Page 27 of Savage Angels

“Nice try, sweetheart,” Stella sneers, clearly noticing my gaze. “But you’re not getting out of here that easily.”

“Fuck you.” My heart pounds as I try to come up with another plan.

“Feisty. I like it,” she says, a sinister grin spreading across her face. “But it won’t do you any good.”

“Listen, Stella,” I begin, trying to appeal to any shred of humanity left in her. “I don’t know what twisted shit is going on in your head, but this isn’t the way to help me. Let me go, and we can figure this out together.”

“Nice try, Kat.” She smirks, her eyes narrowing. “But I’m not falling for your tricks. You’re staying right here until you see the truth.”

“Truth? What truth?” I demand, desperation creeping into my voice. “All I see is a crazy bitch who’s lost her fucking mind! Whatever delusions you have about protecting me, they’re not doing anyone any good.” I try to keep my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me. “You’ve killed two men already. How many more lives do you want on your conscience?”

“Conscience?” Stella chuckles darkly. “You think I feel guilty for ridding the world of filth like Gareth? He was a parasite, and so was Ryken. They were holding you back, Kat.”

“Dammit, Stella! You don’t get to decide that!” I shout, anger momentarily overpowering my fear.

“Watch me,” she replies coldly, her gaze unwavering.

I know I need to act fast before Stella’s next outburst, or worse, she decides to make good on her threats. My eyes dart around the room again, frantically searching for something, anything that could help me escape.

“You know, Stella…” I begin, hoping to stall her while I formulate a plan. “Maybe we could work together. If you’re so intent on keeping me safe, there has to be a way that doesn’t involve kidnapping and murder.”

“Ha!” Stella barks, her laughter tinged with bitterness. “I didn’t expect you to understand, but I hoped you might try. Besides, I haven’t killed anyone this time. Although that older man who’s been looking after you, he’s a problem. Do you know he works for Salvatore Agostino? Word on the street is he’s the new head of the Abruzzi Crime Family.” She laughs and shakes her head. “Guess it’s called the Agostino Crime Family now.”

Not having a clue what she is talking about, I say nothing as she does a weird little dance and talks to herself as she twirls around the room.

At that moment, I see my chance. As Stella’s focus wavers, I catch sight of a shard of glass from a broken bottle mixed in with the rubbish on the floor. With all the strength I can muster, I swing my legs forward, hoping to crawl across the floor and somehow get to the piece of broken glass.

“Nice try, Kat,” Stella snarls, lunging toward me.

Yet, speed is on my side. Clutching the shard tightly, I carve through the ropes binding my wrists. The moment they loosen, I scramble to my feet and lunge at Stella, catching her off guard.

“Get off me, you bitch!” she screams, but I do not relent. We struggle, our bodies colliding with the grime-covered walls as we fight for control. Pain surges through me as Stella’s nails dig into my flesh, but sheer adrenaline fuels my determination to overpower her.

Finally, I manage to pin Stella’s arms beneath her, using my knee to keep her down. Her eyes burn with rage, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

“Give it up, Stella.” I pant, my breath heavy. “I won’t let you hurt anyone else.”

“Bold words from someone who’s still very much in danger,” she taunts, a wicked grin twisting her lips.

Before I can react, Stella bucks her hips violently, throwing me off balance. I tumble to the floor, losing my grip on her. My heart races as I try to scramble back to my feet, knowing every second counts if I am to make my escape.

But as I reach for the door handle, I hesitate, my mind plagued by a nagging question. Would Stella regain control and continue her twisted mission of protection? Or will I find a way to put an end to her reign of terror once and for all?

The answer hangs heavy in the air as the door creaks open, revealing the uncertain darkness beyond.

Chapter Eleven

Emily

The warm night air wafts over my skin as I stand on the porch, looking out into the darkness. The wind whispers through the trees, a haunting lullaby only matched by the unease in my gut. My thoughts race with memories of days gone by, sacrifices made, and the dangerous world we are now firmly entrenched in.

“Amare,” Salvatore’s voice breaks through the silence like shattering glass, pulling me back to the present. He wraps his arms around me from behind, his warmth driving away the chill that has crept up my spine. “I have something for you.”

He hands me a small box. Its matte-black surface reflects the pale moonlight as I turn it over in my hands. I can feel the weight of his gaze on me, anticipation mingling with the faintest hint of vulnerability.

“Open it,” he urges softly, his breath warm against my ear.

My fingers fumble with the lid, curiosity overwhelming the cold dread that has settled in my chest. As I lift the top, I find a delicate gold chain nestled within the folds of midnight velvet. A small key dangles from the chain, its intricate design shimmering in the moonlight.

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