XXVIII
Hazel Winters
A wave of anger rushes through me when I realise I have woken up alone.
Again.
Pushing the bed covers off me, I storm out of bed and down to the kitchen but stop in my tracks when I hear Atlas, Theo and Dawson talking.
"What do you mean he called and said nothing?" Atlas asks.
"I must have been his most recent contact or something," Dawson starts, "all I know is that he called, I picked up and he said nothing until I heard voices and the line going dead.
"Fuck," I hear Theo's low voice mutter loudly.
Who are they talking about?
I listen out for Andros' voice but I don't hear it as they keep talking. Feeling a sense of dread paralyse my heart, I take a deep breath and walk into the kitchen. I'm met by grave faces and my fear is confirmed.
They were talking about Andros.
"Spitfire," Dawson greets me solemnly and he walks towards me, kissing me softly.
"Hey, Principessa," Atlas runs his hand down his face before walking over and pulling me into a hug.
"Come here, Little Darling," Theo addresses me as Atlas lets go and I walk over to him. He leans against a kitchen counter and wraps his arms around my waist, settling me in front of him. He places comforting kisses on my shoulder and I relax against him slightly.
"Where's Andros?" I ask them all, already knowing something bad must have happened. They don't answer, instead looking between each other with grave faces.
"Just tell me," I say quietly as I look at them with wide eyes.
"We think he's been taken by someone," Atlas finally mutters and I freeze.
"T-taken?" I ask, my voice shaky.
"Kidnapped by one of our enemies, Spitfire," Dawson answers, only adding to my confusion.
What enemies?
Who has enemies in the nightclub business?
I nod, as if I understand, not wanting to add to their stress by asking questions. Theo tightens his grip around my waist.
"Fucking amazing planning to kidnap the one guy I rely on to find anyone or anything that is taken from us," Atlas humorously laughs and my confusion grows.
Is being kidnapped a regular occurrence for them?
I tune out to their conversations, staring into space as I think of Andros being alone, in a dark place and possibly even hurt. Tears spring to my eyes when I realise just a few hours ago he was laying in bed with me and now he is God knows where.
I don't register when Atlas and Dawson leave the room, leaving Theo and I standing in the same place.
"We'll find him, Darling," Theo whispers against my skin as he plants a final kiss on my shoulder before releasing me. I watch as his face shifts from caring into work mode as he storms out the room.
I try to catch my breath as the triggers of being kept in a dark room by my dad flood my mind. The thought of Andros experiencing that hurts my heart.
I don't know how the fuck I'm going to help but they're delusional if they think they can do this without me.
Walking up to my room, I quickly change into a black halter neck midi dress. I brush out my long, black hair and fix it into a low bun, pulling out wisps to frame my face. Not bothering with makeup, I grab my phone and walk downstairs, only to find it deserted.
"What's up, Bella?" Atlas asks as he picks up my call.
"Where have you all gone?" I ask.
"To find Andros."
"Let me help," I demand, trying to channel some dominance within me. The line goes silent and I check to see if he is still on the phone.
"No," he answers after a while. I roll my eyes and clench my fist.
"Why not?' I retaliate; my voice heavy with determination.
"It's not a good idea, Principessa," he sighs.
"Atlas," I warn. He pauses again and I hear footsteps walk into the room through the call.
"Fine," he sighs in defeat and I smile, feeling victorious, "Theo will come get you and bring you here."
I thank him and hang up, wondering where Theo is going to take me.
Is it the Nightclub?
With the number of expensive cars and the size of this mansion, their money can't only stem from the bar.
Walking aimlessly and impatiently around the house, I listen out for Theo's heavy strides and it's not long until I hear them.
"Come on, Little One," he says, his voice cold and commanding.
Great, he's still in work mode.
I climb into his car and we ride in silence. I try to guess where we're heading but the transition from tall buildings to streams of open fields throws me off.
Soon enough, the car stops outside an old warehouse made of rusted metal. My eyebrows furrow.
Surely this isn't where we're going?
Theo gets out of the car and I follow him as he holds a heavy steel door open for me and leads me down a dark and dingy corridor. He holds another door open for me and I smile when I see Atlas sitting at a desk inside it.
He doesn't notice us at first, too engrossed in typing on his laptop. I hover by the door, feeling awkward and cold. Theo moves to the desk opposite, sitting down and clearing his throat.
Atlas finally looks up and beckons me to him, not saying anything. I walk over obediently and he pulls me onto his lap, placing a kiss on my cheek.
"How do you want to help, then?" Atlas asks me and I bite my lip.
I didn't think this through.
"Ummm...," I falter, "I'm not really sure. I just don't want to be stuck at home waiting."
I look between Theo and Atlas, seeing smiles spread across their faces. I blush when I realise why.
I called their place "home".
"Okay, Darling," Theo returns to work mode, "Come over here and help me go through this CCTV footage."
I look to Atlas and he taps my hip, signalling for me to walk to Theo. Jumping off him, I walk over to Theo and sit on his lap. He pulls me closer and turns on the video footage of a room filled with computers and wires.
My eyes widen as I watch Andros walk into the room on the screen. He looks so hot in his all-black outfit and I bite my lip, feeling heat spread between my legs at the sight of him. Theo notices and smirks, squeezing my hip slightly.
All the arousal leaves my body when I see Andros starting to cough and run to the door. My heart drops as he sinks down, his eyes closing as his body goes limp. I feel a tear roll down my cheek as I watch him being carried out by masked men, wearing all black combat outfits.
"Theo," I whisper, my voice wobbly as tears stream from my eyes.
"I know, Babygirl, I know," he whispers, wiping away my tears before zooming in on the men.
I zone out, my eyes too blurry as Theo types on his computer. I hear Atlas speaking angrily in Italian on his phone but I don't bother to try to understand.
I want my Andros back.
I need him back.
Shit. Is that-
"I think I know who it is," I say and his eyebrows peak in interest.
"Who?" Theo asks me. I can sense the urgency in his voice, even though he tries to hide it.
God forbid anyone thinks he has feelings!
“My father,” I mumble.
The room goes silent.