I shrugged. “I won't stand in your way.”
“I saidno, Nico. Or I’ll throw your ass in jail. Is that what you want? What about Gigi, huh?” he taunted, his eyes narrowing in challenge.
I smirked. When was this man ever going to learn that the badge he wore wouldn’t stop me from seeking the answers Ineeded, the answers that would lead me to avenge my girl? The stakes were too high, and I wouldn’t be sidelined, not when it came to my angel.
“What floor is Valarie on?” I asked.
Enzo, his eyes narrowing into slits, remained silent, his jaw clenching and unclenching as if he were grinding his teeth.
“I’ll find out either way. You might as well save me the trouble of killing anyone who stands in my way.”
“You’re a pain in my ass, Moretti.”
Lo chuckled.
“Fifth floor,” Enzo continued. “But mark my words, any misstep, any interference, and I’ll have you removed. Got it?”
I nodded, turning sharply to Miguel and Lo. “Stay here with my girl. Do not leave her side.”
My heart pounded with each step toward the elevator. We entered the cramped space one after the other. I watched the numbers light up, each floor passing painfully slow until the fifth dinged and the doors opened with a soft whoosh. I was the first to step out, moving with purpose down the corridor untilwe reached her room. Two agents stood guard outside, their expressions focused and alert.
“Gentlemen,” Enzo greeted them, his authority palpable.
“Sir,” they replied in unison.
Enzo turned to us, but his gaze was locked onto mine, a silent command flickering in his eyes. “Keep your tone gentle. She’s been through a lot.”
What the hell did he think I was going to do to the poor woman? Instead of throat punching him for telling me what to do, I nodded.
Enzo rapped his knuckles against the door before pushing it open.
“Valarie? It’s Enzo from the FBI,” he called out, stepping into the room.
Malik was clasping Valarie’s hand. Dante was on the opposite side of the bed, while Liam sat next to Malik.
My gaze returned to Valarie, and my heart tightened. She was so small, frail, and pale, her features eerily similar to Gigi’s, but the resemblance was overshadowed by the tubes snaking into her nose.
Something over my shoulder caught her attention. Tears spilled down her cheeks, and her lips quivered. Her expression reminded me of how Gigi looked at me when I accused her of betraying me.
“Oh, Alphonse...Gigi…your daughter…” she choked out between sobs.
“I know,” he said brokenly.
“Alphonse... Gigi was...”
“Was what?” I pushed myself off the wall. Her eyes flicked toward me for a fleeting moment before she looked back to Alphonse.
“Valarie?” Alphonse asked.
“What he did to her,” Valarie whispered.
Alphonse’s breathing became labored, his hands clenching into fists. “What happened to you both in there?”
“It doesn’t matter what happened to me. You have to make me a promise, Alphonse. Swear you’ll find her. Find her and bring her back.”
“We already found her,” Alphonse responded.
Hope ignited in Malik’s eyes as he straightened up.
