My Only Addiction: The Lamont Series, #3

By Cole J. Powell

Victory is bittersweet when your life hangs in the balance. Threats are eradicated one by one only for us to find we've fallen into a trap of lies and false hope. A devised plan that took us by surprise from a man not bothering to hide in the shadows.

 

They're not the only people hiding something.

 

I'll be damned if I let them win. They don't get to define me or determine my future. Nothing makes you fight harder than having the love and devotion of a Lamont man. Antonio will stop at nothing to protect his own–blood or not.

 

Second chances don't come around often in our world.

 

*This book is intened for ages 18+

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cole J. Powell
• Release date: Jan 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9780473693619

Cole J. Powell

Cole J. Powell is a New Zealand author who writes fierce heroines and cutthroat alphas. She loves writing books with suspenseful plots and twisted storylines; sometimes those sweet and heartfelt stories sneak in too. She thanks you sincerely for taking the time to read and review her work.

Book preview

AUTHOR NOTE

This book is intended for ages 18 and over. It contains triggering topics and graphic content of differing levels that may offend some people, such as: coarse language, assault and abuse of minors, drugs, sex scenes, violence, and abduction.

This book is considered dark romance due to these topics.

CONTENTS

Author Note

Unknown

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Also By Cole J. Powell

About The Author

Let’s Stay Connected

UNKNOWN

I nurse my victory drink between my palms while I take in the room of narcissists. If this venture wasn't such a walk in the park, I wouldn't be so cocky.

I take in my surroundings and remember the first time I laid eyes on Lacey. No woman has equated to her since she walked into this club, and I’ve been stuck sitting on the sideline watching him take advantage of her since. She deserves to be cherished, not mauled in the back alley like one of the working sluts in this building.

All of that doesn’t matter now, though. I’ve finally got my chance, and I’m not going to mess this up. Soon she’ll be delivered to me, and no one will know what’s hit them. I’ll protect her far better than any of them have been able to so far.

I pocket my phone, place bills on the counter for my tab, then leave this fine establishment for the very last time.

I raise my face to the sky as I cross the threshold, welcoming the warmth my smile brings with the anticipation of what’s to come.

I’ve spent months working on this project. Watching and waiting for the perfect moment. It was all made too easy in the end; the fools cemented her future by being careless. Better yet, the Cromwell brother being released from prison came at the perfect moment. It gave me more ammunition than I expected. What’s more we can pin this on the man who released him. It’s perfect.

With my hands in my coat pockets, I walk away from Envy looking forward to the late-night stroll. As I’m about to step over the sidewalk to cross the road, a car comes screeching to a halt a few feet from where I stand. I look through the windscreen to see who’s in a hurry and internally laugh at the fury driven panic over each of their faces. The driver catches my eye just before I look the other way, then I cross the road like I was never there.

I walk a few minutes along the sidewalk before pulling the phone back out of my pocket. I take great enjoyment playing the circus master, working these lions into a frenzy as I send my last message before dumping the phone around the corner.

I spy with my little eye, something that starts with the letter L, or is that someone?

Good luck. The game has only begun!

ONE

Antonio

It’s happening again. I’m losing the one thing I vowed to protect.

The need to rip the car interior to shreds is strong as I fail to contain my ferocity. She’s gone all because I wanted to play the fucking hero. It was supposed to work, and it would have if it wasn’t for that traitorous bitch Jordannah interfering and playing us all like fools. I should’ve known better. It was too easy, and I was so possessed with keeping Lacey out of harm's way that I never questioned her absence once I reached the warehouse. I won’t let this stop me from tearing every inch of the city down until she’s in my arms again. The repercussions will be a reminder to others in the shadows that we continue to rule with vindication. We won't go down, period.

Tony, we need to get you inside and cleaned up. Doctor Roberts is in Xander’s office waiting for you. Vince’s stern voice carries through the car as I continue to circumvent said situation.

I want to argue and tell him to take me to the mansion, but they’ll already be doing what they can and if I’m here that means there’s less risk of upsetting Ava.

We pulled up to the curb in front of the building moments ago, as if Vince had only told me what was happening as it happened for less chance of an argument. Their unnerving calmness would calm even a rabid dog.

I don’t give a fuck about getting cleaned up. I give a fuck about finding Lacey and who the hell let her out on her own! I bite out.

Don’t start shit with us, Tony. You of all people know how stubborn she can be, especially when you’re involved. You and Xander may sign the checks but we’re putting your wellbeing first. So, get your ass out of this car and into that building so we can help you. Knox is on the offensive now. Then we’ll tell you why we let her go.

I’m about to open the door ready to storm inside when Vince stops me.

This person is asking for his grave. At the risk of losing my phone, another message has come in. He reluctantly hands it over.

Reading over the screen scares me more this time around than last. This person, or people, haven't started a game, this has initiated a war.

Vince, get inside and see if you can find any connection to that message. Knox, you’re on patch up duty with the Doc. Get my fucking leg stitched up so I can be of more use. And whatever you do, tell me the second Xander or Ava arrives. I need to prepare for my own consequences.

We all get out of the vehicle without another word. Going in the front is risqué because there are clients inside, so I need to get into the office as fast as I can without interruption. Luckily for me, I have two of the best men this country can offer with me, which gain me instant passage through the throngs of customers without a sideways glance.

I’m at a standstill with where to start. Every direction holds importance as I sit at a crossroads losing time, yet I refuse to be lost.

I remember the ache of losing Leona. I thought my heart was ripped out then–and it was, but it’s incomparable to how I’m at my wits end now. I’ll give up everything to get Lacey back. She’s not only mine in body and mind, but our souls are one. We share a rare connection. The insistent need to find her is strong and until I do, I won’t settle.

I sit my ass in Xander’s chair and bite my tongue as the Doc works his medical magic.

You’re lucky to have missed every important artery, Mr. Lamont. Had it gone through, I fear you wouldn’t be walking or worse, not be here having this conversation. I suggest you find yourself another bulletproof vest, or better yet, stay out of trouble. You’re going to need rest to revive yourself from this one. Doc finishes suturing and patches me up. Make sure you keep the wound clean. If it starts bleeding, call me immediately, and for the sake of my sanity don’t pull the sutures out yourself. As for your face, the bruising will likely continue to come out over the next twelve hours. Ice it so you have a fighting chance at seeing who’s shooting at you next time.

If I wasn’t set on getting out of this chair, I'd have laughed at his dry humor.

Thanks, Doc, appreciate it.

We wait while he packs his medical bag. The moment he’s out of the room, I’m on Knox like a bull in heat.

What the fuck happened? I fret.

"Either we went with her, or she snuck out. We were all discussing what would happen after finding out that you’d gone rogue on us, then Jordannah’s call came through. There was no stopping her, we all knew it. The plan was to track her but that backfired. The signal never moved from the warehouse, so we followed the SUV that left in hopes she was in it. Unbeknown to us it was a decoy vehicle. Killing the driver led to a shootout, which clued us in on your brother’s employer and that Jordannah double-crossed everyone, including her boss.

The men in the warehouse with Darius were Moretti’s men. He’s working for the Italian fucking Mafia, Tony. This has become bigger than anyone ever predicted. Xander is doing all he can to assure Moretti doesn’t kill Jordannah before we get the information we need. I believe both parties are looking for her so it’s a matter of who finds her first. We know we fucked up, but we’re doing everything we can to find her. We will bring her home.

I don’t like any of it. I not only betrayed everyone by going to that meeting, but I feel betrayed. Everyone went against my better judgment and demands.

"You’re right about one thing. She’s coming home to me. Has anyone contacted your consultant friends yet? They helped with Ava, maybe they have the means to help Lacey. We might have good gear, but theirs is better. I want everyone trustworthy on our side. That excludes her parents. They are not to be informed of this until absolutely necessary. If Arthur has any knowledge, he’ll involve the police, which isn’t a problem we need added. As for Reginald, Darius can continue doing whatever to him until I know Lacey’s safe. He’ll get his just desserts. Now, how long until you’re finished here? I have work to do," I say, finally having focus.

All done. I swear, one day you’ll not be so lucky. He walks out of the office going to help Vince on their own crusade.

I slam my palms on Xander’s desk, inviting the sting from the sudden impact and the shockwave that blasts through my forearms. Pain is the only thing that makes me feel alive. If I lose that, I’ve lost everything.

I go to pull my phone from my pocket then realize I didn’t get it back before escaping the warehouse. Shit. I pick the handheld from its receiver and dial Xander’s number.

What? His snarky tone answers, less than impressed about being interrupted.

I need her back. The taunting words leave my lips, and as they do I feel like the mistreated boy I once was—vulnerable and afraid.

Fuck! he hisses, not intended for me to hear. "I’m not happy about your choices, but I get why you did it. From now on, I’d appreciate you telling me if you plan on sneaking away. At least then I can send someone to follow you and make sure you’re safe. What the hell were you thinking?" he scolds.

If I were to tell you then it wouldn’t be sneaking, I scoff.

For crying out loud, Tony. Get to the point, he chastises.

Jordannah came to my place playing it all to be a part of Darius’ plan. How the fuck was I supposed to know she’d double cross them both?

"What do you mean, both?" he interjects. This is obviously the first time he’s heard about this from anyone since I left.

She double crossed them both, Reginald and Moretti, and captured Lacey. The driver of the dummy SUV she sent to Reginald’s warehouse was shot. We need to find out what she wants with Lacey, or who she’s really working for. She’s our key. Find her and we find Lacey.

We continue talking, not wanting to interfere with the operations the two of us already have in place. Luckily, we think alike, so my idea to involve Miles is approved. With a quick-fire message from Xander to Knox saying it’s in his hands.

If this doesn’t work, I don’t know… I leave the sentence open because it’s true. I don’t know a damn thing. Reginald is left in the hands of my brother, who up until days ago I thought killed our sister. Lacey’s been taken by a woman we all thought was loyal to Moretti and, in turn, Darius. Now we know who we’re not dealing with doesn’t mean it’ll make things any easier. Quite the opposite.

Has anyone been back to the warehouse where I first met Darius? If we find Lacey’s phone, we may be able to track Jordannah. The guys mentioned to me she’s the reason Lacey had to leave, and you had her tracked as well as tailed. I’m an idiot for not thinking of that straight away.

At the moment we have no signal from her phone, so that can be something you can prepare. Let me know what you find. The line disconnects and I’m left to organize another wild fucking goose chase.

I pick up the phone to make one more call.

Who’s this? the haughty voice rumbles through the phone.

Do you still have my phone?

Obviously if I answered it. Where are you and I’ll get someone to deliver it.

I’m at Envy. Get it here within half an hour. I’ve got something important to do.

Tony, I know I haven’t been the brother you deserve, but I want to help. Let me know what I can do, okay?

If I wasn’t such a bullshitter myself, I’d almost think he was being sincere.

There is one thing,

Of course. He sounds ready to jump into work.

I need you to hold Moretti off. Stop him from getting to Jordannah before we can. Or convince him we’ll collect her for him; alive. I need this plan to work.

Silence passes.

You’re asking me to interfere with a capo, Tony. What happens when he reports back to his older brother, or worse, the boss? You don’t want to stir trouble with the Italians if they’re on your side. Trust me, it won’t end well. The warning in his voice is clear.

I’m not the one asking. You are. Do this and I’ll reconsider shutting you out. I don’t know how to be sentimental. Not when it comes to Darius. He tortured me for years. And for years more he had me believing he was the worst villain.

Years passed, now that title belongs to me. I’m no different to any of them. It’s gotten me a reputation to rival fucking all.

Do I want it?

I fucking live for it!

Fine. But don’t think you’ll be holding what I did over my head once I pull through, little brother. Remember I work for them, not you, nor Alexander. I’ll do my best to hold them off, but time’s now against you.

"Enough with the warnings. We know what we’re up against. We have plentiful ammo to succeed. Now, get that phone here so I can do my job."

Who pissed in your cereal? Knox asks as he walks through the door as I hang up the phone.

Who’s digging your grave? I counter. Knox makes his way to the one-way window, overlooking the clients below.

I’ve never understood your need to be better than them. The reasons you need to coat your hands in others blood, but I see it now. I also see a man that will go to any extent for the people he loves, even stupid ones. Miles is on board. He’s flying in at sunrise. I’ll make sure to pick him up and deliver him to you. There’s one more thing. He turns and faces me with a look of hardship I won’t be working alongside you while Miles is here.

Why the fuck not?

He spins on his heel and heads for the door. With one final look back, he says brashly, Come on, we have a phone to collect. Then he leaves me mouth agape and wondering when the hell my security detail became so bossy.

On the way out I’m met by one of Moretti’s men, along with a message.

Mr. Moretti is allowing you to find Jordannah, but he insists she be brought to him unharmed. If that doesn’t happen, he’ll kill your brother then come after you.

Darius agreed to this? My mind is reeling. Why the hell would he do something so stupid.

The man stares at me. It’s starting to piss me off. Then he subtly nods.

Fucking idiot, I mutter, and the man thinks I’m talking about him. Not you, ya fool. Why the hell would Darius agree if there could be others out for her head? I’ll tell you what, you can go back to Moretti, tell him Antonio has a message of his own. We’ll bring her in in any condition we see fit so long as she’s still breathing, but if Moretti so much as touches a hair on my brother’s head, he’ll lose our business. That’s a whole lot of equipment to find a new home for. I stand tall, not allowing this soldier the satisfaction of intimidation. In fact, I think he’s the one cowering beneath his tough exterior as his eyes frantically search mine.

Tell Darius thanks for my phone. I shoulder nudge him on my way past then climb into the car with Knox and an already waiting Vince.

That was bold, Knox taunts.

You’re becoming bold. I haven’t forgotten what was said inside. Need I remind you you’re not my therapist, so shut the fuck up and do your job. We have a pixie to find.

Both are facing the front so I can’t see their reaction, but with the rigid posture they both exhibit I know I sent the message loud and clear.

I should be asking what possessed them to let Lacey out of their sight, however I already know the answer. It’s the exact same reason I left. Manipulation. Every one of us wants to protect our own.

My foot taps furiously with building anticipation. The closer we get to the scene where it all started the darker my thoughts become. I will have her back, and I will make someone pay.

The doors to the building are closed when we stop, unlike the last time. I’ve been in many of these steel covered buildings and never has my heart raced like it is now, including the mess I put us all through to get back to this point. I hope to the heavens we find something that leads us to her. If we don’t, I fear we’ll lose her in more ways than one.

Two

Lacey

Jackhammers pound at my temples with every little bump we hit. It doesn’t help the nausea as my stomach somersaults in protest. In fact, the bumps encourage whatever isn’t sitting well to form a lump in my throat until I can’t contain it any longer.

You stupid little bitch. The man beside me voices in disgust as the contents of my stomach covers his shoes.

You could have waited another five minutes, stupid whore.

You could have eased up on the chloroform, fucker, Jordannah spits from the front seat.

With my hands bound and my upper body confined in my seat I have no other choice but to aim at the floor, so I aimed for his shoes. There has to be a fraction of a silver lining in this situation for me.

The last thing I remember is being put into the car before being knocked out. Is this what happened to Antonio as well? Did she play us all? The last thing I wanted to become is a burden. He forewarned me to behave and not do anything stupid. Look at me now, throwing up in the back of a car after being chloroformed and manhandled.

Oh no. This time when my stomach revolts, I dry retch. My head snaps to the side with the sudden force of a backhand. My cheek throbs with the sting and I wish I could rub it away along with the tears that have fallen. Blinking them away will have to suffice.

I use this moment to find any clue as to my whereabouts. I only need one street sign or highway marker to tell me where we are. No matter how hard I focus, the tinted windows give nothing away in the dark of night. All I see is a constant stream of bright headlights as I change my focus through the front windscreen. With the side effects giving me a vertigo sensation, I’m at a loss.

You’re in high demand, darlin’. I’ve been approached by many people to find and capture you. For starters, your good friend Reginald thought he had ya. This other client though, he’s paying quality money to have your ass delivered, princess.

Don’t call me that! I snap.

"Pish, I’ll call you whatever I want. Besides, I doubt the man who used to call you princess is still alive, and if he is, he’ll otherwise be