Page 118 of The Mafia Enforcer's Temptation

After he leaves, guilt claws at my insides. Ava’s out there, somewhere. And I need?—

“Mr. Murphy, Mr. Murphy…” Ivan straightens his tie as he addresses both me and my brother. “This isn’t my first love, but I’m staying true to the rulebook of the Volkov Bratva. My boss, Ms. Volkov?—”

“Mrs. Murphy,” I say.

“Her uncle’s death was a tragedy. His heart…” He glances at Callahan and then settles on me. “I’d prefer to eventually go back to the gambling empire, or bring it into the fold if you wish. Afterall, it’s part of the family. But while I’m loyal and have no agenda other than keeping the bratva in one piece, I don’t trust that man. His partner is shadowy, and rumor has it they’re in with some nasty cartel.”

Good to fucking know. I offer my hand. “If you’re in with us, you’ll have to trust us.”

He shakes it.

“And Ivan?” I ask.

“Yes, sir?”

“This conversation?”

“Never happened.”

He leaves and I head for the door when Callahan stops me, pushing me into the wall. “For fuck’s sake, where are you going?”

“Where do you think?” I growl.

He shoves me hard, then drops his hand. “Fuck, you’ve got it bad.”

“No, I don’t.”

And the horrible thing is, I just might. “But l need to find her before she does something stupid.”

I reach into my pocket and hand him the crunched-up paper with what seems to be a key.

Cal frowns as Torin comes in and Dec waits outside.

“What is this?” Cal’s gaze flicks to me. “It looks like a locker key at a storage place. Some of them have lockers, right?”

“They’re perfect for passing along illegal items. Rented for cash, no names, often automated,” Torin says with a shrug. “It’s a good way to keep your gear easily accessible and not on your person.”

“I’m not even going to ask,” I mutter.

“There’s an address and a time.” Cal looks up from the paper and raises a brow.

“I don’t think this is Romanov’s style.” I rub the back of my head, physically having to hold myself back from storming outof the room. It’s a battle I’m losing fast. “We need to keep the gathering going a little longer, and I need to find my fucking bride.”

Find her, and I’ll find out why she had the key.

Find her, and I’ll… I’ll be where I need to be. Even if she truly hates me now.

I did it for her own good.

Not that she’ll ever believe that.

I walk out of the room and Dec calls to me. “She’s headed for the back.”

I go out the front and make my way down the small side alley next to the property. The gate’s open. In the dark, I make out a figure.

That figure slides a clip into a gun.

I automatically check for mine. But I don’t draw it.