Page 89 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins
"He has my sister." Nic's eyes flash dangerously.
"And you're the Don. The family needs you alive." I grip his shoulder. "Think about what happens if this is a trap. If you die, Gia and her kids, Bella and your kids, they’re all at risk."
"So I'm supposed to sacrifice Gia?"
"No." I meet his gaze steadily. "But this is about you. She’s bait. Don’t give him what he wants or you and Gia won’t be the only casualties. You know that’s true. Let me lead the approach. You can coordinate from a safe distance."
"Max—"
"You know I'm right." My voice drops lower. "If you die, Gia, Bella… the kids, they're all at greater risk. And you know I'll do whatever it takes to get her back.” I nearly tell him how I love her. Love her with every fiber of my being.
Something shifts in Nic's expression, recognition, maybe understanding. He studies me for a long moment before nodding slowly.
"Fine. But I want eyes on everything. And if anything goes wrong?—”
"It won't. We're getting her back, Nic. Trust me." And if I die, it’s no real loss. Not to Nic or Gia. At least I would finally be doing something to save her and the children.
Fifty minutes later,I pull up to the warehouse. My men are moving into position, some covering the roof, others at strategic points around the perimeter. We've run dozens of operations like this, but none where the stakes felt so personal. None where my heart threatened to burst from my chest with each passing second.
In the past, operations like this might have a thrill to them, but mostly, they were emotionless tasks. Me doing my job. Now? I feel the weight of everything I stand to lose. Gia. The twins. The life I should have fought for years ago.
I check my watch. Ten minutes until the deadline. Nic's voice crackles in my earpiece, updating me on surveillance positions. He's coordinating from a mobile command center two blocks away, probably climbing the walls with the need to be here himself. But this is my responsibility, my duty not just to the family or to Nic, but to the woman I love and the children I've failed for too long.
The warehouse office door stands partially open, a silent invitation into whatever trap Ricky has laid. My training screams at me to wait, to coordinate a full tactical approach. But each second that passes is another second Gia spends in that monster's hands. Another second where he could…
I push the thought away, forcing myself to focus. This isn't just about saving Gia anymore. It's about making things right with her, with the kids, with Nic. If I survive this, I'm done hiding, done letting fear and duty and obligation keep me from claiming what matters most.
The metal door groans as I ease it wider. My finger settles beside the trigger of my gun as I step into the gloom, every nerve ending alive with anticipation.
I move silently through the warehouse office, years of training taking over as my eyes adjust to the dim light filtering through grimy windows.
A soft whimper echoes from deeper inside, and my heart nearly stops. I look through the office door into the warehouse, and I spot her. Gia’s bound to a metal chair, her dark hair falling across her face. Even from here, I can see the trembling in her shoulders, the way she keeps testing her restraints. But there's steel in her spine, a familiar stubborn set to her jaw that tells me she hasn't broken.
My chest constricts at the sight. This is my fault. If I'd been man enough to claim her, to stand up to Nic and everyone else, she'd be safe at home in Vegas with our children right now. Instead, she's here, at the mercy of a psychopath, because I was too much of a coward to protect what matters most.
Raw fury builds inside me, a protective rage I've never felt before. Not in all my years of violence for the family. This is different, primal and personal. Every fiber of my being screams to rush to her, to tear apart anyone who dares threaten her. But I force myself to stay focused, to remember my training. One wrong move could get her killed.
I scan the shadows around her, looking for Ricky or his men. The warehouse feels too quiet, too still. But I know he's here somewhere, waiting. My finger rests beside my gun's trigger, ready.
Gia's head snaps up suddenly, her eyes widening as she spots me through the gap. I press a finger to my lips, silently willing her not to give away my position. She gives an almost imperceptible nod, but I can see fresh tears gathering in her eyes.
Never again, I swear silently. No one will ever hurt her again. Whatever it takes, whatever price I have to pay, I'm done letting fear keep me from protecting what's mine.
"Ricky!" My voice booms through the warehouse, echoing off metal walls. "Show yourself, you coward!"
A chuckle emerges from the shadows behind Gia. Ricky steps into view, one hand resting on her shoulder. My jaw clenches at his touch.
"Well, if it isn't Nic's faithful dog." His smirk falters as he notices my steady approach. "Where's the Don? I said to come alone." He raises the gun by his side and points it at Gia’s head. Fuck!
I pull my shit together. "You really think Nic would walk into such an obvious trap?" I take another step forward, watching Ricky's hand twitch. "Let her go, and maybe you walk out of here alive."
"Stay back!" He yanks Gia's head back by her hair, making her gasp. "I'll kill her if Nic doesn't show his face in the next five minutes."
My voice drops low, dangerous. "Like how your father died, crying, begging for mercy when Nic caught him planning against him?"
It might seem counterintuitive to antagonize him, but I know from experience, putting your opponent on edge is the best way to force a mistake. It’s a risk to be sure, but it’s my best bet to save Gia.
Ricky's face contorts with rage. "My father was a good soldier. Nic had no right?—”