A plan. That’s what I need. Who can I get to help me? Fucking hell. I might have to seduce one of the assholes I hate so much, but hopefully it doesn’t come to that. The house is surrounded by one of the strongest iron gates ever made, or at least that’s what I’m told. It spans a half mile in perimeter and there’s cameras all around the compound and a half a dozen guards at any time around the house. The cook goes out at least once a week to the store along with two guards so they can carry back the bags. It’s always on a Wednesday at noon. It’s the only time that the gate’s consistently available. Can I get the cook to help? Maybe I can sneak into the trunk and then have her unlock it and I jump out while they’re in the store. I’ll have to ask Mrs. Marchetti if the cook is willing to assist me in escaping.
At this point there’s not a single guard or staff member that I know of that’s on my side. I don’t need her to actually do anything but pretend that I’m not in the trunk and unlock it. That might actually work. Goodness, I can only hope.
A little sense of peace washes over me, and I go to my stack of books and pick War and Peace because I want my mind to shut off so I can fall asleep.
Chapter Five
Santino
I exhale a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding as I walked to the front door to leave. Sunbeams peak through the panes that run from the floor to the top of the door frame.
I slip on my sunglasses to get a better view of what is going on outside. Nothing looks out of the ordinary, but still I need to be on my toes. Pulling out my phone, I read the message from Martin, reminding me of my meeting. Reluctantly, I tuck my phone in my pocket and open the front door. There’s nothing going down, so that’s good, but from the look on Joey’s face, he’s less than pleased with the wait. He holds the car door open while his suit jacket reveals his piece.
It’s a struggle to leave that house without her. I try not to think about what my father said in there, but it’s exactly what he intended for me to hear. Rafael fucked her this morning. Which means he’s clearly aware that there’s an attraction between us and that could be extremely dangerous for her. He’d love to destroy me and everything I love. Love...no, it’s not love, just an insane, inexplicable attraction.
I want her out of that house tonight. As soon as I get in the car, Joey runs to the driver’s seat and drives off.
Once we’re on the main road, he starts talking. “There are around a half a dozen guys walking the perimeter. I never saw more than three at a time, but I remember their faces.”
“Did they harass you?” I ask, pulling out my phone and running a few tests on the gadgets Martin had told me about last night during our drive back from upstate New York. They prevent anyone, including Google, from tracking my movements. It’s completely a ghost phone. I’m going to need all the tools and more to get into the house and get her out, so I better get started.
He scoffs. “They asked me every question under the sun, but I told them to fuck off. I asked them since their job is to protect their family, why the fuck were they bothered by the driver for one of the family members?” That’s why I brought Joey with me. He’s a hardened guy with balls of brass. There’s no way my father’s men were going to get shit out of him.
“What the fuck did they say?”
“Nothing. They didn’t have a response, and then finally they tossed out that weak bullshit about needing the background on all those who work for the family. I told them it took them fucking long enough to come up with that basic-ass reply and that I’d be informing you of it. If your father isn’t involved, then his men are at the very least.”
“Oh, he’s involved. There’s not a doubt in my mind.” I think about the way he kept watching my reaction and interaction with Giada. The thought of him hurting her hasn’t stopped running through my mind as we drive on.
“I’ve got your back for whatever you’re planning to do,” he says, looking through the rearview mirror.
“Good. Tonight. We take Giada from this house,” I inform him.
“Wait? Your brother’s wife?” He’s staring at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“She’s not his wife,” I growl. The word sounds so damn grotesque to me that I feel it strike the pit of my stomach harder than any blow from a boxing match. “She’s not, and don’t ever say that shit again.”
“Wow. Whoa. Sorry.” Reading my emotions, he doesn’t press the issue and continues to drive to my offices. I have to take over control of them before tomorrow or they’ll remain in the hands of the board.
“I want to strike as soon as we can. I’ve lived here my whole life. I know every nook and cranny inside and out. Besides, I have a little help.”
“Who?” He raises his brow with a smirk on his face.
“My mama.” She gave me information that’s exactly what I needed to get Giada into my arms. I’m surprised that my mother hasn’t found a way to leave herself. After all these years, she sticks around. If she wants out, I’ll take her with me as well.
The entire ride back into the city, I concoct my plan to extract Giada. It’s going to take a small team to sneak in without being seen and bring her home. I send out a couple of messages and place a quick call.
We pull up to my office building and park in
