Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 122216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
B: I’ll head toward the air strip, just in case you need backup. I’m 100% it’s the Red Dragoons. They’re leaderless and hurting for money. Only they’d be desperate enough to take a job like this.
Me: I can handle it, and I’ll enjoy getting my hands dirty. Stay put.
B: I get it. Wet work isn’t exactly my forte. Still. I’ll hover nearby, just in case. I don’t want to lose my best-paying client to gunfire or a polar bear.
I smirk and pocket my phone, then stride to the bedroom and open up the closet. A small arsenal is hidden behind the clothes that hang in a neat row. I pause, though, and grab one of Sophia’s sweaters. Holding it to my nose, I inhale her scent. It makes the primal monster in my chest purr, but I also feel the sharp sting of her absence. My grip tightens on the fabric. If those pricks have hurt a single hair on her head–No. I stop myself. I can’t go down that road. Not until she’s safe. I need to be in control, my emotions in check until I have her in hand. After that, I’ll let loose.
Pushing the clothes aside, I enter the digits to unlock the armory, then peer over the weapons. It’s a ‘best of’ collection with all my favorites, some of them well-worn from use. I was born for battle, born to fight and bleed for my kingdom, and more importantly, for my queen.
My phone buzzes again.
B: Satellites show 4 people leaving the plane and getting into a vehicle. I’ll send coordinates as soon as they reach their destination.
Another message pops up.
Nikolai & Bianca: Daddy, when are you coming home? Did you get Mommy yet?
My heart, which only exists for my family, cracks a little at their innocent questions. I’m sure Evangeline and Marco told them their mother and I are on some sort of an impromptu trip. But if we’re gone for too long, the kids will know something’s up. We rarely travel without them.
Me: I’m picking her up shortly. We’ll be back tomorrow. Be good for Marco and Evangeline while we’re gone.
Nikolai & Bianca: Fredo is sitting on your desk and meowing. He’s being weird. Is everything ok?
I shake my head. That cat is trying to rat me out, but I can’t be mad at him for having a sixth sense.
Me: Fredo is always dramatic. Don’t worry. We love you.
Nikolai & Bianca: Love you too.
I pull out a pair of pistols, a shotgun, several knives, and a vest. Once I’ve strapped everything in place to my liking, I pull a black trench coat from the closet and slide it on.
The tiniest meow catches my attention, and I turn to the crate tucked beside the bed.
Dropping to my haunches, I pet the fluffy gray kitten, his big blue eyes watching every move I make.
“Everything’s going to be fine. If you haven’t already, you’ll meet your mother soon. She’s going to lose her mind over you.” I pet the black one, and then the one with the big ears and mix of gray and black on its nose. “I think she was getting you for me as a Christmas surprise.” I would laugh if worry wasn’t gnawing away at my gut. “I hate to say it, but you three were the perfect bait to get her out in the open.” That’s a breach I intend to rectify. It’s a simple fix really–from now on, Sophia goes nowhere without me. No exceptions.
The one with the big ears meows mournfully.
“I’m not blaming you, and don’t worry. I’m getting your mommy back. She’ll be here petting you in no time.” I stand and point to Fredo’s litter box in the bathroom. “Don’t forget to use the potty if you need to. Fredo’s food will have to do for now, but I’m sure Sophia will get you some specialty food when we get home.”
I shake my head at myself. Nick DaVinci, feared mafia boss, talking to kittens. If I didn’t already know that Sophia has left an indelible mark on my soul, this would be direct proof. I stand and return to the closet, adding a couple of grenades to my vest just to be sure I’m covered.
When I feel the plane touch down, I grab some black leather gloves from a drawer, slide them on, then head for the door.
It’s a winter wonderland outside, the ground covered with white. It won’t be long before I stripe it with red, making a delightful peppermint pattern that’s on-brand for both the holidays and the DaVincis.
5
SOPHIA
My kittens would be adorable in the snow. They would be a bit timid at first, but then they would roll all around, and it would be the cutest thing in the whole world. Except that’s not happening anytime soon.