Page 42 of The Bonventi War

I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. She's learning. She's checking in, just like I told her to.

The rush of pride floods through me. I know exactly where she is, every moment of every day. Her obeying stirs a primalpossessiveness in me that makes me tense. The thought alone makes my cock twitch.

I slide into my car, eyes fixed on that blue dot. Weeks ago, she fought every attempt to control her movements. Now she tells me where she's going without prompting.

She's so perfect.

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. Raven isn't just a job anymore. She isn't just a means to an end, a way to find out who tried to kill Marco. No, she's become something more to me.

My driver pulls away from the warehouse, and I look out the window.

"Fuck," I say out loud, rubbing my face. "What the hell are you doing to me, Raven?"

I just want to lock her away in my mansion, keep her safe from the world. From the Russians. From her own fucking father.

I'm falling for her. Hard and fast.

And that terrifies me more than any enemy ever could.

My phone starts buzzing, and I'm thankful for the distraction.

I look to see who's calling. It's Ares. Perfect timing.

I answer immediately. "What's up, you Greek bastard?"

Ares laughs through the phone. "Ah, Gio. Giving me that old Italian charm, I see. How's your day going? Someone steal your lunch money?"

I laugh. "You talking about the guy? How'd you know?" I ask, assuming he's referencing the man my fists just spoke with.

"They tried on our docks two weeks ago. This Chicago H-side crew or whatever they're calling themselves. Bunch of idiots. Heard they got caught boosting your supplier last night."

"Yeah," I say, staring at my sore fist. "I think I've managed to end it, though."

"Good. So I'd love to chat all fucking day with you, but I'm calling for a reason."

"I'm listening," I say.

"It's about your little Russian problem."

My grip on the phone tightens. "Tell me."

"They're denying any involvement in Marco's shooting. Say they had nothing to do with it."

"Bullshit." My jaw clenches. "Frank Carvello already confessed. Told us all about it."

"They say Frank and his son acted alone out of desperation to clear the money they owed. That they never ordered the hit."

I scoff. "Again, bullshit. Those fuckers are always lying."

"Maybe," Ares concedes. "But here's the thing—they're not after your family. They just want the girl."

My blood runs cold. "Raven?"

"Apparently, her father owes them a sizable debt. They're willing to consider it paid and drop everything if they get her."

White-hot rage floods my system. The mere thought of those fucking dogs putting their hands on Raven makes my vision blur.

"Tell them they can kiss my fucking ass." My voice drops to a dangerous tone. "Raven is mine. She's under Bonventi protection now."