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“Thank me when your sister is home safe,” I reply, tapping my earpiece to end the call.

As soon as goon number one walks toward the other side of the parking lot, I move. The easiest way to avoid being seen is by sneaking in the back. At first, I contemplate whether I should pretend to be staff, but decide against it. I’ll assess the situation in person once I have eyes on the target.

The restaurant has an elegant, soft ambiance with its low lighting, high ceilings, and golden décor. It’s nothing like the casino; this place screams money and privilege. I’m pretty sure most people don’t even know this restaurant is mafia-owned.

Luckily, Sienna is as observant as she is smart, because she clocks me immediately. Taking a casual sip of her wine, she clicks her nails against the glass, the secret sign Alessandro told me to watch out for. She leans forward, batting her lashes at Franko. “Excuse me, love. I need to use the ladies’ room.”

Franko eyes her cautiously for a long, tense moment. “Of course,” he replies.

I’m not surprised when Franko nods at his guard, silently telling him to keep an eye on her.

Quickly, I make my way back down the dim hallway leading to the restroom. I’m ghosting my way through the shadows and around the corner, my boots silent against the stainless-steel floor. Franko’s guard, goon number two, is standing there, back against the burgundy wall, smiling like a fucking idiot at something on his phone. I don’t waste any time trying to figure out if he’s watching some random cat video or talking with his sweetheart. I lift my tranquilizer gun and shoot.

It’s a specialized piece that’s silent and loaded with a sedative that acts almost instantly.

The dart penetrates his neck. The goon wobbles a bit and crumples to the ground. I’m there before his head can crack against the floor. I drag his heavy body into the women’s restroom and out of sight. I expect Sienna to scream, or at the very least gasp, but she doesn’t. Much to my astonishment, she nonchalantly approaches the body, heels echoing in her wake. She lifts the skirt of her sparkling gown and kicks the man in the balls. Hard.

“Is he dead?” she asks, her tone as cold and efficient as my movements. She never takes her eyes off the man. Damn, why do I get the impression that she’ll be upset when I tell her the truth?

I shake my head. “No. But he’ll probably wish he were dead as soon as he wakes up. The migraine he’ll be experiencing will be a brutal one.”

“Hmm,” she hums, kicking him again. “Too bad. He deserves to die.” Stepping over the guard’s limp form, Sienna finally glances my way. Her eyes sweep over my body appreciatively. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a mafia heiress would be this fierce. She definitely reminds me of her brother. “What now?” she asks.

Sienna is even prettier up close. Her makeup is elegant, only enhancing her beauty, but just under her foundation, there’s a darker shade. She covered up a large bruise under her right eye. Her arms are also littered with bruises, but she doesn’t appear weak. If I had to guess, I would assume she’s a fighter.

“Alessandro should be right outside the back door. I’ll leave the restroom first. When I give you the sign, I need you to move as quickly and quietly as possible. But only if I give you the sign. You understand?” My gaze drops to her noisy heels.

“This isn’t the first time I’ve been held against my will,” she replies, voice dripping with sarcasm. Without me even having to say a thing, she removes her shoes, pulls out a pair of flats from her purse, and slips them on. “Although you are way more efficient than the moron my father sent to save me last time.”

I cock a curious brow. How many fucking times has this woman had to deal with something like this? “Actually, it was your brother who sent me.”

Her face softens. “Ah, that makes more sense. I’m glad he understood my letter.” Light fingers wrap around my biceps. “Don’t get yourself killed. I want to thank you properly when this shit is over.”

Her words cause me to freeze, but I get the impression she’s not actually flirting with me. Not wanting to waste time, I don’t bother to reply. I open the door and slowly peer out. The hallway is clear.

Beckoning her forward, I give Sienna the sign. We make eye contact, and together we move quietly. Efficiently. My respect grows for this woman when I point further down the hall at the back entrance, and she gives me a sharp nod. I expected a spoiled princess. One who might be hysterical and blubbering, with a river of mascara running down her cheeks. Instead, I’m working with a woman who almost seems to be military trained in her awareness. Sienna reminds me of my comrades on the field. In another, alternate life, I can see myself following her orders.

She pushes the back door open as quietly as possible. From here, I spot Alessandro, gun raised. The relief that crosses his face is instant. He gives me a small smile before the back door closes behind them.

First mission accomplished. Now time to go kill this fucker.

I make my way back down the hall, quiet as a shadow. During my military service, I honed the skill of becoming invisible, like a ghost on the battlefield. I position myself behind a marble pillar, observing Franko with mechanical precision. Goon number one, the guard who was originally outside, is standing next to Franko. I check the chamber of my rifle.

Franko peers at his watch, frowning. “What’s taking her so damn long?” Franko asks, sounding bored. Does he even care about Sienna, or did he plan on using her as a pawn to not pay his debt to the Mafia?

“Damn, boss.” Goon number one laughs. “You know how women are. Always taking forever and shit. She’s probably just on her period.”

Franko sucks on his teeth before a slimy smile spreads across his lips. “Trust me, that tight pussy wasn’t on her period a few hours ago. I’d know.”

Disgust roils through me. This fucking pig.

I’m half tempted to put my rifle away and pull my tranquilizer gun back out. A sudden desire to take this piece of filth to some abandoned building just so I can torture the fool is strong. That dark, sadistic part of me desperately wants to give in. I study Franko Warner, the piece of shit who has always been rumored to abuse those around him. Images of Sienna’s bruises come to mind, and that urge only grows stronger. Tonight I got my proof. This man deserves pain.

But even as the thought comes to mind, I remember Alessandro’s words. He wants a quick death, and he’s paying me a pretty penny to deliver. I owe it to my friend not to fuck around.

As the two continue to chat, I get into position. Judging by Franko’s impatience, I don’t have much time to kill the Director before he tries to get up and go searching for Sienna. Thank fuck, she’s safe, and her brother got her out of here.

Peering through the scope of my rifle, I aim. My breaths are slow and steady; my pulse calm. I’ve done this hundreds of times before, and I can easily say I’ve never missed.