14. Tommy
14
Tommy
The low rumble of thunder wakes me up. In the background, I hear the small droplets of rain hitting the glass.
With my face pressed into the pillow on the other side of my bed, I breathe in deeply. The smell of Valeria clings to everything on this bed. The smell of my shampoo she uses soaks into the pillow. The scent of her arousal on my sheets. It’s everywhere.
Even though I know she’s not next to me, I reach out for the slim chance of touching her so I can pull her back to my chest where she belongs.
I’d rather tuck my nose into the crook of her neck and breathe her scent in straight from the source.
Groaning softly in the back of my throat, I force myself awake. Moving to sit up, I expect to hear the rush of the shower, or see the bathroom occupied. It’s not.
If she wanted breakfast, then she must’ve sucked the energy straight out of me to leave my bed without waking me up.
Taking a quick shower to start my day, I make my way down and snatch some toast and fruit. Valeria might try not to be obvious about it, but she’s got this thing about fruit. Always lights up whenever she gets some loaded up in a bowl. I’ve noticed the way she saves her strawberries for last.
Will her face light up before she sends a smile in my direction if I show up with some?
God, look at me. Looking forward to pleasing this woman. What will she do if she finds out how much damage she’s done after one night of giving in? I can already see her using her new discovery to her advantage.
By the time I hit the dining area, I’ve eaten one piece of toast. Looking around, my brows furrow when I see Eliza and Urzo together with Bia.
Urzo invites me to sit, I frown in return.
“Haven’t seen your sister around, have you?” Setting everything down in my hands on the table, I take in the empty chairs.
“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?” Urzo doesn’t smile, but there’s humor in his voice.
“Trying to find her. Don’t touch this, it’s hers.” Giving the order, I take my other slice of toast as I try to find her.
I get an odd sense of deja vu as I search the halls. I ask some who pass me, but no one has seen her. Of course, she’s happy to avoid everyone here when given the choice.
She’s not in the library. Camellia is plucking out a book, flipping through it.
“Haven’t seen Valeria, have you?” Ignoring the voice whispering in the back of my mind, I keep my words steady.
The poor woman jumps at my voice, clutching the book to her chest. She shakes her head. “Not since yesterday.”
Perfect.
The gardens are next. She’s not on the bench or sniffing flowers, or whatever it is that drags her out there.
Santino is with his daughter in the grass, and he’s watching her double fist the blades. I could ask him, but I don’t think either sibling has tried talking to the other much.
No point in raising any alarms. She’s got to be here somewhere.
Valeria wouldn’t leave. She couldn’t, not with the dangers of what’s outside of this place.
Returning to the dining area, I scowl when I see the fruit is still there, untouched.
“Tommy–”
Turning away, I leave and make my way to the kitchen as I hear the concern in Bia’s voice.
Startling the women inside by pushing my way in, I search like I expect to see something different, something out of place to show Valeria’s been here.
There’s nothing. She’s not here.
My lungs burn as I make my way toward the grand staircase. Taking two steps at a time, I feel like I’m reliving the very same nightmare as yesterday.
Maybe she headed back to bed after stretching her legs. Maybe she’s waiting for me.
Maybe she didn’t slip away right under my nose.
I’m breathless by the time I reach the room. Shoving the door open, I call out her name like it’ll make a difference.
My bed is empty. The door leading to the bathroom is open, and the room is dark.
Running my hand through my hair, my fingers tug at the strands hard enough to give myself a headache.
I need to feel something other than fear. Pain is preferred.
Trying to collect my thoughts as I look around, my eyes lock on the dresser. I move to yank open the drawer; the sight before me doesn’t bring the relief I desperately need.
I stare at her clothes, forgetting to blink. They’re still here. Folded neatly, the sight forms a tingling sensation in my chest. Before it can grow, I crush it down with reality.
If she wanted to leave, she wouldn’t have risked trying to take clothes with her.
Eyes lifting, my brows narrow. Jerking toward my closet, I yank open the doors and look at the shelf above. Snatching the box from the top shelf, I pull too hard, and I curse as it slips from my hold and clatters to the ground. The contents scatter with a harsh bang.
Picture frames. A couple of folded outfits. Valeria’s old hairbrush. The little things she could’ve used just in case she ever came back. Memorabilia she would’ve missed if she thought I got rid of it. They make a mess all over my floor.
Kneeling, I shove through everything as I search. Not finding what I’m looking for, blood rushes to my ears. The ringing that comes after is loud enough to drive a man insane.
Growling, I leave my room. Moving in a blur, I crash into someone but don’t pay attention to who. I’ve got blinders on. Anger flares up like a hot iron forced into my throat, and something bigger than dread fills me.
Betrayal.
After last night, I thought… Fuck, I don’t even know. I thought she could be satisfied here.
Instead, she chose to wait until I lowered my guard? So caught up in the mess that was happening between us, I didn’t stop to think this could mean nothing to her.
As much as I don’t want to jump the gun, my mind betrays me. I can’t help but think of the worst-case scenario.
Hitting gravel once I’m out of the home, I’m all but jogging to the garage. Punching in the code for the doors, my lungs burn as I forget to breathe as the sight before me knocks everything else out of my lungs.
Her car is gone.
She’s gone.
Running my hand down my face, I turn around and search my surroundings like she’ll be tucked behind another bush, or a corner, ready to be caught.
But she won’t because she’s not here.
Moving back toward the building, my mind is numb, joining the rest of my body. Everywhere but one spot. The center of my chest fucking hurts.
Who do I tell? Who do I let down again?
I’m not scared of dying or losing my hands as a punishment for failing. I’m worried about the past repeating itself. Upset siblings, brokenhearted parents. Plenty of tears and broken belongings.
Valeria doesn’t understand that this family still loves her.
That I…
Hands appear in front of me, and I almost collide with Bia. Poor woman’s eyes flash before her eyes before I come to a stop.
“What happened?” Her question comes immediately, not even giving me that soothing voice of hers. No, she’s alert.
Is it that obvious? I guess I’m not as calm and collected as I usually am. Not emotionless, or cold-hearted, or whatever else the people around me whisper behind my back.
Right now, I’m feeling as human as the rest of them.
“Valeria’s gone.” My throat aches as the two words come out. “She’s left us behind.”
Her brows lift, and I watch the surprise fill her eyes. Rather than filling with tears like I expect, her brows soon come together, and she shakes her head.
She doesn’t look sad. More startled and confused than anything.
“You’re certain?” Her voice wobbles slightly, giving away the emotions she’s feeling beneath.
“She’s not on the property. I’m sure of it.” Curling my hands into fists, I glare at the tile beneath my boots. “I let her run.”
Bia grabs my hand, her worn fingers squeezing mine in hopes of calming me down. She doesn’t let me beat myself up, ordering me to look at her firmly.
I’m getting hit with deja vu. All those times I was in a rough state, she always sat down and talked to me. Assured me what happened wasn’t my fault. Promised that she held no ill feelings toward me.
Bia’s a kind woman to those she deems deserving. Despite disagreeing with her countless times, she always insisted she knew best.
“She wouldn’t have run away,” she says slowly, giving my head time to process them. “Not with so many reasons to stay.”
She has reasons to stick around? Could I be one of them?
“Think, Thomas. If something happened to her, we have surveillance all over this building. Can’t do anything around here without being noticed.” She pats my hand before letting me go. “Let’s find my son. He’ll be able to figure out what happened.”
My pounding heart calms at the promise in her voice. Makes me wonder how many times she’s had to soothe Leon whenever something went wrong with the family business.
Nodding, I let her lead the way. She has this odd sense of knowing where everyone is. She also knows when to push when it’s necessary.
While I’m ready to shake Santino and demand the footage, she’s assertive when it comes to peeling him away from his kid. She’s one of the very few who he’ll allow to order him around. When she tells him what’s going on, probably to help me save face, we head toward his office once we drop Alle off in the library.
Santino calls for Urzo, making sure he hasn’t seen her. He doesn’t get it. If Valeria were hiding somewhere, I’d know.
I know her favorite spots to roam. I know which spots she likes to soak up the sun. I know which spots she likes to watch the rain.
At this rate, I’m risking a bald spot with how I pull at my hair from the pure frustration I feel as Santino takes his time.
“Please pull up the surveillance,” I beg him. I don’t even care if I have to watch her leave. I just need to see her. Need to make sure she left this place in one piece.
As bad as it sounds, I still want her to be okay. Now that she’s no longer under my watch, she’s no longer safe. Anything could happen to her. If she gets even a scratch…
Bia pats my arm reassuringly. Her murmurs are soft, and I’m willing to bet she can see it. I’ve gotten it written all over my face.
This weakness. These feelings.
Thankfully, Santino is blind to it. He’s confident all is well. I’m hoping he’s right, but I know better than to put my faith in the impossible.
“She’s probably just hiding out somewhere,” he insists as he types away at his computer. “Maybe someone took her car thinking it was junk.”
“You’re wrong.” The words come out without thinking, and I don’t regret them. Not even when he flicks his dark gaze in my direction.
Two weeks ago, I would’ve rather bitten my tongue off than tell Santino those words. He normally has a good idea of what’s going on, but not this time. He isn’t the one feeling the unsettling sensation at the pit of his stomach like I am.
He’s no longer my main focus. His sister is. While she’s still breathing, she’s all I care about. Her and her safety.
There are over twenty cameras displayed on his screen. There’s not one pointed directly at my room, but the hall is captured. All he has to do is rewind until he sees her. Once we finally spot her walking backwards toward my door, my chest seizes up.
Even through the lens of the cameras, she’s gorgeous. Still flushed from our night together.
We all watch the feeds, trailing after her. From one camera to the other, she moves casually. Not like one who was trying to plan her escape.
She doesn’t grab anything valuable or try to sneak around to avoid being spotted.
And soon, I realize she’s not alone. Like us, there’s someone else watching her. Someone who was with her. A face I don’t know. The longer I watch as he prowls behind her, the harder it is to swallow the lump forming in the back of my throat.
I don’t need to watch the rest of the feed to know what’s going to happen.
On another camera, the one facing the gardens, I can see Santino on the phone. God knows who he’s talking to, but it’s enough of a distraction for him not to notice.
He’s only a handful of feet away, clueless of the scene unfolding behind him.
We all stare in silence as Valeria is forced to walk away, a gun at her back.
If anyone saw them, they should’ve known something was wrong. I wasn’t the one with her. They should have fucking known.
Bia makes this choking sound, and I don’t have the strength to look at her. She’s lost her daughter once before, and now, there is no telling what state she’s in. Even if her mother is strong, we’ve all got cracks.
Is she dead? It’s been hours since she got taken.
My blood freezes at the very thought. After finally seeing her again, and allowing her to turn me into someone I can’t even recognize, there’s a chance that she’s gone?
No. She’s not dead. I’m willing to bet right now, she’s in a situation where she wishes she were.
I need to save her. I need to protect her.
But first, I need to find her.
“Where is he?” Looking at Santino, my fingers curl hard enough to make my knuckles ache. I can feel my nails carving my skin. “You know where he is.”
Santino’s still staring at the monitor, his brows furrowed deep. His scowl is the harshest I’ve seen in ages.
Someone slipped into his home without him knowing. Someone who could’ve hurt Camellia or Alle.
“ Santino .” Gritting out his name, my throat feels tight. “Where is that motherfucker?”
He finally drags his eyes toward me, his teeth clenched. The vein pulsating at his throat is a sight for sore eyes.
Urzo claps his hand on his shoulder, squeezing it. “Deal with Renado, figure out what is happening. I really doubt he’s aware of what’s going on. We’ll get her back.” He looks at Bia, his own brows furrowing. “We’ll make them regret taking her.”
She nods her head, blinking her eyes to avoid letting any of the wetness forming fall.
If I have to take Urzo with me, fine. If Santino is worried about starting a fight, they’re the ones who moved first. That’s more than enough of a green light for me.
“Tommy!” Urzo’s the one to call after me this time, but I don’t listen as I leave the room first. He curses as he’s forced to move to catch up. “Can’t even let me tell Eliza what’s going on? She’s going to be pissed if I leave without saying goodbye.”
“Do whatever you want.” I keep moving, glaring at any familiar faces I pass by.
Right now, I can’t trust any of them. Not until I know who is involved. For all I know, one or two infiltrators may have stuck behind to see how we’re reacting to the flow of events.
Santino can sniff them out on his own time. He’s got enough anger to spare.
“Take too long, I’ll find Renado, and he’ll be the one to tell me the information I need.” Growling out the promise, we split ways the moment we hit the stairs. While he jogs up them, I’m heading toward the front entrance.
Heading toward the garage, I try not to let my eyes linger in the empty gap where her car once was.
Someone went into my room and dug through my belongings. They searched through my room until they found the keys. I’m hoping they’re with Elijah, too. I’ve got a list of faces I want to make bleed.
I pick the fastest car we own. A sleek black Ferrari is the best choice. By the time I’m popping the trunk, Urzo is returning with a grimace on his face. He’s come back alone, that’s good. I don’t want Eliza distracting him.
In the corner of the garage, we have a small armory. Something close and easily accessible for when we need to go in and out with ease. I start grabbing a couple of pistols with matching ammunition. I consider snagging a SMG to make a mess of things.
Urzo has another idea. He’s grabbing a sniper from the wall. Not just any sniper, but one that hasn’t been touched in a long time.
Neither of us has that good of a shot. Everyone knows better than to touch a weapon that already belongs to someone with Bertelli blood.
“We’re making a pit stop,” he warns as he cradles the sniper. The cut on his mouth curls as he hints at a smile. “We’re going to need all the help we can get without alerting everyone.”
“I’ll kill anyone who gets in my way,” I promise him as I watch him attach a silencer. “And Elijah? Don’t even think about touching him.”
Urzo nods in understanding. After seeing me the night before, there’s no doubt he knows how badly I want to kill him.
How much I regret not doing it when I had my chance.
If I had, Valeria would still be in my arms.
Once we’re in the car, I’m punching it away from the estate. “He’s not going to want to come. We’ll be wasting our time. Every second counts.”
Urzo pulls out his phone, scrolling through his contracts. “Trust me, he’ll come. Even if Elijah is paying twenty men to protect him, it won’t be enough. It’ll be worth the pit stop.”
Knowing Urzo won’t give me the information of Elijah’s whereabouts even if I threaten him, I know my only option is to go along and hope Valeria is still in one piece by the time we get to her.
If not, then that rat-faced bastard better be prepared for hell to rain down on him.