, wait. What is going on? Why did you come in with a gun?"