23. Blakely
The callwe received only gave us a short amount of time to prepare before we had to leave for the location they’re being held in, which is 45 minutes away by car.
I catch Caleb’s gaze, and though he seems hesitant, he knows me well enough to trust my judgement. Attempting to change my mind once I have an idea in my head is like trying to stop a freight train.
Checking that I have everything I need on me, I turn to look at him.
“Are you sure?” he asks me.
“I am. You ready?” He nods.
Taking my phone, I start to call Cailean. It doesn’t even ring once before he answers.
“Boss.”
“Cailean. Is everything ready?”
“Aye. Cameras are set. The team is already in place and ready to go if something happens.”
“Good. We’re leaving now.”
“Drive safe.”
It takes us exactly 40 minutes to arrive at the hangar. In the darkness, the only light is the glow of the moon. It’s exactly as I remember. From the distance, I can make out Em and Isla’s figures, their guns shining like stars in the night sky.
I’m dressed to impress for the occasion, wearing a crimson red dress that matches my bold lipstick. The dress has a slit on the side to reveal a hint of my leg, while my black heels provide a striking contrast to the rest of my outfit.
What? A woman can fight in heels.
My drop leg holster is equipped with two knives.
“Don’t do anything foolish,” says Caleb. I turn to watch his shadow in the dark.
“Me?” I let out a gasp, widening my eyes and pretending to be shocked. “Never.”
“Smartass.”
“Okay, people, let the show begin,” I say through my earpiece.
Walking towards the door, my eyes adjust to the dim light, and I see a few silhouettes waiting for us. Their faces are completely hidden behind masks, leaving only their eyes visible.
“Look what we’ve got here,” says one of them.
They’re dressed alike with identical masks. The only distinguishing feature between the two is their height difference - this one is clearly taller.
“Pretty. If you’re looking for a good time, I’d be happy to—” he is cut off by the other guy, speaking rapidly in Italian, before they begin to argue loudly.
As Caleb’s hand presses into my back, I sense his body tensing behind me.
“We’re here to meet Fusco,” says Caleb with a sharp tone.
“Oh, we know who you are,” says the shorter guy. “But before we take you to him, we need to make sure you don’t have any weapons on you.”
Starting with Caleb, he runs his hands over every part of his body, checking for any concealed weapons. I bite my tongue and stay silent, knowing he won’t find any.
The intensity of the taller one’s gaze is almost predatorial, making me feel like I’m his next meal. He closes the distance between us with slow, measured steps, his eyes fixed on me with a dangerous intensity. “You’re next, pretty girl. Lift your arms.”
As his touch descends to the side of my breast, I focus on keeping my body still and not reacting. A devious smile spreads across his face, and his eyes twinkle with malice. When he reaches my thighs, I feel my muscles tensing up and my breath catching in my throat.
“Open.” I furrow my brow at him, trying to make sense of what he is saying.
“Excuse me?”
“I said open your legs.”
“Why?”
“Need to check deeper.” The accentuation of his last words makes me freeze.
“Nuh-uh. My inner thighs are off-limits for any sort of check. You can clearly see I don’t have any weapons on me. So keep your hands off me, arsehole.” I’m playing with fire. I know it, but I’m not taking any risks.
Caleb’s eyes dart towards me, anticipating their response to my comment. When I look at the tall one, I can see a fierce determination in his eyes, like flames burning bright.
“Enough.” With a sharp tongue, shorty cuts off any potential conversations before they can even start. “Follow me.”
The rest of the team takes our cue to do as they say, and we slowly make our way through the hangar, examining everything in sight. The first thing I notice as I walk into the room is the horrid smell of urine mixed with an odd odour that I can’t seem to pinpoint. Caleb remains by my side, occasionally checking in with me with a quick glance.
As we approach, the volume of the voices increases until they are in clear view.
The sight of my siblings and Aidan in a cluster of chairs in front of me leaves me rooted to the spot. My sister’s face is covered in bruises, while Scott and Aidan have blood streaming down their faces.
I’m gonna kill the fucking bastard.
I notice the exact moment when Aidan spots me. His eyes land on me and then darken with anger, probably not happy to see me in this position.
You and I both.
When Caleb explained their plans after the gala, my anger boiled over. Why take such a huge risk when my team was ready to strike? I guess it’s my fault for not telling them exactly who my team is in detail.
Lesson learned.
We approach and catch the attention of Fusco and Shaan, who turn to face us, with Riccardo close behind and another guy covered by a mask.
I maintain a blank expression, but Caleb’s tension is palpable next to me.
“Well, well. Thank you for joining us. Please, come closer,” says Fusco.
Like we had any other choice.
Chip and Dale are trailing behind us but at a safe distance. There are about 20 men encircling us, with two guards standing behind Aidan, Bai, and Scott, and the others surrounding Fusco like his little monkeys.
“We’re here. Now release my son and his friends,” requests Caleb.
Fusco laughs.
“I’m afraid that won’t do. I lied.” He keeps laughing louder.
“What do you want from us?” Now it’s my turn to ask.
His gaze sweeps up and down my body, appreciating the curves on display. This dress does a fantastic job of enhancing my appearance. That’s why I picked it.
Aidan is clenching his jaw so tightly that it seems as if it might break if he continues.
“I think I’ve been clear about it already.” He pivots his body to fully face Caleb. “You destroyed your grandfather”s legacy - everything he built. For two decades, I’ve stood by your side, but what have I received in exchange? Nothing. Not an ounce of recognition. Our finances are taking a hit because of what you’re doing.” He gestures around the room, pointing to some of The Twelve that betrayed us standing around him as he speaks.
“So, this is all about money? Or is it because you lost most of your clients when I pulled out of the drug trade?” Caleb questions. His words leave Fusco looking stunned and speechless. “Oh aye,” Cal continues, “I’m well aware of your little side business. Did you really think I don’t know what goes on right under my nose? It came to my attention that some of your clients may have threatened you because they had already received payment from their buyers, but you did not deliver the merchandise, leading to a considerable amount of money being owed. This puts you in their crosshairs. Am I wrong?”
Fusco”s piercing gaze locks eyes with me as protests and curses fly from Aidan and Scott. As soon as I realise what’s happening, I see a group of guards quickly surround Caleb, effectively trapping him in place before I have a chance to react. Before I can even make a move, Fusco’s hands wrap tightly around my neck, suffocating me.
“You.” He leans in close, his eyes narrow, and his voice is filled with venom as he accuses me. “You’ve always been a thorn in my side. Putting your nose where it doesn’t belong.” With each passing second, his grip tightens, making it harder and harder for me to breathe.
The air is thick with the sounds of screams and cries, but Aidan’s voice rises above them all.
“I’m going to kill you, motherfucker!” Fusco adjusts his grip, his muscles tensing as he shifts his weight to face Aidan, their eyes meeting.
“Is that so? Knowing you’re bound to that chair,” he says, “I’m curious as to how you plan to accomplish that.”
It’s only when my vision starts to blur that Fusco finally lets go of his grip. With every cough, it feels like my throat is being consumed by a raging fire.
Petting my hair, his gaze lands on me as he continues. “It’s a pity to see such talent go to waste. Your expertise would have made a significant difference for our business.” Caressing my cheek, he brings his hands down towards my breast. “Perhaps your body’s expertise could be of more use to me. After all, your precious lover over there destroyed that as well.” He glances at Aidan. “The girls you took from me cost me a lot.” Looking back at me, he continues, “I bet I could make a big buck selling your tight arse. What do you think, son?” My eyes quickly dart towards Shaan, who is sporting a devious grin. As for Riccardo, he hasn’t budged at all since we arrived. The other masked man looks at me with intensity.
“I bet we could,” Shaan replies, excitement in his voice. “And I’ll be happy to test her out. I’ve always been curious about Aidan’s unrelenting fascination with this one particular girl. I bet her pussy tastes like sweet honey.”
Aidan’s enraged curses fill the air as he struggles to break free, but my attention is diverted when Skye’s voice crackles through the earpiece.
“I have him in sight, boss. Do you want me to shoot now?”
The word “NO” escapes my lips unconsciously.
“No?” asks Fusco with a chuckle in his throat. “Sweetheart, your opinion is irrelevant here,” he says firmly.
Ugh, gag me.
“You’re no fun,” sighs Skye.
Despite the pain in my throat, I manage to hold back a snort.
Using my sweetest voice, I ask, “Do you mind if I sit? These heels are killing me.”
I’m buying time. He has partners who work alongside him. Or above him. He is not smart enough to pull all of this off on his own. Now I’m waiting patiently to know who is really behind this.