Page 105 of Reckless Desires

“So everyone dislikes her.”

“You have no idea.”

After filling him in on what Donal told me, we head to Thea’s place. We pull up right alongside Stasia and Selene, who look ready to murder the woman who birthed them. Cameron and Alessio arrive, but no one waits for them. Stasia unlocks the door, and we go busting in to find Thea having a glass of expensive red wine.

She seems surprised and happy to see us all before she looks confused by our expressions. She opens her mouth to speak, but Stasia slaps her across the face. The cup of wine falls to the floor, shattering across the marble.

“You fucking stupid bitch!” Stasia lunges at her again, but Darius holds her back despite her kicking and screaming.

“You can kick her ass later. Right now, we need answers,” Darius says to Stasia, pulling her away.

I pick Thea up by the arm and throw her into a chair.

“Have you all gone crazy?!” she screeches.

I get in her face. “You’re going to tell me where she is.”

“Who?” Thea furrows her brows.

“Lily!” I yell in her face. “She was taken AGAIN. And turns out you’re the fucking reason.”

I can see the fear in her eyes, not because we are ready to kill her, but because we know she’s responsible.

I press. “Where would you meet Viktor Vaks?”

“I would play some poker games in private locations. The place changes each time.”

“How much do you owe him?” I spit out.

“My debt is none of your concern,” she replies.

That’s when someone’s arm extends past me, holding a shard of glass to Thea’s throat. Selene, known to be the kindest and gentlest Andretti sister, is ready to shed blood. Her grip on the shard of glass is so tight that she begins to bleed.

“If you don’t start giving us some useful information, so help me god, I will send you straight to hell. And even then, when the devil comes to get you, it won’t be punishment enough.”

I look to Selene, impressed, then over my shoulder to Cameron, who walked in to witness a side of his wife he may not have known existed. He stands there with a proud smirk.

Thea looks between us all. “It’s not what it looks like. I didn’t put my Lily in danger on purpose.”

“How much do you owe?” Darius asks, still holding Stasia back.

She rolls her eyes. “One and a half.”

“One and a half what?” I press.

“Million,” she spits out. Curses spew around us.

“And I assume it’s a good guess you think I would clear it for you?” Alessio questions. “That’s why you are pushing Lily and me to marry so quickly.”

“Honestly, I was hoping the Russians would be dead by then, but hey, you were a backup plan.” She almost shrugs.

“If we can’t get her back, you’re dead!” Stasia shouts, struggling out of Darius’ grip.

No sense in threatening her; Thea doesn’t seem to care.

“A number?” I question. “How would they contact you?”

“I can get you the few numbers he would call me from,” Thea replies. “I’ll need to get my phone.” She looks to Selene, and I see the look she gives her, and somehow Selene feels ashamed of her actions. I, on the other hand, still have Thea by the arm so she doesn’t run. She leads me to her phone and I take it.