“We’ll wait for her to come back.”
“We can’t just wait. What if he kills her?” she cries. “What if he already knows about you?”
“He won’t kill her now, but he definitely will if we make the wrong move.” I glance at all the broken pieces on the floor. “I’ll clean this place up.”
It takes a few minutes for me to tidy the kitchen and get rid of the trash. I sit on one of the couches in the living room, trying to come up with a plan in case Isabella doesn’t return, when Naomi joins me. “She got a text from Elio this evening.”
My gaze darts to Isabella’s phone in Naomi’s hand. “What does it say?”
“He told her he was going to pay her a visit. She must’ve missed it somehow.” She hands the phone over to me. “It also says she has a week until he kills her Nana.”
Chapter Eighteen
Isabella
I wake up with an intense headache. Eyes squinted, I peer around. Nothing in this dimly lit room looks familiar. Not the barrels in the corner or the men standing by the door. Not even the smell.
It takes a minute for memories to start flooding back and I realize where I am. Elio’s men knocked me out and kidnapped me. Fucking idiots.
Pain shoots up my body when I try to sit and I let out a groan which calls the attention of the two men by the door.
“Look who is finally awake,” one of them says as he walks to me.
I recognize him. He’s the one who stopped their leader from hitting me earlier. “Where am I?”
His lips quirk with a smile. “Somewhere safe.” He turns to the other guy. “Tell the Boss she’s awake.”
The other guy nods then he leaves the room. Seeing as I’m not tied up or anything, I’m guessing Elio is not holding me hostage. Not yet at least. “Why did the Boss bring me here?” I dare to ask. This guy seems the nicest of the ones I’ve encountered so far. I don’t mind pushing my luck if it prepares me for whatever I’m about to experience with Elio.
He opens his mouth to answer but before he can, the door opens. Elio comes in and the guy quickly steps away. Behind Elio, someone wheels my Nana in. My eyes immediately tear up.
“Nana!” I struggle to my feet, ignoring the pain shooting through my stiff muscles and stumble toward her until I’m kneeling in front of my Nana and hugging her. “I missed you so much.”
I feel my Nana’s hand pat my head before she gently cups my cheek. “My sweet, sweet child. I’ve missed you too.”
I pull away, staring at her with wide eyes. “Can you recognize me?”
She nods. “How are you doing?”
I hold her hand to my cheek, desperate for her touch and warmth. It’s comforting in a way that fills my chest with a glow only she provides. “I’m fine,” I lie. I’m not fine, I’m breaking apart. I’m shattering, but I can’t tell her that.
“Your Nana has been receiving treatment from one of the best doctors in New York.” He glances at her, then back to me. “I told you I was going to take care of her as long as you were a good girl.”
I ignore him. “Did anyone hurt you, Nana? Did anyone do anything to you?”
She smiles. “I’m fine, child.”
“I promise to bring you home soon. Count on it, okay?” I don’t know how, but I must find a way. I don’t care if I’ll have to be for Vincent’s help, or for that of his brothers.
Before I can speak any further with my Nana, Elio signals for them to take her away. I know what he’s playing at. If there’s anything I’ve learned after my interactions with Elio, it’s that the bastard enjoys manipulation.
He probably noticed my lack of action in bringing Vincent to him and arranged this little show to make more cooperative. What was it he said? He had the best doctor in New York treating my Nana? That is bullshit.
The money he spends on her treatment means nothing to him and he wouldn’t hesitate in putting a bullet through her skull if I gave him a reason to.
My heart swells with emotion as I watch them wheel my Nana away, but I don’t cry. The last thing I’ll give Elio is my tears. “What is this about?”
He makes a face, as if he has no idea what I’m talking about. “Aren’t you happy to see your grandma?”