Page 59 of Maximum Bet

“Here we are,” Cecilia announces as she pulls to the entrance of the hospital.

As soon as the car is in park, we throw the doors open and jump out. A nurse is by Sadie’s side and helping her into a wheelchair before I have a chance to round the car. Natalie scurries behind with Sadie’s purse as she’s wheeled toward a bank of elevators.

I join Cecilia, who is handing the keys to a bewildered valet. The college-aged kid eyes the BMW with concern. Bullet holes riddle the sides and back. I’m beyond grateful that the men weren’t good enough shots to blow out a tire.

“Please get this in the back of the garage quickly,” Cecilia orders, handing the man the keys. “I’d appreciate it if you keep the state of the car to yourself. I’ll make sure you earn a hefty tip if no one knows we’re here.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The kid shakes his head but does as asked.

“Holy shit,” I say to Cecilia as we enter the lobby. “Where did you learn to drive like that?”

She smirks and smooths a hand over her still-perfectly-in-place French twist. “There are some things you pick up when your husband is in a certain line of work.” She winks and nudges my side. “Let me know if you ever want lessons.”

I huff out a laugh as she steps forward to press the elevator button for the second floor.

I should have known defensive driving was a skill needed to be a Mafia wife. At least I’ll learn from one of the best.

We follow the signs to the labor and delivery unit, stepping out of the elevator on the second floor and quickly coming upon a waiting room. I sigh in relief when I spot Natalie standing inthe center of the room. But my sense of calm quickly morphs when I see the panic on Natalie’s face.

“Uh, guys,” she says before adjusting her glasses nervously. “I think I was texting the wrong number.”

She holds up Sadie’s phone as Cecilia and I move closer.

Seven missed calls, ten missed texts.

“Open them!” I snap.

Right as she gets it unlocked, another text comes through.

SADIE!!! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU???

Natalie grimaces as I snatch the phone from her hand.

I go to recent calls and select Lucas’s name.

“Sadie!” he cries after one ring.

“Hey, Lucas,” I say. “So, we’re fine, but you might want to come to the hospital. Sadie’s in labor.”

“Holy shit!” In the background, I hear voices asking what’s wrong. “Nothing,” Lucas says. “I’m about to be a dad!”

With a wide smile, I tell Lucas to hurry and hang up.

“Hey, Cassie,” Natalie says. “If Lucas didn’t know where we are, that means . . .”

“Oh, shit.” I feel my face drain of color as I eye the device in my hand. “Dominic—”

“And Leo . . .” she adds.

“Don’t either.”

Chapter 21

Dominic

Ipace through the living room of our suite while Leo calls Lucas on speakerphone. Marco has his hands shoved in his hair, gripping hard. It’s the first time Amanda has been in direct danger, and he’s not handling the situation well.

Nico, the only one of us without a woman to worry about, is texting furiously, working to get in contact with our West Coast allies. If we’re about to go into a war, we need all the support we can get.