Chapter 20 Gio
GIO
The prick's blood still stains my knuckles as I step out of the warehouse. I don't know why these street gang dipshits think they can just come into Bonventi territory and try to take what's ours.
I flex my fingers, the joints stiff from the beating I just gave him.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out, my heart rate picking up a bit when I see her name on the screen.
It's a text from Raven.
Going to the art store for supplies, then back to the gallery.
I open the tracking app and see her little blue dot moving on the screen. She's finally taking the Apple tag I gave her.
I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. She's learning. She's checking in, just like I told her to.
The rush of pride floods through me. I know exactly where she is, every moment of every day. Her obeying stirs a primal possessiveness in me that makes me tense. The thought alone makes my cock twitch.
I slide into my car, eyes fixed on that blue dot. Weeks ago, she fought every attempt to control her movements. Now she tells me where she's going without prompting.
She's so perfect.
The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. Raven isn't just a job anymore. She isn't just a means to an end, a way to find out who tried to kill Marco. No, she's become something more to me.
My driver pulls away from the warehouse, and I look out the window.
"Fuck," I say out loud, rubbing my face. "What the hell are you doing to me, Raven?"
I just want to lock her away in my mansion, keep her safe from the world. From the Russians. From her own fucking father.
I'm falling for her. Hard and fast.
And that terrifies me more than any enemy ever could.
My phone starts buzzing, and I'm thankful for the distraction.
I look to see who's calling. It's Ares. Perfect timing.
I answer immediately. "What's up, you Greek bastard?"
Ares laughs through the phone. "Ah, Gio. Giving me that old Italian charm, I see. How's your day going? Someone steal your lunch money?"
I laugh. "You talking about the guy? How'd you know?" I ask, assuming he's referencing the man my fists just spoke with.
"They tried on our docks two weeks ago. This Chicago H-side crew or whatever they're calling themselves. Bunch of idiots. Heard they got caught boosting your supplier last night."
"Yeah," I say, staring at my sore fist. "I think I've managed to end it, though."
"Good. So I'd love to chat all fucking day with you, but I'm calling for a reason."
"I'm listening," I say.
"It's about your little Russian problem."
My grip on the phone tightens. "Tell me."
"They're denying any involvement in Marco's shooting. Say they had nothing to do with it."
"Bullshit." My jaw clenches. "Frank Carvello already confessed. Told us all about it."
"They say Frank and his son acted alone out of desperation to clear the money they owed. That they never ordered the hit."
I scoff. "Again, bullshit. Those fuckers are always lying."
"Maybe," Ares concedes. "But here's the thing—they're not after your family. They just want the girl."
My blood runs cold. "Raven?"
"Apparently, her father owes them a sizable debt. They're willing to consider it paid and drop everything if they get her."
White-hot rage floods my system. The mere thought of those fucking dogs putting their hands on Raven makes my vision blur.
"Tell them they can kiss my fucking ass." My voice drops to a dangerous tone. "Raven is mine. She's under Bonventi protection now."
"Gio—"
"No," I cut him off. "Listen to me, Ares. You tell those Russian pieces of shit that if any of them so much as look at her wrong, I'll fucking kill them. All of them. You hear me?"
There's a pause on the other end of the line. When Ares speaks again, his voice is low. "I hear you, my friend. But are you sure about this? You're risking a lot for one woman, and the Gio I've known most of my life would never do this."
"She's not just one woman," I growl. The words come out before I can stop them, raw and honest. "She's mine."
Another pause.
"I see," he says finally. "They won't back down easily," Ares warns. "They're saying the debt—"
"I don't give a fuck what they're saying." I lean forward, my free hand curling into a fist. "That debt died the moment they tried to kill my brother and force her into their sick arrangement. And if they push this, a lot more than just the debt will die."
I hear Ares sigh. "I figured you'd say something like this. Not about the girl, but not wanting to work or negotiate with them because of Marco. You're a crazy motherfucker, Gio, you know that? This girl better be worth it."
"She is."
"Well, consider the message received. I'll pass it along."
"Good," I snap. "And Ares? I owe you one for this."
"I'll add it to your tab, you Italian bastard," he laughs. "Take care, Gio. I'll see you Friday."
I end the call, tossing my phone onto the seat beside me.
The rage is rising in me. Those bastards think they can just demand Raven like she's some piece of property to be traded? Like she belongs to them?
I check the tracking app again. Her dot is at the art store.
Mine to protect. Mine to keep safe.
The possessive thoughts consume me as I direct my driver to head toward the art store. I need to see her. Need to make sure she's alright.