A yell goes up, my men backing me the same way they backed my father.
“No prisoners. No mercy.” I pump the shotgun, loading a shell. “Let’s go.”
We hit the road in a line of black vehicles, all of us ready for war.
“Oscar will expect you to contact him, to try and make some sort of deal. That’s what your father would’ve done.” Antony stows blades along his waist.
“For Zoey? Yeah, my father would’ve tried diplomacy. But for my mother? He would’ve torn down heaven and earth to get her back.”
Claudio chimes in from the back seat. “You’re right.”
“Stick close to me.” I look at him in the rearview.
“You don’t have to tell me twice. I’m ready to go to the mattresses on this, but I don’t want to die. A man’s gotta know his limitations.” He looks at the gun in his hand with uncertainty.
“Point the danger end at the Ferrars and pull the trigger.” I turn my gaze back to the road. “You’ll do fine. We just have to get to Maddie and make sure she’s safe. Then you can play shooting gallery with the rest of the sick fucks.”
When we arrive at the Ferrars’ compound, the men at the gate start to scramble. They’re surprised. Oscar didn’t foresee my army rolling up to rescue my wife. Because he’s an idiot. Good.
I can’t wait to see the shock on his face when I slit his throat for taking what’s mine.
“I’m coming, Maddie. Just hold on.” With that, I hit the gas, ram the gate, and dive into battle to free my little bird from Oscar’s cage.
22
Maddie
I’ve gone from living in a fairy tale to being held in a horror house. At least the pounding in my head has started to subside and is only a dull ache now. Really, it’s the least of my concerns at the moment. There are way more pressing issues at hand. Like the fact that I’ve been kidnapped.
The room is full of men, and all of them are looking at me. Except for Oscar; he’s too busy boasting about how easy it was to take me. I was almost thankful that he was the one that ordered me to remove my clothes. He didn’t seem the least bit interested in what was underneath.
Oscar was more giddy about getting my dress into the box and sending it on its way. His other men, though, keep glancing my way with lustful stares that have me wanting to burst into tears out of sheer fear. I’ve somehow managed to hold them back. I just keep telling myself over and over that Renato will find me.
I try to remain strong. I’m thankful I’m still alive. James and Carlo weren’t so lucky. They died protecting me. Gave their lives out of loyalty to Renato to save mine. I need to remember that. To never let that go in vain. I have to survive and return to my husband. I won’t let history repeat itself. I will be the woman that stands at Renato’s side. There isn’t going to be a second wife. Ever.
“Maddie?” I turn my head to see Clara. A small spark of hope lights inside me. “Oscar! Where are her clothes?” She rushes over to me.
“She’s fine.” Oscar scoffs as he takes a seat behind his deck. Clara ignores her husband and removes her cardigan.
“Take this.” She doesn’t have to ask me twice. “I’ll be right back.” I want to grab her and make her stay, not wanting to be left alone with these men again.
The only reason I don't is because I’m pretty sure she’s going to get me some more clothes. I use the small cardigan the best I can to cover myself while I wait for her to come back. Clara is a tiny woman compared to me, so it doesn’t cover much, but it’s better than nothing.
“Is someone going to pour me a drink? We're celebrating here,” Oscar declares smugly. I want to punch his round face. I’m not prone to violence, but he brings it out in me. One of his men hops to the credenza along the back of the room, but Oscar holds up his hand, stopping the man. “You will serve me. My very own personal servant.” His eyes lock on me. An ugly smirk plays on his lips.
I swallow, knowing he wants his revenge for the other night. I embarrassed him at the table in front of everyone, and now he wants to do the same to me. “That jacket looks ridiculous on you. You look like a stuffed sausage in it.”
A few of his men chuckle like they weren’t all just gawking at my body moments ago with lust in their eyes. I wish I could control the heat that rushes to my face, but I can’t.
“Get the drink or I’ll have one of my men drag you by your hair to do it.”