Chapter 21
The rain hammered against the windows of Anastacia’s bedroom, mimicking the relentless storm that raged inside me.
Days had bled into nights as I scoured the city for traces of Ana.
It took this happening for me to realise that her presence was more important to me than I ever knew.
Her laughter, her scent, the way she occupied every room with a smile—until she saw me, anyway.
But I missed her. There was a dull, painful ache inside of me, one I had never felt before. Everything was just so damn empty.
“Lorenzo!” Nicolo called from the kitchen.
I exited the room, making my way to where he stood, drenched and disheveled, his usual composure shattered.
“Any news?” I asked, feeling somewhat hopeful.
Nicolo shook his head. “Not about Ana, but Chad… He’s got a nasty cut across his nose. A deep one, too, and I know that isn’t Victor’s style.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“Finn and I have been tailing him. Something just felt off when you mentioned him and how he was with Ana.” He sighed.
“Carry on. I don’t have all night, Nic,” I told him. I loved the guy, but boy, did he take forever to get to the point.
“He’s been disappearing in the middle of the night. At times when Victor won’t notice him gone. It’s as if he has his own agenda.”
My mind raced. I knew he was a snake, but this… This was some next level betrayal, obsessive shit.
“Did you follow him?”
“We started to but we didn't want him to catch on. Not yet, anyway.” He lit a cigarette, pouring himself a whiskey.
“Right. I want you to rig his car with one of the best tracking devices you can build,” I nodded, knowing he could do it with his eyes closed. “If it means no sleep, so be it. I need her home, and I need Chad finished if he’s involved.”
“You have my word.” Nicolo smiled.
“I need you to go undetected. Follow him closely until you can get to his car. If he catches on, he could do something to Ana.”
“I promise he won’t know a thing.” He finished off his drink and headed to a hidden room at the back of the house.
I’m coming, Ana.
That’s a promise.
***
Two nights later, we followed the tracker’s signal that brought us to a secluded, abandoned house that looked as though it would blow over in the bloody wind.
“What if she’s not in there?” Red asked, carefully getting out of the car.
“She is. I have a feeling.” I drew my gun from my waistband as we slowly made our way up to the house, broken glass crunching beneath our feet.
“The door’s open,” Nicolo whispered as we noticed shadows dancing on the walls inside.
We slipped into the abandoned house, our footsteps silent despite the creaking underfoot.
My heart pounded in my chest, a relentless drumbeat of fury and dread.
I could feel the weight of every passing second.
I could only hope Ana was here. All signs pointed right here.
The thought of her in this godforsaken place sent a spike of adrenaline through me, sharpening my senses.
My men moved with practiced silence as they scanned every corner. Each movement they made was fluid and deadly, and I trusted them implicitly with helping me bring my wife home.
The first masked man appeared from the shadows, his breath visible in the cold air. Red grabbed him with a sharp, swift move, pressing his body against the rotting wall beside us.
“Where’s my wife?” I demanded as Red’s hold on his neck tightened.
“I don’t know who your wife is.” He chuckled sarcastically, and it was at that very moment I knew she was here. Thank fuck.
“Wrong answer,” Red sneered as he sliced his neck open with ease and grace.
We watched him slump to the floor as heavy footsteps came from our right. “Mate, stop messing around, where are you?” the second masked prick called as he appeared in the doorway. “Shit,” he gasped.
I pulled the trigger the second I saw him, precise as it pierced his skull right between the eyes.
The third was next. He tried to retreat, tried to warn whoever else was hidden in this shit hole, but Gino was fast. He was already on him, his grip like iron around the man’s neck. One quick snap, and it was over.
“This way,” I directed as we headed down the corridor.
We reached a door that was ajar. Hushed, harsh words came from inside, and I recognised the voice instantly.
“He’s not coming for you, Anastacia.”
Chad.
I kicked the door open, and his body stilled, sensing we were behind him and not his men.
“Get away from my wife,” I warned as my eyes landed on Ana.
Her petite frame was bound to a chair in the middle of the room, her body a canvas of blood and bruises.
Her hair hung limp around her shoulders, matted with crimson.
Her once vivid blue eyes were barely open, clouded with pain and exhaustion.
The sight tore at my insides, a raw, aching wound threatening to consume me.
Chad fisted her hair, forcing her head up before pressing a knife to her neck. A sick and twisted grin played on his lips. His beady eyes shone with malice as he pressed the blade into her skin. “She’s mine, Lorenzo,” he sneered. “You’ll never have her again.”
I tightened my hold on my gun, but I had to tread carefully, especially with Ana in danger.
I kept my eyes trained on her and the knife that was pressed to her throat.
“One step, Lorenzo… That’s all it will take for me to end her life.
I love her enough to take her away from a monster like you.
” He released her hair and caressed her face.
I knew I had to act fast and be clever. There was no other way. My eyes flicked to Red in a silent plea. He nodded inconspicuously, his fingers already moving towards the trigger. Chad was too focused on me and Anastacia to pay attention to what Red was doing.
Anastacia’s eyes met mine once more as her lips parted slightly. She had no strength left, and I knew she usually had bags of it. I had no idea what those bastards did to her, but I’d find out from Chad’s mouth when I tortured him to within an inch of his life.
In an instant, the room erupted. Red’s shot was a thunderclap in the confined space, the bullet tearing through Chad’s shoulder.
The knife clattered to the floor as he howled in pain, his grip on Anastacia loosening instantly.
Gino crossed the room in three long strides, grabbing Chad’s injured shoulder, his fist connecting with his jaw in a brutal, satisfying crack.
“Get him out of here,” I ordered as Emmet and Gino removed him from the scene.
The room fell silent, except for one sigh of relief from Anastacia.
I dropped to my knees in front of her, my fingers working the ropes that bound her wrists and ankles.
The material had bitten into her skin, leaving deep, red welts in their wake.
I couldn’t help but wince at the sight. “I’m here, Ana,” I whispered, trying to remain calm.
“I’m right here, and I’m never leaving you again.
” I pulled her broken body into my arms as she flopped against my chest. I could sense the steady yet weak beat of her heart as I cradled her.
I was going to kill that motherfucker.
“I d-didn’t think y-you’d—” she stuttered.
“Didn’t think I’d come?” I stroked her hair as Red draped his leather jacket over her. “Of course I’d come. I never stopped looking for you.”
She nodded her head slowly as she closed her eyes, giving into exhaustion.
I didn’t know when the last time it was she slept or ate.
I didn’t know anything. I glanced around the room, her pictures decorating the walls making me sick.
Chad had an obsession with my wife, an unhealthy one, and I was going to make him pay.
“Finn, Nicolo, check the rest of the house,” I ordered.
“I want the heads of the three masked bastards out there sent to Victor.” I wanted him to see exactly who had his daughter.
“Once you’re done, burn this shit hole down,” I forced out, scooping Anastacia off my lap and into my arms. I cradled her against me as her head rested on my shoulder.
“Red, start the car and call Thomas. I want him waiting when we arrive.”
“On it.”
I carried her through the corridor towards the exit.
The weight of her in my arms was a comfort, a reminder of her existence and strength.
Her breath was warm against my skin, but her trembling never stopped as she released silent sobs.
“Shh,” I murmured against her hair. “It’s okay, I’ve got you.
I’m not letting go.” I kissed her head gently, reassuring her that I was there.
My most trusted men flanked us in a silent promise of protection until we reached the car. I settled her into the backseat, sliding in beside her, and pulling her as close to me as humanly possible.
“How is she?” Red asked from the front seat.
“I have no idea, Red.” I sighed. “I need Thomas to check her over to know.” I cupped her head, keeping her as still as I could as Red started off down the bumpy side roads.
“What are we doing about him?”
“Chad will get exactly what he deserves. But he can wait. Tonight I need to make sure my wife is okay. I don’t want anyone to disturb me or her, you got it?”
“You think Victor will try and see her?” he questioned.
“After receiving the heads and news of Chad, yes, I do. But keep him away. I need her to rest.” I glanced down at her, the sight of her caused my heart to ache.
“You don’t need to worry. We’ll do whatever’s needed.” He nodded as he focused on the road ahead.