34. Dominic
THIRTY-FOUR
DOMINIC
The warehouse was freezing, but I didn’t feel it. All I could focus on was the asshole tied to the chair in front of me—bloody, sweat-soaked, and too stupid to keep his mouth shut. The faint hum of a flickering bulb overhead matched the buzzing under my skin.
I dragged the chair closer to me with a screech, crouching so we were eye to eye. His face was swollen from the last round of my questions, but the he still had enough nerve to smirk at me through bloody teeth.
“Let’s try this again.” I reached for the crowbar leaning against the crates beside me. “Where is Alexei?”
He sniffed. “Why don’t you ask Luca? I’m sure he knows all about it.”
My grip on the crowbar tightened. “What did you just say?”
The thug chuckled. “What, you think no one knows?”
“Who told you?”
“Word spreads fast, especially when it’s this good. The Bratva’s lapdog, taking it up the ass for his boss? Come on.”
I grabbed the back of his chair and yanked it forward. He let out a choked sound as the metal screeched, but I didn’t let him catch his breath.
“Who. Told. You.”
The thug wheezed out a laugh. “Does it matter? The whole goddamn city knows. You’ve turned into a fucking punchline, Caruso. You and that pretty little?—”
My fist cracked into his jaw. He slumped forward, gasping. My fists still shook, but I dropped the crowbar with a clatter that made him flinch.
“Get out.”
The thug blinked.
“Get the fuck out before I change my mind.”
I turned my back on him, walking to the other side of the warehouse as I heard him struggle to his feet, the sound of his labored breathing filling the space. He stumbled to the door. Finally, the heavy door groaned open and slammed shut.
Silence.
I dragged a hand down my face. Everyone knows. How did this get out? I pulled out my phone, flipping it open. Three missed calls from Luca.
“Shit.”
I hit redial, pacing as the phone rang. Once. Twice. Then straight to voicemail.
“Luca, it’s me. Call me back.”
I hung up, frowning as I noticed the other missed notifications—texts and missed calls I’d ignored while hunting down Alexei’s men. I swiped through the screen, dread pooling in my chest.
Santino’s name lit up the screen.
I answered. “What?”
“Luca escaped the hospital.”
I froze. “What?”
“He ripped out his IV, took his shit, and left. Delilah’s losing her mind.”
Blood drained from my face. “How long ago?”
“Half an hour, maybe more.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “Son of a bitch.”
“We need to find him, Dom. He’s in no shape.”
“I’ve got his location,” I said, sending him the address. “I put a tracker in his car a while ago.”
“Good thinking.”
“Meet me there.” I headed for the warehouse exit.
I ended the call and shoved my phone into my pocket. My heart hammered as I climbed into the car and slammed the door shut. The engine roared to life.
What the hell are you doing, Luca?
He was chasing Alexei. It was a trap, and he was walking into it. Stubborn idiot.
I pushed the gas pedal to the floor, the tires screeching.
Hang on, Luca. I’m coming for you.