by L. P. Dover
I didn’t like Cadoc’s confidence or the way he looked as if he’d already won. Whatever he had planned, it wasn’t going to be good; I couldn’t let him win.
“Deal,” he replied, trying his best to pretend he wasn’t in pain. I squeezed even harder and he grunted. “Next Saturday. Your best fighter against mine.” He jerked his hand away and stepped back from the table. “We’re done here.”
The others stood and talked among themselves as they left, talking about how much they were going to bet on the fight. With everything at stake, it was going to be a multi-million-dollar fight. Viktor stayed back and slapped a hand on my shoulder. “Hope you know what you’re doing, Corsino. None of us want to see Cartwright at the top.”
“You won’t,” I promised. He held out his hand and I shook it. “I’m not going to let him win.”
Viktor nodded and turned on his heel. Once him and the others were gone, I stayed back with Cadoc. By now, his two goons had come inside and took their place beside him. He shook his head and smiled. “You’re a lot smarter than I thought.”
“And you’re a lot dumber than you think,” I countered. “Framing me was a bad move, Cartwright. You’re going to regret it.”
Cadoc shrugged. “I don’t think I will. The police can’t prove shit. I’ve gotten away with so much over the years. I’m not about to be taken down by you or anyone else.”
“We’ll see about that,” I said, smirking. “Although I will say you saved me the trouble of getting rid of Mackenzie myself. For that, I thank you.”
The muscles in Cadoc’s jaw twitched, but I was done. I nodded for Marco to follow me and we exited the restaurant without another word. Once we were in the car, Marco sped out of the parking lot back toward the townhouse.
“For fuck’s sake,” he hissed, “what were you thinking? Do you realize what all is at stake?”
“We’re not going to lose. We can’t.”
Marco scoffed. “You better hope not. I don’t mind taking Marjory and leaving town, but I don’t want it like this. Our name will be drug through the fucking mud.”
Our pride, our name, and our legacy were what made the Corsinos lethal. I wasn’t about to let the Cartwrights take it away. We were going to win. One way or another, I’d make sure that happened.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Faith
Time moved at a snail’s pace. It’d only been two hours but it felt like an eternity. I flipped through the news channels, waiting to see something about a mass shooting or a bombing. Luckily, there was nothing.
Reed stood by the window and peered out. “You’re neurotic, you know that?”
I flipped him off, and turned off the TV. “If someone would’ve told me years ago that I’d be in the middle of a mafia war, and that one of my best friends was an FBI assassin, I wouldn’t have believed them.”
He chuckled. “There are crazier things in this world.”
That was for damn sure. Reed focused on something outside and then hurried to the door. “They’re back.”
I jumped up from the couch and stood behind him as he opened the door. Dominic was the only one who got out of the car. My chest tightened at the sight of him. There was no emotion on his face, just a blank slate. He walked up the stairs to the townhouse and we moved out of his way so he could come inside.
My heart raced and I could feel the sweat cascading down my back. “What happened?” I asked, dreading the next words out of his mouth.
Dominic walked into the kitchen and went straight for his bottle of whiskey. “I was right about one thing. Cadoc was surprised to see me.” He took the bottle and turned it up. Reed stood by my side and we just waited. Dominic took another swig. “It’s all going to be handled though.”
“How?” I asked nervously.
Setting the bottle down, he looked at Reed. “Can you give me and Faith a minute alone?”
I didn’t like the sound of that. Reed nodded and backed out of the kitchen. “Sure thing.”
Dominic took my hand and led me down the hallway to the bedroom. I already have everything packed up so we could go back to the hotel. “I don’t like this,” I said. “You’re scaring me.”
He shut the door and leaned against it. “You’re not going to like what I’m about to say either.”
Dread settled into the pit of my stomach. He closed the distance between us and reached for my hands. “Cadoc wants control of the city. He thought with me gone, he could get it.”
It felt like a rock was stuck in my throat. “And since you’re still here, what did he do?”
Dominic averted his gaze to our entwined hands. “He wanted to make a deal and I accepted. It’ll be the last one he ever makes.”
“Oh, dear God,” I gasped. “What kind of deal?”
He looked into my eyes. “I know I said I was closing the pit down, but I need it for one more fight.”
I didn’t like the sound of that. “What kind of fight? Please tell me it’s not to the death.”
“No,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s worse than that. The winner gets the money, the power, and my hotel. The loser has to leave town for good.”
There were no words that could describe my reaction or how I felt. There was no way Cadoc would ever agree to that. “It’s a trap. It has to be,” I exclaimed. “There’s no way Cadoc would make that bet without knowing he was going to win.”
Dominic huffed. “Exactly.”
I grabbed his arms. “Then why did you agree to this?”
His eyes darkened. “I want him gone, Faith. He needs to go, whether it’s by me or the police.”
“What if they find Allison and can prove he killed Philip?” I asked desperately. “Will you let it go?”
Dominic sighed. “Yes. But if they don’t, the fight’s on.”
“When is it?”
“Not this Saturday, but next. I have over a week to get Taylor ready.”
There was no time to waste. I walked over to the bed and grabbed my bag. “We should probably get to the hotel then. Does Taylor know he’s about to fight the biggest one of his life?”
Dominic took the bag from me. “No, but I’ll tell him on the way.”
***
Even though Dominic had been cleared of all charges made against him, it didn’t stop the press from trying to get a story. Camera crews were camped out in front of the hotel when we arrived, but luckily, we didn’t have to go through the entrance. Dominic had his security team boot them out of the lobby so they had no choice but to stay out front.
As soon as we got inside, we went straight down to the pit so Dominic could watch his fighters train. It was the first time I’d ever officially met Taylor and Darius. Dominic had decided to train with them, along with Micah, Connor, and Luca. They all took their turns in the ring with both fighters.
I watched in awe as Dominic moved around the ring, sparring with Taylor. It was kind of sexy seeing him shirtless in a pair of fighting shorts all covered in sweat, but it was squashed pretty quickly when reality set in. They weren’t training for just a simple fight.
Isaiah had sat behind me the entire time and never once did he make a sound. I’d almost forgotten he was there until Reed came over and nodded at him before taking the seat beside me. He didn’t speak as we watched the others spar. He knew I was on edge.
“Please tell me the FBI are close to hunting down Allison,” I said. “Of all the people in this shit, I can’t believe she’s the key to all of it.”
I looked over at Reed and he nodded. “She might’ve had no choice. Cadoc wanted information about you and he got it. Who knows, he might’ve threatened to kill her family if she didn’t comply.”
If that was the case, it was a horrible position to be put in, especially with someone who you knew would follow through with the threat. Cadoc said I’d made a mistake not giving in to him and I did. Philip paid his life for it, and I could’ve easily lost Dominic at the same time.
Reed focused on the ring, his expression serio
us. “Once this is over, I’m out. I already told Corsino I’m not sticking around if things don’t go his way. I don’t agree with this fight, and I for damn sure, don’t like you being here,” he said, glaring at me. “This isn’t our war. The smart thing would be to say to fuck it and get out of town. If I knew you wouldn’t fight me, I’d carry you over my shoulder and make you leave.”
“Wouldn’t that be a sight,” I teased, hoping to lighten the mood. It didn’t work. With a heavy sigh, I placed a hand over his. “I don’t like the idea of this fight either. What’s done is done. I’m just praying the FBI and police find what they’re looking for to put Cadoc behind bars. It’s the only way to stop this fight.”
Reed huffed. “Trust me, I’ve been hacking into every system I can think of to get shit done. Unfortunately, Cartwright isn’t your regular criminal. He’s smart, cunning. That’s why he’s gotten away with everything he has over the years.”
I turned my attention back to the ring and watched Luca spar with Taylor for a few minutes. When he was done, he looked over at me and Reed and walked toward us. He was Dominic’s cousin and in his mid-twenties, but he didn’t have the signature Corsino looks. His hair was blond, not dark brown, and he had brown eyes instead of gray.
Luca straddled one of the seats in front of us and nodded at me before focusing on Reed. “What would you say if I wanted to become an FBI agent?” he asked him.
Mouth gaping, I stared at him in shock, thinking Reed would’ve taken it the same way, but he actually seemed impressed with Luca. “That’s pretty cool, Luca,” I said.
I hate I’d never really paid much attention to Luca before. He had the same fire and determination in his eyes that Dominic had. His lips tilted slyly and he shrugged. “It’s just a thought. I’m trying to figure out what to do once we leave this place.” Then he turned back to Reed. “I’ve already researched what it takes to be one. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and as you can see,” he said, holding his arms out wide, “I’m in pretty damn good shape. All I have to do now is to fill out the applications and pass the tests.”
Reed chuckled and stood. “You already have it figured out. Let’s get a drink and I’ll walk you through the rest.” He winked down at me, and Luca followed him over to the bar. It would be good if Luca could become an FBI agent. He’d grown up in a world full of criminals. His mindset could be useful in understanding the way they worked.
Dominic hopped out of the ring and ran a towel through his sweaty hair. “How does Taylor look up there?” he asked. He glanced back at Isaiah and Isaiah walked away, giving us privacy.
Taylor was a beast in the ring. I was told he’d gotten kicked out of the UFC and I could see why. He was vicious. “He’s very aggressive,” I replied, watching Taylor pummel away at a punching bag.
Dominic smiled. “That’s what we need, beautiful. No one’s beat him yet.” Yet. Who was to say that Cadoc’s fighter wasn’t just as skilled? “Did Luca talk to Reed about becoming an FBI agent?”
I couldn’t help but smile. “He did. I’m happy for him too.”
“So am I,” he agreed, holding out his hand. I took it and he helped me up. “He’s still young. I want to see him succeed in this world.”
I looked over at Luca and Reed and how interested Luca appeared listening to Reed talk. “I think he’ll do great. If he listens to Reed, he can’t go wrong.”
Dominic tugged on my hand. “How about we go upstairs? I think I need a shower.” I looked up at him and he winked. “You could always join me.”
“How can I say no to that?”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Faith
Three days have passed and it’d been nonstop training in the pit. There was no communication from Cadoc which I was happy about, but also nervous. I hadn’t heard anything about Philip selling out his half of the firm to him. I’d closed it down until further notice, giving all employees paid leave.
Dominic, Micah, Connor, Reed, Luca, Marco, and Isaiah were by the bar, strategizing their plans like they’d done all week. Once Taylor and Darius decided to show up, they’d all be back to work.
The press still lingered outside, but it had slowed down just a bit. Dominic and I had everything we needed inside the hotel. There was, however, some good news. His estate had sold and the papers had been signed. Dominic had already wired Layla her half of the money.
She and Bryce had no clue about the fight, but they did know about everything going on with the FBI and police trying to convict Cadoc with murder. If Layla knew about the fight, her pregnant ass would’ve hopped on a plane to smack Dominic upside the head if she did. Since it was quiet in the pit, I decided to call her.
“What’s going on, girlie?” Layla announced, her voice excited. “You packed and ready to move out here yet?”
I wished. “Almost,” I replied. Dominic had been so busy with Taylor and the guys that we haven’t really looked for a place to live. “If you find a good deal on a ranch out there, let me know. I’m trying to find something on the internet.”
She squealed. “I’ll keep my eyes peeled. Even if you don’t find something just yet, Ian’s wife, Grace, owns a hotel out here. They’d be happy to have you.” Ian was Reed’s brother and Bryce’s twin.
Thinking about it, staying at Grace’s hotel might not be a bad idea. Dominic and I could take our time and find the perfect house instead of settling. “I like that,” I said. “Takes the pressure off a bit.”
“Great. I’ll talk to Grace today. Just let me know when you’re headed this way.” She squealed again and sighed. “I’ve been on air ever since you and Dom told me you were moving out here. And who knows, you might become my sister-in-law one day.”
I giggled. “It’s too soon for that. We’re already moving too fast by living together.”
She snorted. “Not too fast when it’s meant to be. You two have always had eyes for each other. You can blame it on all those years of denying yourselves. Those impulses just decided to come out all at once.”
“There you go,” I said, laughing. “I can live with that.” I looked over at the guys and they seemed tense. Dominic paced the floor, his fingers moving ninety miles an hour over his phone screen. “Layla, I hate to cut this short, but I think Dominic’s ready to eat lunch.” It was a lie, but I didn’t know what else to say.
“Okay. Eat some for me,” she teased. “I’ll talk to you later.”
We said our goodbyes and I hung up, but I stayed right where I was. Judging by the looks on their faces, something was wrong. My phone rang and I figured it’d be a reporter since I’d seemed to get a lot of those phone calls the past few days, but when I looked down at my screen, my stomach clenched. An overwhelming feeling of sickness took over and it felt like I was going to puke. I didn’t have Cadoc’s number programmed into my phone, but I recognized his number. It’d been engrained in my mind since the first time he’d called me.
I didn’t know what to do. Did I shout for Dominic or answer it on my own? Taking a deep breath, I blew it out slow and answered it.
“What the hell do you want?” I growled low.
Cadoc chuckled. “It’s been a while, my dear. Thought I’d call and see how my partner’s doing.” The blood froze in my veins. I had a sinking feeling that Cadoc had gotten what he wanted. I knew Philip would sell. The dumb bastard didn’t realize he was going to die either way. At least, I had my answer. “No comment, Ms. Hilliard?” Cadoc taunted.
“I have nothing to say to you.”
“Might want to rethink that. You see, with the Cartwrights owning half of your firm, we’re going to be working together a lot. William tried visiting you at the hotel to go over the logistics, but apparently, none of my people have seen you in a few days.”
The thought of him keeping a watch out for me made me shudder. “Creepy, much? You need psychiatric help.”
“That I do,” he agreed, bursting out with laughter, “but unfortunately, no one wants to help someone like me.”
/>
“Gee, I can’t imagine why,” I snapped. “You’re a murderer. Philip might not have been innocent, but he didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” It was strange to think that I could ever talk to the man who’d mutilated and murdered someone I used to love. The world was a fucked up place and I was right in the dead center of it. “Now tell me what you really want,” I demanded. “If it’s about the firm, you can forget it. I’m not working with you or anyone else in your family. I’ll lay everyone off and leave you with an empty building. I don’t want to be anywhere near you.” It’d kill me to get rid of everyone, but I had to look out for them.
Cadoc sighed. “That pains me to hear, my dear. You could’ve prevented everything if you had said yes. All I wanted was for you to help William. If you would’ve agreed, this fight and everything else wouldn’t have happened.”
The guilt felt like poison as it made its way through my body. I’d tried not to think it wasn’t my fault Philip was dead, that maybe he’d brought it on himself, but the truth stared at me right in the face. It was my fault. All I had to do was say yes. Tears fell down my face and I turned away so Dominic and the others couldn’t see me.
“Why are you doing this?” My voice shook and I hated that he could hear my fear.
“Oh, Faith,” he replied, talking to me as if I was a little girl. “I do many things for many different reasons. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to discuss them right now. What I’m expecting from you is a call back with your answer.”
That made no sense. “Answer for what?” The feeling of doom settled into the pit of my stomach.
“The answer I’ve been waiting for since all of this started. I don’t expect your reply right now, but I will after you open the back door to the pit. More people will get hurt if you don’t, maybe even a certain older couple in Belle Haven, Virginia.”
The second I heard those words, I broke down and terror filled my body. I dropped my phone and could hear Cadoc’s laugh before the line disconnected.
