I’m also relying on the fact that he cares for my mother. He now knows how much Danika means to me, and by association, my family. Men like Abello don’t have loyalty to much, but family is the exception, and as far as he’s concerned, we are family.
The corner of his mouth twitches up. “You forgot the part where I somehow convince Mayor Dunne to resign and never run for public office again.”
“And that.” I grin at him as I down the rest of my Scotch. Glancing at Gabe, I find his usual stoicism has returned. That man has ice in his veins, at least that’s what I always believed.
Abello rubs his chin and examines the envelope as if he has x-ray vision and can see its contents. When I handed it over to him at the beginning of our meeting, he opened it and glanced at its contents, then shoved them back in as if he could care less. Now, he looks at it like he holds the construction plans to Fort Knox in his palms.
After a moment of contemplation, he nods and gives us another fake smile. “You have a deal, gentlemen. But, don’t push me. I’m not a man you should fuck with, and I would really hate to upset your mother, Savage.”
The veiled threat does not go unnoticed, and I bite my tongue to avoid setting him off. This was it, this was all we had, our only plan, our only chance to get out of this with Danika’s safety assured. I could fucking care less about my safety, and I know Gabe feels the same way, but neither of us could live with ourselves if we played a role in bringing her into the crossfire, again.
“Good evening, gentlemen.” He slips from the booth and is immediately surrounded by his entourage of armed goons.
I release the breath I’ve been holding for so long my chest aches, and drop my head into my hands. Gabe calls for our waiter and orders us another round of Scotch.
“No, man,” I say, turning toward him, “I need to get home to Danika.”
He smacks me on the back as the waiter sets the tumblers of amber liquid on the white fabric tablecloth. “No, you need to drink this and relax. If you go home to her all jacked up on adrenaline like you are right now, it will not end well. Trust me, I know from experience.”
I nod at him and pick up the glass, swirling it around with my hand. Maybe he’s right. I do need to calm down before seeing Danika. This is the end, of all the lies, all the bullshit, all the drama, and it’s a new beginning for us. Some decompression time is a good thing.
Gabe drops his elbows to the table and drains his glass in one swallow. Imitating him, I tip the tumbler back and savor the sting of the liquid flowing down my throat as I drain it.
I twist and spin the empty tumbler on the table, the candlelight reflecting off the facets, sending flashes of rainbow colors across the white tablecloth. I make my decision then and there and pull my phone from my jacket so I can call Danika.
“Savage? Where are you? Are you all right?” The panic in her voice makes me regret waiting even the two minutes it took to have another drink.
“Baby, I’m fine. Everything is fine. It worked.” She releases a massive sob and I can picture her crumpled up on the couch with Princess, crying and shaking. I should be there with her, and knowing I’m going to delay my return even more is a knife twisting in my gut. “Shh, don’t cry. I’ll be home soon.”
She sniffles, and rather than being disgusting, it’s somehow adorable. “Please come home to me.”
“I will, baby. I love you.”
“Love you, too.”
“Where the hell is he?” I ask Princess as I pace the floors of the condo for the hundredth time chewing on my nail so badly I’m starting to bleed. “Shit,” I yank my finger from my mouth, “he said he was coming home over an hour ago. He should be here by now.”
I finally force myself to sit on the couch and I stare at the door, willing it to open, willing him to come through it. Princess jumps onto my lap and I run my fingers through her silky fur, trying to push myself to take deep breaths and telling myself not to cry again.
He’s fine.
He called.
He’s fine.
Images of fiery crashes and Paul’s head exploding before my eyes race through my head. The tears start again. Fucking Abello, he’s a psychopath. The coldest of the cold, ruthless and unforgiving. Will he really let us all walk away unscathed? Did he agree only to give Savage and Gabe a false sense of security before taking them out the moment they left Angelo’s?
My heart races and the tears increase. I become a sobbing mess. Princess stands on my lap, leaning up to lick at my face and offer me what comfort she can.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I check for the millionth time for a call or text from Savage, but, nothing. I shoot off a text.
< Where are you? >
I wait anxiously for a reply, but when none comes, I call. Straight to voicemail.
My worry is now bordering on hysteria as I move from the couch, setting Princess on the floor and begin to pace again.
I call Gabe. Same result.
Frustrated, I almost chuck my phone at the wall, but realize no one will be able to get a hold of me if I destroy it.
Deep breaths.
In. Out. Repeat.
I’m so focused on keeping myself breathing, I don’t even hear the door open.