Scars (Crimson Bonds #11)

Antonio

For once, being a ghost isn’t needed. Not in an area like this, where everyone purposefully doesn’t look. It’s not even looking the other way. Instead, they go through the motions with blinders on. I’d approve if it wasn’t so fucking tragic.

My stomach churns as I clock the spotter, who is basically useless.

He doesn’t see me. Hell, given the way he’s playing with his phone, I doubt he’s aware of much of what's going on around him.

Fuck knows that if he was part of our organization—which would never happen anyway—Tennant or Ignacio would have fired him…

permanently, and with prejudice. I may find the Senator repulsive, but fuck. Is he completely incapable?

Excitement shoots through my veins. This isn’t much of a challenge, but I’m certain I can make it past the idiot guard. His eyes seem glued to his phone, and I doubt he’s looking at security feeds, based on his reactions. The man’s face is far too expressive. It’s sad. Pitiful.

Making a split-second decision, I insert the earpiece and press a button on my phone.

“What?” Hollis’s voice is flat, teetering on the edge, but I merely roll my eyes.

Scrunching my nose, I shrug before responding. “Well, I was hoping it’d be Leandro holding down the Batcave, but I just wanted to give a heads up that I’m going to nab the nanny.”

I try not to laugh as silence hangs in the air. It’s either because I’m ignoring his precious plan—he’d better get used to dealing with bored brats, since he’s Lio’s Owner—or that I used a cheesy Batman reference. Counting in my head, I only get to the beat of eight before he responds.

“Unacceptable. You were given instructions to gather intel only.” I’m impressed he’s able to keep his emotional range, even though I’m sure he must be reaching for the coffee, and, at minimum, considering cursing.

“Meh, trust me. The guard here sucks. I want to get in and out. It’ll be a good present for the daddies.”

“Speaking of Daddies… Your Daddy won’t be happy that you’re not sticking to the plan,” Ignacio breaks in.

“Oooh, Ignacio, what are you doing in the Batcave? Is there gossip?!” It’s been fucking forever since I’ve had some fun intel. Now that Marcus isn’t available, and my nephew is busy with another daddy, and even Allesandro is babysitting him, I’m bored. I want to have some fun.

“There’s no gossip,” Ignacio growls, which only increases my curiosity. “And remember…I won’t have a problem telling your Daddy you’re misbehaving.”

“Oooh, I’m so scared. He’s not here. What’s he going to do?” I toss out, recklessness settling in.

“I’m fairly certain, if he doesn’t take you over his lap, Hollis will,” Ignacio mutters, and I laugh. The brat in me is happy to have an out—fucking finally.

“And there’s my sign. Dipshit guard is leaving, and nobody else is around. I’m going to grab her. I’ve got the bodycam on, if you need it. Ciao, now.” I practically skip across the road once the guard’s vehicle has disappeared around the corner.

I stop listening to the increasingly loud chatter in my ear. I know I’ll catch it if they have something useful to say, but right now, it’s just static. I wish Leandro was in the room instead. He’s far more daring. Even if he did set me up to be kidnapped.

I pull out my trusty lock picks as I approach the door. When I get there though, I find it’s a pretty useless barrier. And really…I don’t want to be the silent Ghost. No, this bitch deserves to feel fear. I slip the tools back into my pocket and raise my foot, kicking in the door easily.

With a distasteful glance at the broken frame, I stride forward, muttering, “It always looks so much more fun when Tennant gets to be a badass than when I'm doing it myself…”

I wince at the high-pitched cursing going on in my ear, but refuse to let them bait me.

There’s nobody in the entryway, but as soon as I hit the front room, I stumble upon my prey.

Her face flushes, and she jumps up from the couch, spilling her food onto the dilapidated carpet as she kicks the table over—as if that’ll protect her.

“You!” she snarls as her gaze darts behind me. “You can’t be in here!”

I snort, shaking my head. “Bitch, you have way more audacity then I thought you would. I hope you’ve got your will up-to-date. Because you have a date with destiny, and trust me, she’s more of a cold-hearted bitch than you.”

With that, I jump forward, plunging the needle into her arm.

Javi certainly has the good shit, because there’s barely a wait before she crumples.

Whistling softly, I pick the ex-nanny up and sling her over my shoulder in a fireman’s carry.

I have a present to deliver to the fathers, and she needs to be fired properly.

And maybe…just maybe…Daddy will be waiting for me afterward.