Chapter 9 Don’t Lose Her
Don’t Lose Her
I miss being a kid with you… I have so many responsibilities now. —Always yours, Enzo
Enzo
The line to the club is already around the corner by the time I arrive, and it’s still an hour before opening.
I should have been here earlier, but I was too content just existing with Izzy. Hell, I should have been around for the past two weeks overseeing the renovations. But instead, I was watching Izzy, hoping like hell she would wake up and show me her gorgeous blue eyes.
The bouncers, already stationed outside, nod their heads in greeting before opening the door for me.
Inside, the place has transformed. I bought this club about a year ago, and until now I haven’t done much with the interior. It was dated, and in serious need of modernization.
Now, it’s unrecognizable.
The sleek black walls, contrasting gold accents, the recessed lighting—it all gives the space a bold, upscale feel. The long, marble-topped bar stretches across the far wall, backlit with soft amber light that highlights the endless rows of top-shelf liquor.
Elevated VIP booths line the edges, enclosed by velvet ropes, their plush black seating offering a perfect view of the action below.
The bass hums low, even now, the sound system pulsing with an energy that promises a wild night ahead.
I take a slow walk through, running my fingers along the smooth surfaces, nodding to myself. It’s exactly what I envisioned—a place that breathes power, luxury, and the kind of exclusivity that makes people desperate to get inside.
And judging by the line outside, they already are.
Dante’s waiting for me on the mezzanine floor. We now have two VIP areas, one downstairs, closer to the action, and another upstairs for a more private affair.
He holds out a glass of whiskey to me as I approach which I accept gratefully.
“You gonna tell me about the girl?” he asks, not even pretending to hide his curiosity.
“Nope,” I reply, taking a sip of my drink as I scan the floor below.
He mutters under his breath but doesn’t push me, instead he talks business. “The Ivanov’s are getting ballsy again.”
They know better than to test us. My sister killed Radomir Ivanov’s son Nikolai, but we have leverage over them that’s been working to keep them from retaliation. “How so?” I murmur.
“They hit one of our restaurants last week. Took down two of our men.”
My head swivels to his. “Why is this the first I’m hearing of it?”
He clucks his tongue. “Perhaps because you gave strict instructions not to bother you for anything.”
Fuck.
“What are we doing about it?”
Dante’s eyes scan the room before he turns back to me. “Boss has us on high alert, and we’re planning to hit one of their territories, to remind them not to fuck with us.”
Normally, I wouldn’t be so out of the loop, but Izzy has been my sole focus. “Alright, let me know when that’s happening.”
Partygoers start filing inside and taking to the dancefloor.
“Speak of the devil,” Dante says, clapping me on the back. I follow his gaze, and sure enough, Papa is heading our way. He sticks out like a sore thumb with his impeccable suit and hard-edged face. Not that I’m any better.
I meet him at the top of the stairs. Neither of us speaks as I lead him to my office.
The door closes behind us, blocking out the sounds of the club, but still, we’re silent as I pour us both a drink, handing him one, then settle in at my desk.
He swirls the amber liquid around his glass, running his thumb over the condensation. “How is Isolde?”
As soon as Doc had her stable, I called Papa.
Something I can always count on is his support.
I’m needed in England for two months because Carina has been kidnapped?
Go. We’ll figure it out. Tess needs me? You'd better get there yesterday.
My childhood best friend turns up on my doorstep half dead? Take as much time as you need.
Massimo Russo is ruthless; feared by those that cross him. And yet, while he might have been absent for most of my childhood, and he might have taken me away from my old life, he is a damn good father now.
“Her husband,” I begin, forcing myself to breathe through the rush of anger. “Lucas Dalaney. He hurt her. She’s terrified, but physically she’s healing.”
His shoulders tense. “Hurt how?”
“Raped her. Beat her. Left her for dead. Him and his friends.”
His knuckles turn white on the glass in his hand. “You’ll make them pay?”
If there’s one type of person he hates, it’s someone who would hurt women. If he ever found out what really happened to Tess when Nikolai Ivanov got hold of her… it would be a bloodbath. Doesn’t matter that Nikolai is dead, he’d drag his ghost back here just to beat him to death himself.
“You know I will.”
He nods, pleased. “You love her.” It’s not a question.
“I do.”
“Then you make sure you don’t lose her.”
We chat business for a while; he explains some of what I’ve missed these past few weeks. Mostly boring things, shipments and new business ventures. The Ivanov’s attack is surprising to us both, but my papa already has plans for their downfall. He knows I have the ammunition to do it.
One word, and their entire operation goes crumbling down in flames. But perhaps it’s time for us to take a more hands-on approach.
“Has Tess told you that she’s having a boy?” I ask him once the conversation dies down.
He chokes on his drink, sputtering with wide eyes. “She’s pregnant?”
Oh.
Oops?
Shit.
I wince, wishing I could take the words back.
She messaged me yesterday to let me know the gender. I still haven’t called her since she texted the news about paternity. I vow to do that as soon as Papa leaves.
“Congratulations, Granddad?”
Papa looks like he’s about to pass out. He mouths the word “Granddad” as if he’s testing it out on his lips.
“I assume that boy Kai is the father.”
I swallow my wince. Thank God that is the case. “Of course, Papa.”
He stands, clearly ready to leave. I go to stand too, but he puts a hand up to stop me. “You stay, I have other business to attend to.” He opens the door, muttering, "Sono ancora giovane.4" Translated, he’s saying he’s too young to be a grandfather. He’s fifty-seven.
Pulling out my phone I check the time, calculating the difference between here and London. It’s already midnight, which means it’s only five in the morning for Tess. Crap. I can’t call her.
Enzo: Heads up. I accidentally let it slip that you were pregnant to Papa. Good luck. Also, congratulations! Give me a call tomorrow.
Izzy hasn’t texted, so I’m assuming she’s okay. Still, my stomach knots, needing to be back with her. I check on my accounts, making sure everything is still in order, then switch everything off.
I lock my office up, and head out through the club, taking in the new scenery once more, noticing how packed the place is. Clearly, the revamp has been a hit.
Not wasting anymore time I head outside, and slide into my car, letting the engine purr to life beneath me.
The drive home feels like it takes forever when in reality it’s more like twenty minutes.
I’m impatient as I wait for the elevator to arrive on my floor, tapping my foot.
I head straight to my room to check on Izzy, my mind solely focused on laying eyes on her.
She’s not there.