37
Paige
I tear through the forest in haste. I’m not the least bit careful. Branches scrape against my arms and legs. I ignore the sting. It’s nothing compared to my pulse pounding so loud that I think I may go deaf.
There’s noise in the distance behind me.
Vance’s men are gaining on me.
Their voices are muffled, but they’re tracking me.
Why did they let me go if they only intended to hunt me down? Is this a game to Vance? Let me think I’ve won my freedom, only to snatch it right back?
What did they mean, boom?
Dozens of questions rattle through my head as I keep heading through the forest and refuse to slow my pace.
Did they plant a bomb? If they did, I need to warn Moreno and the others. But who is working with the DeLuca’s?
I don’t know the guards well enough to determine if any of them would betray Moreno. Dante would never be the rat. He’s the boss and married to Nikki. I can’t fathom that she would be working for Vance, although she was part of their family.
At least at one time.
Was she playing Dante and Moreno?
While I doubt it, I also can’t take the chance that she or anyone else will hurt Nova.
The bottoms of my feet throb as I approach the metal fence around the perimeter. I’m not at the gate, so I hurry and follow the fence around until I reach the guard post at the entrance.
I’m out of breath—my heart hammering in my chest.
“Paige,” Leone’s voice is like music to my ears.
Safety.
Security.
Protection.
I need to get to Nova to protect her and warn the others about Vance.
“I need to talk to Moreno,” I say. I must look as dirty and disgusting as I feel. I’m coated in sweat from running. My feet hurt, my skin is scraped and bloody.
Leone unlocks the gate, and the metal doors squeak as they open.
“Vance isn’t far behind,” I warn the guard. “I escaped and ran through the forest, but I’m sure they were following me. Some of the men were on foot, others were in a black SUV.”
They didn’t snatch me from town to give me a joy ride and threaten the family. There’s more to Vance. He’s a murderer and a monster.
“Get inside,” Leone says and points at the cabin.
“Where’s Nova?” Is she all right?
“Nova is in the panic room with Nikki and Luca. You should get in there yourself. Go!” Leone shouts.
He’s doesn’t seem happy that I’m standing there asking questions when I’ve told him Vance and the others are on their way.
I hurry inside the building. Leone radios someone on his walkie-talkie, but I can’t hear what’s being said.