Page 133 of Villainous Kingpin

Uncle wanted to take me home. Bas refused. He didn’t trust us. He believed I’d disappear at the first opportunity. I wasn’t sure if I would.

I stared at the door.

I’d marry Basilio DiLustro. Before I learned our family history, it was a dream come true. Now, it was just…complicated. And there was the issue of Basilio’s father.

I clenched my fists, letting my nails dig into my palms and relishing in pain. It was my resolve to kill him, make him pay for what he’d done. It was frighteningly easy to pull the trigger the last time. Especially when adrenaline and anger pumped through my veins. I could do it again.

All I had to think of was my mother and I’d find the courage to end him.

I headed back to the French window and stepped out on the balcony. The tiled floor on the balcony felt cool against my bare feet. I leaned back against the wall and slowly sank down. Pulling my legs up against my chest, I leaned my forehead against my knees.

I hadn’t heard a gun go off and I took that as a good sign. Although I hated that they were having conversations about me, without me.

Glancing out at the horizon, the desert appeared endless, surrounding the mansion. The landscape became a reluctant familiarity.

I sat there, staring into the horizon but not really seeing it. I wondered if Mom was okay. I didn’t even ask Uncle.

Jumping to my feet, I rushed to the door and despite knowing I was locked in, I tugged on it. Then I banged like a madwoman.

“Basilio,” I screamed as I banged my fist against the hard mahogany door. “Basilio.”

I kept banging, my fists hurting from the impact.

Steps thundered toward the room and I paused.

“Basilio,” I called out.

The door swung open and I came face-to-face with Dante.

“What the fuck, Wynter?” he grumbled.

“Is my uncle still here?” I asked frantically. He nodded. “I need to ask him about my mother,” I breathed.

“Tell me what you want me to ask him,” he growled with annoyance.

I shook my head. “No, I want to ask him.”

For a moment he stood hesitantly. “For fuck’s sake,” he caved in. “Hurry, because they are getting ready to leave.” I nodded and followed him. “And don’t try anything stupid and make me regret this.”

“You should regret kidnapping me,” I hissed, my steps rushed.

We came into the foyer just as Uncle, Killian, and Sasha headed for the front door. Dante’s hand wrapped around my forearm as I was about to rush to them.

“Uncle,” I called out. Dante tugged me back and I shot him an annoyed look. “Dante, let me go.”

Before he could say a word, Basilio was next to me.

“Release hernow,” Bas ordered, his voice cold, the warning sending icy shivers down my spine. His gaze was on Dante, dark and glaring.

Dante let go of my arm and Bas tilted his head in acknowledgement. I had no clue what the fuck that was about, but when I looked back to my uncle, he and Killian shared a fleeting glance.

“Uncle, how is Mom?” I asked, taking a step to go to him, but Bas held on to me now. I tugged on my arm. “Let go of me, Basilio,” I snapped.

“You’re not going anywhere without me,” he warned and I let out a frustrated breath.

I took five steps and stopped, three feet from the three men that protected me.

“Mom?” I breathed out. “Is she okay?”