Free Dante (Blood Brothers Book 5) by Eve Vaughn Page B

you.”
    Maggie frowned. “He’s Il Diavolo ! Are you out of your mind? Do you expect us to go with someone who’s been a source of pain for this family?”
    Nya shook her head vehemently, wishing she had more time to explain the situation properly, but if she didn’t get back to Adonis soon, he’d know for sure she was working against him. He already knew of her connection with Giovanni, though he’d laughed at the association as being no threat to him. Giovanni is weak and would never lift a finger to harm me because his emotions will always get in the way . If Adonis knew what she was up to, however, there was no telling what he’d do .
    She didn’t care if he killed her. Death was preferable to living with the blood of the Grimaldi children on her conscience, but if she could help her friend in any way, she would do it. “Giovanni’s on our side,” Nya finally answered.
    Christine turned to Maggie and Sasha, her irritation evident. “I thought we already established that they’re here to help. I don’t know about the two of you, but I , for one am , not going to stand here and argue about the validity of Nya’s claim when it gives me the opportunity to go get my kids instead of just sitting around talking about it. Whether you two come with me or not, I’m going with them.”
    “You’ll be in good hands,” Liliana assured them.
    Maggie didn’t appear so easily swayed. “Okay, let’s say we believe Nya’s reasons for helping us, but what are yours?”
    Liliana smiled , although it didn’t quite reach her eyes . “Let’s just say , I have a score to settle with an old enemy. Once I take Nya where she needs to go, I’ll be back to take you three to the airport. If it didn’t ta ke so much of my energy , I ’d teleport you all, but the plane ride will provide me with the respite I’ll need to recha rge. Are you ready to go, Nya?”
    Certain Liliana would take care of the Grimaldi women in her absence, Nya took Liliana ’s offered hand, but Christine grasped her arm. “Wait. You can’t go yet.”
    “I have to .” Nya closed her eyes against the concern in Christine’s face. Her friend meant well, but she didn’t know all that was involved and that was probably for the best.
    “But Adonis is dangerous. He could kill you.”
    “Christine, my soul died a long time ago. What happens to my body is inconsequential.” She brushed her lips against the young vampire’s cheek. “Take care of yourself.”
    “Nya— ”
    Nya clutched Liliana’s hand tighter, signaling her readiness. They were out of the penthouse before Christine could finish her statement. Nya hated long good-byes, and this one could possibly be their last. She only hoped her help hadn’t come too late.
    <><><>
    Dante glanced through the back window of Sidewinder’s house. “There seems to be some kind of party going on. We’re not going to be able to take all of them.” Sneaking onto the grounds had been easy. There had been no one guarding the gates, and now he knew why. There was no need with all those rogues inside. Dante counted fifteen in this room alone.
    There was no telling how many there were throughout the rest of the house.
    “Really?” Paris murmured. “There don’t seem to be that many. We’ve taken out more than this by ourselves before.”
    Dante didn’t want to agree with Paris, but he was right. In most circumstances , he probably would have gone barreling into the house himself, but not with Isis around. She claimed she could take care of herself and Dante was sure she could, but he didn’t want to risk her getting hurt. What had happened on the plane had changed everything and forced him to deal with feelings he still wasn’t certain of. He might not have a complete handle on his emotions where she was concerned, but Dante did know if something happened to her, it would cause him a great deal of distress.
    “Maybe there’s a way to sneak into the house and check all the rooms without being