Page 51 of Velvet Chains

“I have to go. If I don't, he'll send men to kill Isabelle.” Pietro fell silent at my words.

“Just hang in there, I'll try to get some people to back you up. I'll call in some favors.” Pietro said, and I shook my head even though he couldn't see me. I knew our business well, we didn't currently have any allies in America that we could trust with something like this. The one thing I was glad of was that we had a safe house with guns and ammunition, so I wouldn't be going there unarmed.

“You know me, I'm a fighter. Please, take care Isabelle and my child if I don't make it. And who knows, maybe Antonio will do the honorable thing for once.” I said, and despite Pietro's objections, I ended the call. I wanted to spend the rest of my day with Isabelle.

It was a bittersweet one; I was so happy to be with Isabelle, but I also knew that it could be our last day together. I tried to keep my spirits up so she wouldn't notice, but I don't think I fooled her. I made arrangements for her and our child, making sure to send her enough money for them to be very comfortable.

“Don't go,” she whispered, holding my hand as I was about to leave.

“I'll be back tomorrow,” I tried to allay her fears.

“What if you don’t come back? Please, don't go.” She begged me, but I knew that this time, I had to say no.

“I'm sorry.” I told her, before kissing her forehead. I would do anything else for her, but this was something I couldn't agree to.

On my way, I stopped at the safe house and got some weapons and ammunition. I had texted Pietro the address of the challenge, even though I didn't put much hope in him being able to get help to me.

I stood, feeling uneasy, as my eyes fixed on the deserted place before me. It was an old factory and it looked truly barren, with only a few old buildings around. This was the location. Business with Antonio had soured long ago, but the fact that he brought Isabelle into this and endangered her and my child sent me over the edge. My mind was clearer than it had been for weeks; we had let Antonio run around unchecked for too long. It was time to finally settle things and get rid of him for good.

The place was silent.

As I waited, a sense of unease crept over me. Something didn't feel right. Suddenly, Antonio emerged from the shadows, flanked by ten men in black, all fully armed.

"You fool," Antonio sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. " Did you really think you could take me down alone?"

My hand instinctively went to my gun, but I was outnumbered. I knew I had to act fast. I knew that Antonio would take the dishonorable route, and I was angry. I took cover behind a nearby building, firing off a few shots to keep them at bay. The first shot hit one of Antonio's men and sent him down. I exhaled shakily in relief, that was one less person to worry about.

“You see, that's my problem with you and the other fools on the Cupola. You're like old men, clinging to your honor and tradition. You can take your honor with you to the grave, and who knows? Maybe after this, I'll pay a visit to your fiancée.” He said, and at his words, the men by his side began firing back.

I continued firing, I kept my ears open, focusing on each individual so I could figure out when they were reloading and act accordingly.

But they kept coming, their bullets ricocheting off the walls. I knew I couldn't hold out for much longer. Just as I thought I was done for, I heard the sound of screeching tires and gunfire.

A black SUV rushed into the clearing and stopped, and a team of heavily armed men pouring out. I was worried that they were Antonio's reinforcements, but then I recognized someone. They were led by Elia, the last person I expected to see in America.

"Why am I not surprised to see you playing dirty tricks?" Elia addressed Antonio calmly as his men began taking down Antonio’s men with ease.

I took advantage of the distraction to pick off a few more of Antonio's men. Bullets were flying everywhere, and I had two close shaves, but I felt excited. Finally, it seemed like we would be able to catch Antonio. The tide of the battle turned, and soon we had the upper hand.

Antonio attempted to flee, but I steadied myself and aimed. The shot rang out and he fell to the ground. I had hit him in the leg, pinning him to the ground.

To his credit, he got up and continued trying to run away, but he could only hobble. Nevertheless, I knew he was like a cockroach, if we even looked away for a second, he would get away. I would have admired his strength of will if he hadn’t been so despicable.

“Do you want to turn around and face your death like a man? Or is that another form of honor you look down on?” I spoke as I followed him. He didn't even pause, I stayed on high alert even though he was injured.

“Do you know what's funny? You had a decent shot on your own. Elia wouldn't have stepped in if you had kept your word” I continued.

Maybe my words annoyed him because he turned around and aimed at me. I didn't even think. Instinctively, I shot back, hitting him in the head.

I paused for a few moments before going to check if he was dead. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, it was finally over.

As we walked away from the mess behind you, I turned to Elia and asked, "How did you know I was in trouble?"

"Pietro called this morning as soon as you boarded your flight, and I decided to lend a helping hand. Besides, I wanted to visit anyway,” he said winking his eye at me and I realized that he meant he wanted to see Sarah.

I embraced him in gratitude, and he gave me a ride to the hospital.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

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