Everyone froze around me. Viktor, Phoenix, Artur, and Alessio. Silence. Utter silence. Viktor glanced down at me, his eyebrows furrowed. When he saw me cowering behind Alessio’s back, he took a step toward me, protecting me.
Phoenix and Artur looked confused while Alessio stayed frozen. His muscles were tensed underneath my fingers, and I wished I could look into those eyes so he could see my real truth. That I loved him and never wished to betray him.
The air went from cold to deadly. It smelled like death even though nobody had died yet. It chilled me to the bones, and I shivered, fear slithering its way into my spine. My knees buckled, but I held on to Alessio, refusing to fall.
Nobody had died yet.
But there would only be one end. Bloodshed. War. We were all going to bathe in blood until one family would be left standing.
And in that moment, I wasn’t sure which one.
The Ivanshovs or the Abandonatos.
“Take your fucking eyes off her,” Alessio snapped. “And get the fuck off my property. You do not want to start war.”
“I’m not here to wage war. As soon as I get what I’m here for, I will leave. This does not have to end in bloodshed, Alessio. Give me what I want and I’ll leave without any disturbance,” Alberto said calmly, as if he was discussing a business deal.
And that was when it happened.
Guns were drawn, and I was pushed behind. Viktor, Phoenix, and Artur pointed their guns at Alberto and his men. “Get out,” Viktor growled. “Or I’m going to have your fucking brain splattered on the ground.”
I trembled at the threat like it was said to me. This was going to end badly, and through it all, I was going to leave Alessio broken.
I couldn’t leave him. I was his Angel. He needed me.
From my place behind their backs, I saw Alberto raise his hands up and let out a low chuckle. “Do you see my men pointing guns at you? No. As I said, I’m just here to take back Ayla—my soon-to-be wife. She comes with me, and no blood needs to be spilled.”
No! I wanted to scream, but my voice was gone. I was paralyzed with fear. So much pain and fear. My heart was cracking under the pressure.
“Your what?” Viktor sputtered as he blinked down at me.
Alessio still hadn’t said anything. He was quiet—so quiet. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Why wasn’t he yelling?
Say something, Alessio. Please. Say something.
“Oh, I see she hasn’t told you yet. What a shame,” Alberto tsked. “Well, let me indulge you then. The woman you are protecting behind you right now is Ayla Abandonato. The late Alfredo’s daughter and only child. And also, my very soon-to-be wife. The Italian’s queen. Your enemy.”
“No,” I whimpered. No. Stop it! I brought my hands to my ears and shook my head, but I couldn’t block his words, his voice.
Phoenix stared down at me in shock, Artur glared, and Viktor just stared with his emotionless eyes. While Alessio—nothing. He gave me nothing. His back still faced me as he kept his eyes on Alberto.
He hadn’t drawn his gun. No, he just stood there. Staring. Unmoving.
But I could feel it…the fury rolling off him. I knew he was begging for control. He was trying to keep the monster in.
For whose sake? I didn’t know.
“C’mon now, love. Don’t be shy. It’s time for you to come home. You have wandered away for too long,” Alberto said, his voice almost soothing, but I knew he was taunting.
I looked at Viktor, begging him with my eyes, saying the words I couldn’t speak. Please, don’t let him take me. Please.
Viktor shook his head and then looked at Alessio. His eyes went back to Alberto, glaring. “Only over my dead body will you take Ayla away,” he finally growled menacingly.
“This doesn’t have to be hard. Alessio, as a Boss, I’m sure your people are more important than just a measly whore who keeps your bed warm.” Alberto chuckled.
His laughter rang through the air, and my blood roared. It felt like my ears were bleeding. His voice, his presence, his sadistic laughter, it was all too much for me.
His last words finally got a reaction from Alessio. But not one I expected.
“Viktor, get her inside,” Alessio said, his voice calm, yet so cold and deadly.
Viktor nodded and took my arm, pulling me toward the gates. I saw Alessio, Artur, and Phoenix still standing, facing Alberto. But Alberto’s eyes were on me, trained on my body and every movement I was making.
Viktor stopped at the gates, and I huddled closer to him, seeking protection.
“Get the fuck out of here, Alberto. This is the last time I am going to say this. It takes only one bullet to be fired and war will be upon us. Leave my property or my men will be forced to shoot.”