Page 27 of Marco

Francesco enters, his face grim. "No ransom demand yet, boss. Should we put feelers out, let them know we're looking to negotiate?"

"No," I snap. "I won't play their games. Just find her so we can get her back safely. And then we'll make them pay."

He nods and leaves. I pour a scotch, trying to steady my nerves.

Where are you, Alessia? What are they doing to you? Bile rises in my throat as dark thoughts creep in.

Stay strong, I plead silently. I will find you. And heaven help those who took you when I do. The wrath of Marco De Luca will rain down on them until there is nothing left.

This I swear.

I nod to Francesco as he enters my office again, bracing myself for whatever news he brings.

"The Rosales cartel got in touch," he says. "They're the ones who took her."

My hands clench into fists. The Rosales. Of course. We've been battling over territory for months now. I suspected the Di Gregorios, but even they have some kind of moral code which would hopefully keep my wife off limits. The Rosales? They're a whole other story.

"What do they want?" I ask through gritted teeth.

Francesco hesitates. "They said they'll exchange her for control of the docks."

I slam my fist on the desk, making him jump. Control of the docks means control over all incoming shipments. It would cripple my entire operation.

But this is about more than business. This is about Alessia. My Alessia.

"They think they can use her against me?" I seethe. "That I'll hand my empire over to save some woman?"

Francesco shifts his weight. "Not some woman, boss. Your woman. Your wife."

I meet his gaze. Because he's right. Alessia is not just some woman. But I can't show that weakness, not even to my most trusted men.

"She knew the risks that came with me," I say coldly. "Just like we all do."

But inside, my heart is shattering. Alessia in the hands of the Rosales cartel, being hurt because of me. They're known for being particularly ruthless, and for using people to send very clear messages. Thinking about her in that situation… helpless, vulnerable… it's unbearable.

Still, I force myself to breathe steadily, my face an emotionless mask. This is the ugly business I'm in. And I cannot let it break me now.

I pace the floor of my office, my mind racing. Where would they take her? The Rosales have compounds throughout the city, any one of which could be holding Alessia now.

I think back to this morning, kissing her goodbye before my meeting. The way her eyes shone with that clever spark, how she teased me about my grumpiness before coffee. So full of life and spirit.

The thought of that light dimmed, her fire extinguished, makes my gut twist with fear and rage.

No. I cannot afford to think like that. Alessia is strong, stronger than she knows. She'll hold on until I find her.

And I will find her. I'll scour every inch of this damned city if I have to.

My cell phone rings, an unknown number. I answer quickly.

"Hello?"

There's silence on the other end, then muffled voices in the background. My heart leaps into my throat.

"Alessia?" I ask urgently. "Alessia, is that you?"

More silence, then finally, her voice. Smaller than I've ever heard it. "Marco..."

Just that one word, but it's her. Relief crashes over me. "Alessia, listen, I'm going to get you out of there. Just tell me where you are, give me something-"

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