Page 53 of Twisted In Obsession

I was introduced to Giuseppe at my wedding. From what Nico told me, he is what you call aconsigliere. First, he was an advisor to Lorenzo, Nico’s father, and when he died, Nico decided to keep him on as his. I don’t know what being aconsigliereinvolves, and to be honest, I never bothered to ask, but I do know it is a high-ranking position. Though I should probably take more interest in my husband’s business, I can’t bring myself to get involved more than I already am. I decided that the less I know, the better, and that is how it will stay.

Leo leaves and a couple minutes later, the old man with greying hair and a rounded belly steps into the office. “Nico, my boy,” he greets, closing the distance between them and taking his hand.

“Giuseppe.” My husband replies with a slight frown, standing from his chair and shaking his hand. “I wasn’t expecting you today.”

The middle-aged man takes a seat, his eyes coming to me for a moment before shifting to Dante - who he says a quick hello to - then back to Nico. “I was in the city and just wanted to check in. I haven’t had time to speak or catch up with you, since your wedding.”

Nico searches his face and, if I didn’t know any better, I would say there is a hint of suspicion flashing in his blue eyes. The same suspicion that I have seen directed at me, many times. “I’ve been…” he pauses, “A little busy. And anyway, nothing has changed since we last spoke. The Romanos are still pushing to go ahead with the wedding.” I don’t miss the way Dante tenses at that information. “And we are awaiting a shipment from Carlos Quintero.”

“And the Russians?” Giuseppe asks, with accusation in his tone. I stiffen when he glances at me.

“Are not your problem, Giuseppe,” my husband waves him off.

“I am theconsigliere,Nico. Let me help,” he snaps.

Nico’s eyes narrow, but before he can speak, loud banging sounds.Bang. Bang. Bang.My heart lurches in my chest, eyes shooting to Nico. My husband darts out of his seat as do Dante and Giuseppe. My stomach drops, fear snaking through every inch of my body as the noise gets louder, more intense, more…Is that gunfire?

I fly off the couch toward Nico, who within two long strides is in front of me, with a gun in his hand. He cups my cheeks, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Stay here,Tesoro. Giuseppe will keep you safe.”

I shake my head, crying out. “No. Please don’t leave me.”

“Baby, listen to me. I will be back. Everything will be okay. Just stay here. It’s a safe room, don’t leave until I come back, you hear me?”

I glance up to find Dante, standing by the door, also holding a gun. My heart pounds in my chest erratically when I think about them both going out there, into the line of fire. I want to demand Nico stay with me, but I know there is no point. All it will do is waste time.

“Okay,” I croak out with a small nod of my head.

He smiles, pressing a kiss to my lips and looking as relaxed as I have ever seen him. I swallow at the thought that he is used to stuff like this happening. “Stay here,” he repeats before straightening. He turns his attention on Giuseppe. “Keep her safe.”

“Of course, Nico. Go,” the old man nods solemnly.

Without another word, my husband disappears through the door before it closes with a click of finality. I want to cry. I want to be back in the Hamptons, in my gilded cage, with my son, where we are safe. Anything but this nightmare.

On shaky legs, I move to the window that overlooks the club. I don’t know if I will see anything, but it’s worth a try. Palm on the glass, my breaths come out thick and fast as I watch for any sign of my husband. I don’t see anything. Nothing. No one. Just darkness.

Tears prick my eyes and I’m aware of the presence at my back, but I take no notice of it. That is until a chemical smelling cloth covers my mouth. I claw at the arm, the hand. Kick back with all my strength but it’s no use. The grip on me is too strong and the smell I inhale makes me drowsy. But I don’t give up. I fight with everything in me. Fight for my husband. For our son.

My vision dots, turning blurry. My body turns weak with my fight, and I know I am losing strength. My muscles weaken, lungs burn. And then I hear it. Eleven sinister words before I black out.

“That’s it, girl. Let’s get you back to where you belong.”

***

The sound of hushed voices and water dripping rouses me from my sleep. My throat feels dry, sore, eyes feel heavy. With all the energy I can muster, I crack my eyes open, blinking away the heaviness. Everything is blurred, unfocused. Ugh, why do I feel like this.

Reaching up, I still when I can’t move my arms. My heart rate kicks up in my chest, fear taking ahold of me. Something’s not right. And that’s only confirmed further when I glance down, to find my arms and legs strapped to the chair with rope. I blink, searching the deepest parts of my mind for how I got here. And then it comes back to me. The club. Nico. The hand on my mouth. The…

“Ahh, the princess is awake.” I freeze at the voice. It’s familiar but at the same time, it’s been so long since I’ve heard it, it sounds different. I swallow, lifting my head when I hear footsteps move closer. My heart beats so fast, I’m surprised when it doesn’t fall out of my chest.

And it’s all because I know what I’m going to find – or who in this case.

My gaze lifts, pulse turning to an unnatural speed. My whole world crumbles when it locks on the smug face in front of me. A face, I thought I would never see again. A face, IhopedI would never see again.

But who was I kidding. I knew he wouldn’t stop or give up. Was stupid to think otherwise.

Because he found me.

My father, the monster in my nightmares and my reality, found me.

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