23
I stared at the clock hanging above the fireplace. The small hand pointed at six. Morning had arrived, but Tony was still nowhere to be seen. The silence in the underground room felt heavier with each passing second.
I flexed my wrists, feeling the rough rope digging into my skin. They had tied me up tightly, but they underestimated me. I wasn’t just some helpless woman. I was the daughter of the Salvador cartel.
Taking a deep breath, I started working on the knots. My fingers burned from the friction, but I kept going. One twist. Another pull. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stay patient.
After what felt like forever, I felt the rope loosen. I quickly freed my hands and rubbed my sore wrists. Without wasting a second, I moved to the door, checking the lock. Basic. I had picked tougher locks as a teenager just for
fun.
click
Pulling a thin hairpin from my pocket–I always kept one hidden–I worked the lock with steady hands. A soft
I pushed the door open and stepped outside.
The air smelled damp, the walls around me rough and cracked. An underground bunker I moved carefully, listening for any guards.
The Dodonare Mafia Ouren
Nothing
They didn’t think I’d escape
Good.
I made my way
my way through the passage, keeping my steps light. The tunnel was long, but soon, I found an exit. A heavy metal door stood at the end, slightly ajar. I
shed it open and stepped out
Fresh air hit my face. I blinked against the morning light, realizing where I was.
The woods.
I took a deep breath. I needed to get as far away as possible before anyone noticed.
Then, I heard it.
“Stop right there!”
My heart clenched.
I turned to see Tony’s men rushing out from the bunker, their guns
“Run, and we shoot!” one of them warned.
I didn’t hesitate.
I bolted.
s raised.
Branches slapped against my skin as I ran through the trees. My lungs burned, my legs ached, but I pushed
forward. I couldn’t let them catch me.
A gunshot rang out, hitting a tree beside me.
I gasped and kept running, forcing myself to go faster
Then-
I crashed into something. Hard.
I lost my balance and fell, my hands scraping against the rough ground
“Got you now, princess,” a voice sneered.
D
The Devored Bare Mada Qures
Tony’s men were on me in seconds. One of them grabbed my arm, yanking me up roughly.
I struggled, kicking and thrashing. “Let me go!”
But before they could drag me back, a new voice cut through the air.
“Let Her Go”
My heart pounded. I knew that voice.
Zaverio.
Tony’s men turned just as a group of armed guards stepped into the clearing. Zaverio’s men..
A gunfight broke out instantly. Shots echoed through the trees as I dropped to the ground, covering my head. I felt hands grab me, pulling me away from the fight
“Ciara.”
I looked up, breathless. Zaverio crouched in front of me, his dark eyes filled with concern.
“Are you hurt?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Just scratches and bruises.”
He exhaled in relief, brushing my hair back gently. “You scared the hell out of me.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but his expression suddenly shifted,
His eyes flicked to something behind me–his body tensed.
Before I could turn, he moved.
Everything happened so fast.
nout.
Zaverio shoved me out of the way, his body twisting as a gunshot rang out.
The sound of impact made my blood run cold..
“No!” I screamed.
I turned and saw her.
Hailey.
The Divorced Bionaire Maña Qu
Zaverio clutched his side, blood staining his shirt. His knees buckled, and he fell to the ground.
“Get her!” I shouted.
Zaverio’s men moved, but Hailey was quick. She darted back into the trees, disappearing before anyone could catch her.
I ignored her. My focus was on Zaverio.
I dropped to my knees beside him, pressing my hands against the wound. Blood soaked through my fingers.
“Stay with me,” I whispered, my voice shaking. “Please.”
His hand, slick with blood, reached up and cupped my face.
His grip was weak, but his touch was warm
“I will always protect you,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tears blurred my vision. “Don’t talk like that.”
He managed a faint, pained smile. “Because you mean the world to me.”
Then his hand went limp.
And my heart nearly stopped.
