Page 26 of Marco

The question is whether I have the strength for that. Whether our fledgling bond can endure the trials ahead.

My fingers curl into the throw rug folded over an arm of the couch, anxiety twisting in my gut. I think of Marco's searing kiss, the raw emotion in his voice as he confessed how I've come to mean everything to him, and the way he made rough but tender love to me. If that was real—and I believe it was—then we have a chance.

But we'll have to face each challenge together, guarding the fragile gift between us with everything we have. I close my eyes, summoning the memory of Marco's embrace and our intimacy to bolster my courage for the road ahead.

It won't be easy. But for a love like ours, I'm willing to fight. I only hope Marco feels the same. When next I see him, I'll make sure he understands I'm here to stay... if he'll have me.

I take a deep breath, realizing this marks my descent into an uncertain future. But not alone, never again alone. Marco and I will forge our path together, come what may.

Of that, at least, I'm sure.

eleven

Alessia

Islide the brush across the canvas, blending the paints into a swirl of color. Painting is my escape, a small piece of the old me that still remains. Marco was kind enough to set up a room as my studio, rekindling a hobby I hadn't had much time for while running the café. I lose myself in the rhythm of each stroke, imagining I'm anywhere but here.

A knock at the door startles me from my thoughts. Strange, I'm not expecting anyone. Not hearing any of the staff answer the door, I figure they must be on their lunch break. Oh well, it would be nice to have some human interaction. It gets lonely during the day when Marco is at work and the staff are busy working.

I open the door to find two delivery men with a large package. I'm not expecting anything, but Marco and the staff have all kinds of things delivered throughout the day. As I sign for it, one of the men suddenly grabs me from behind. A cloth covers my mouth and I smell something chemical. I try to scream but only manage a muffled cry, and there's a burning in my lungs before everything goes dark.

When I come to, I'm in the back of a van speeding down the road. Fear courses through me as the reality of the situation sinks in. I've been kidnapped. Who has taken me? And where are they taking me? I struggle against the ties binding my wrists. The men pay me no attention, focused stoically on the road ahead.

My heartbeat pounds in my ears. I squeeze my eyes shut, willing this to be some terrible nightmare. But when I open them again, I'm still here. Trapped. I think of Marco and wonder if he even knows yet that I'm gone. A mix of panic and determination wells up inside me. I don't know why I've been taken, and clearly these men are dangerous, but I refuse to go down without a fight.

Marco

Chaos erupts the moment I enter the estate. Men are shouting, phones are ringing. Francesco grabs me, panic in his eyes.

"Boss! It's Alessia—she's been taken!"

His words hit me like a blow. Alessia, kidnapped? Impossible. I was just with her this morning, vowing to keep her safe. And the grounds are secure, equipped with the best security systems and security team money can buy.

"What?! When did this happen?" I demand.

"Just now. We found signs of a struggle near the front entrance. No one saw who did it. The cameras were somehow disabled. We think they may have come in a delivery truck. Our men are scouting the neighborhood and one neighbor thinks they saw a van coming up the driveway."

A mix of rage and fear courses through me. How could I let this happen? I swore to protect her.

My men look to me, awaiting orders. I force myself to focus. Now is not the time for emotion. Or to show weakness.

"Search the grounds again. Check the security footage. I want every inch of this place combed for clues. We must find her, and quickly."

My voice is steel but inside, my mind reels. Memories of Alessia flash through me—her smile, her spirit, the growing connection between us. A shiver runs down my spine as I think about the groups of men who may have taken her, none of them good options. If anything happens to her...

No. I cannot think like that. I will find her. And I will destroy whoever took her. No one steals from Marco De Luca. No one. And she is my most prized possession.

I storm into my office, barking orders as I go.

"Get all our contacts on the line. Call in every favor, follow every lead. I want her found now!"

My men scramble to obey. Phones are dialing, voices shouting. But my mind is racing ahead.

Who could have taken her? Most likely a rival family trying to get to me—the Di Gregorios, for one? No, they'd have demanded a ransom by now... or worse, they'd have sent proof of death to show me what they've done. I shiver. No, that can't be it. A personal vendetta then? Someone from her past? Another syndicate posturing for control?

Alessia has secrets, I know that much. Things she is reluctant to share. Everyone does. Is this connected? Has my world put her directly in harm's way? Or is it something that came about just by virtue of her family lineage.

The thought makes my gut twist. This is my fault. I swore to protect her, yet I'm the one who brought her into all this. What if she'd been just fine staying at the café? What if me and my men were the only ones interested in that location? I have no idea whether I've done the right thing or made things one million times worse.

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