Page 94 of Bought By Santa

“Us?” I echo. My blood runs hot and cold simultaneously; fury like I’ve never known before threatens to consume me whole.

“Yeah, man,” he cries. “I wasn’t the only one.”

I’d already deduced as much. “Do you know who the others are?” I snarl.

“N-no.”

“Call the three,” I growl to Marco. “I want them here within the hour.”

“Right away,” Marco replies.

While he makes the call, I do my best to get my temper under control. But judging by the screams coming from the intruder, I’m not entirely successful. When I look down, I realize I’m still pressing the knife against his cheek, and that by now, I’ve pressed so hard the skin has split completely.

Removing the blade from his mangled skin, I glance over at Carolina. Her eyes are locked on the man, but her expression is unreadable. I know she’s listening, taking in every word, but I can’t tell what she’s thinking.

I turn my attention back to the intruder, my anger simmering just below the surface. “You’ve made a grave mistake,” I say, my voice deathly calm. “And so has my dad. You’ve both crossed a line that can never be uncrossed.”

Finished with the call, Marco steps forward. “They’ll be here,” he confirms. “And I’ve arranged for double protection on Jack at the hospital.”

I nod at the man who’s always at the ready when I need him. “He’s all yours,” I say, flipping the knife and offering him the handle. “Have fun.”

Marco grins. He knows what needs to be done. There’s no room for mercy, no place for leniency. This man will suffer, and through his pain, we’ll send a message. No one betrays me and walks away unscathed.

As Marco takes over, I step back, letting the reality of what’s happened settle in. Dad’s betrayal, the intruder’s confession—everything has changed. This isn’t just about power anymore. It’s personal. And I’ll make sure that he pays for what he’s done.

“Wait!” Marco halts his movements at Carolina’s demand. “Did Caspian make my sister a target?” she asks, her tone chillingly sharp.

The intruder whimpers as he shakes his head. “N-no. That was an accident.”

“An accident?” I growl, already knowing what he’s going to say next.

“We were sent there to kill Carolina, but—”

Carolina lets out an inhuman scream and pulls the knife from Marco’s hand. Before I can react, she plunges it into the man’s eye socket. She doesn’t even flinch at the squelching sound, or the intruder’s scream.

Chapter 32

The Santa

The elevator ride down to the garage is steeped in tension, the silence so thick it’s almost suffocating. I grip the steering wheel hard, knuckles white against the leather, while my other hand holds Carolina’s tightly. Her fingers tremble slightly, but she doesn’t let go. Marco, Sergei, Lee, and Dominic are stone-faced, their eyes forward, minds set on the task ahead. This isn’t just a mission. It’s personal.

As we drive through the dark streets, the city blurs past us, the only sound is the low hum of the engine. I can feel the fury simmering inside me, a deadly calm before the storm. Dad’s going to pay for his betrayal.

When we finally reach the estate, the air feels heavier, thick with the promise of violence. As soon as the car stops, we’re out, weapons drawn. Carolina is right beside me, her eyes wide with fear but resolute. She isn’t a fighter, not like the rest of us, but she holds the gun with a grip that betrays her determination. She’s scared, but she’s here. With me.

We kick down the front door, and hell explodes around us. Gunfire erupts, the sharp crack of bullets splitting the air. Men rush at us from every corner, Dad’s soldiers, desperate to protect their boss. But they’re no match for us. We move like a well-oiled machine, every action precise, every shot lethal.

Marco is a force of nature, his knife flashing as he cuts down two men with brutal efficiency. Sergei and Lee cover our flanks, a deadly combination of fists and bullets that leaves a trail of bodies in their wake. Dominic is right behind them, his shots precise, every pull of the trigger a death sentence.

I’m in the center of it all, the chaos fueling my rage, pushing me forward. A man lunges at me, but I’m faster. I block his attack, driving my elbow into his throat before slamming him into the wall. He crumples, and I’m already moving on, focused on the next threat. Carolina stays close, her breath ragged, eyes darting around as she tries to keep up.

Despite the fear in her eyes, she doesn’t look away. Her blue eyes scan the room, taking in every movement as she holds the gun in her hand, her knuckles pale, but she’s ready to do what needs to be done.

I do my best to protect her, making sure she doesn’t need to use it. I refuse to let my world taint her beautiful soul more than it already has.

We fight our way through the mansion, every room a battlefield. The sound of gunfire and screams reverberates through the halls, the stench of blood and sweat filling the air. It’s a warzone, but we thrive in this chaos. We were born for it.

A man charges at Carolina, his knife gleaming under the dim lights. She freezes, eyes wide, and my heart lurches. But before he can reach her, I’m there. I grab him, spinning him around. The fucker’s quick, and before I can secure his arm, I feel the knife slive along my upper arm.

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