Page 8 of Secret Revenge

“That you, Luca?” A gruff voice called out, demanding identification.

“Luca’s not available right now,” I said,” preparing to confront whatever obstacle stood between us and freedom.

“Stay close.” I stood in front of her as we pressed ourselves to the wall, knowing my Kevlar would protect her. Shots rang out and my men, loyal to the end, unleashed a barrage of gunfire in retaliation, providing crucial cover for our escape.

“Cover us!” I shouted to my men, their response immediate and unwavering.

“Three... two... one...” My heart pounded, adrenaline surging through my veins like molten lava as we sprinted toward the exit.

“Stop them!” A desperate cry echoed through the air, Bianchi’s henchmen converging on our position as we neared the door.

“Almost there.” I could feel the cold metal within reach, the promise of freedom just beyond the threshold.

“Nic –” Her words were cut short by the deafening roar of gunfire, my instincts snapping into overdrive as I shielded her body with my own.

“Go!” The urgency in my voice spurred her into action, propelling us both through the doorway and into the relative safety of the open air.

Riccardo, who had been waiting in reserve, screeched up to the house and threw open the door to the bullet proof Range Rover.

We dove in and he drove off.

“Retreat,” I commanded my men. “We have her.”

I looked at my wife – battered and bloody – what had they done to her?

“Are you alright?” My hands roamed her body, searching for any sign of injury amidst the chaos of the battle still raging behind us.

She took my hand in hers. “I’ve been better and I need to see a doctor, but I’ll be okay. Where are we going?”

“Somewhere safe. Trust me.”

A faint smile flickered across her lips, and I felt a fierce protectiveness surge within me. The weight of responsibility for her safety pressed down on my shoulders, but I welcomed it. She was mine to protect, just as I was hers.

“Once we’re secure, we’ll plan our next move.”

“Did you know he had family?”

“Who? Bianchi?”

“No, Luca. He has a wife and daughter. He keeps the daughter next door, to make sure the wife behaves.”

“Luca’s motives don’t concern me. Only yours do. And mine.”

The car came to a stop at our heavily-fortified home. As I led Liliana inside, a sense of relief washed over me. We were safe, for now. The reassuring scent of old leather and polished wood filled my nostrils as we entered the dimly lit house.

With a heavy sigh, she leaned into me, unable to stand. I wrapped my arms around her, feeling the warmth of her skin against my own.

James rushed to us, hastily tucking his Glock into a holster. “Is she…”

“Call Dr. Deluca,” I commanded as I picked my wife up and brought her to our bedroom.

Chapter 4

Nicholas

Beneath the dim glow of the bedside lamp, my Liliana lay broken and battered. I paced the room, my thoughts a tempestuous storm as I struggled to keep my emotions in check. Her once radiant beauty now marred by bruises and cuts, her chestnut hair matted with crimson.

“God, if only I had been there to protect her,” I muttered under my breath, my fists clenched at my sides, the cold weight of vengeance heavy in my heart. If I’d given her a better bodyguard than George, she might never have been taken.

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