The Willing Captive

PROLOGUE

Blood doesn't betray blood ... or it shouldn't.

Those are the rules. But life doesn't always play by the rules, especially when you're a mob boss.

***

Charlie

Tears and survival didn't mix. I'd learned that the hard way when I got kicked out of my mother's house at sixteen.

***

There's something you're not telling me Dante. Why did your brother want to know what I'd overheard? What is he so eager to hide that he'd kill to do it? Specifically that he'd kill me to keep it quiet.

Nothing that concerns you.

The hell it doesn't! I've been beaten, choked and threatened with death. If my life is on the line for it, I should at least know what 'it' is. Level with me. Otherwise, I'll take my chances on saving my own neck.

You'll do no such thing. And if you think you have any say in this matter Charlie, you are sadly mistaken. You'll do what I say, when I say,...