Page 16 of His Revenge

“He is the one running the game here and the direct connection to the MC’s in Vegas and LA to both grab and transport the merchandise,” He whimpers, watching my hand muscle tighten.

“How did you get access to the kids?” I ask, losing my patience.

“We are the halfway point of transporting girls to New York for the new markets that have opened up. When the product is stored here we all get access to the roster to test out and break them in,” He hung his head as the last words left his mouth. He knew what he had done was wrong and there was only one way to avenge those children.

I turn around and grab the chef knife out of the knife block. Without hesitation, I stepped back in front of my target and slice him open in an ‘X’ shape across the abdomen. His blood begins to flow as his internal organs fall into his lap and the light starts to fade from his eyes. I open the cabinets again and find the alcohol in the cupboard and pour it on his intestines and down his throat. I stoke the fire in the living room and proceeded to light candles in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom on the wood surfaces. Nearby I leave clothesand easily ignitable items. Within the hour, this cabin will be engulfed in flames destroying the cabin and the body in it. Walking out of the door and locking it behind me, I travel back toward my car.

Looking down at my phone there is one message that just came through.

Rome:

The girls are headed to the club after dinner. I don’t know what the guidelines are for me stepping in.

Leo:

I am hurrying back.

Chapter Twenty

ELLA

“Dance like everyone's watching because they are and you cannot fail in front of them.”

Clipping the sheath of the butterfly knife to my bra, I finish preparing for Rome’s arrival. The soft leaves of fall outside have me in a soft deep purple sweater and black stretchy pants that look more professional than they feel. I hear the front door open followed by footsteps and a knock on the bedroom door.

“Ella, It’s just me, I’ll be in the kitchen when you are ready,” He speaks with clarity before walking away. I finish putting on my flats and making sure that my e-reader is in my purse before leaving the bedroom. From the moment I open the door, I can smell coffee grounds and caramel. Walking to the kitchen, I hear the espresso machine and see two to-go mugs on the counter next to the machine.

“Good Morning, Rome,” I say with wonder behind my words at the plan for the day.

“Good morning, woman I share the love of my life with,” He quips with a smirk, pouring the steamed milk into the blue travelcup before setting it in front of me. I look at it and see fine blue butterfly details around the sides of the cup. The lump in my throat grows at the amount of care that he put into this. It’s more than anyone but Leo has given me my entire life.

“You made this for me?” I questioned.

“Of course, based on how early it is I didn’t think you and Leo had time for coffee together today. I would hate for you to be under caffeinated for this big day,” Rome answered me while finishing his coffee. Our corresponding lids are on the island.

“When do we need to leave?” I ask while sitting down at the island. Lifting the coffee to my lips, I take a single sip and moan at the beautiful blend of flavors and sweetness. Looking up, I find Rome smirking and shaking his head.

“I would appreciate it if you did not make those noises in the house while we are alone. You’re like a sister to me and it’s weird to hear your sister moan because of you,” He jokes with me, but the jest makes my heart feel so full.

“I’ve never truly had a family before, Rome. I appreciate so much that you are my new family. I feel safe with you so I relax,” I whisper almost ashamed.

“Look at me, sis,” He says sternly. I raise my eyes to meet his soft green ones.

“Your past does not define you. Leo doesn’t let his guard down for anyone. You are it for him. He doesn’t make choices like this lightly. I want to take care of you like he would want me too. You will never be alone and scared ever again. As my sister, I will protect your life with mine without hesitation,” He declares with a proud smile on his face. My tears start to cascade and I bury my face in my hands. I can hear his footsteps on the floor coming in my direction but I cannot get the tears to stop.

“Can I hold you while you get your emotions out? I don’t want you to feel alone. I would never lay a finger on you without your expressed permission. You’ve had enough unapprovedtouching for a lifetime,” He whispers in my ear. Unable to find the words, I nod. His arms envelope me and he pets my hair as sobs wrack my chest. He continues to rub soothing circles until I feel my breathing regulate.

“You know you can talk to me about it if you want. I didn’t have a traditional childhood and I promise that what is said won’t go outside the three of us,” He promises me. Shaking my head, I take a sip of the coffee. Rome takes the seat next to me with his.

“If Leo knew exactly how damaged his wife was, he wouldn’t want to marry me anymore,” I admit, fear dripping into my voice.

“Leo has seen the dark side of people and most of his jobs are to exterminate them after receiving information. He would never blame the victim of a crime for any of it. You just did what you needed to survive and no one on this earth can blame you for that,” He declares before taking another drink.

“I would memorize their faces before dissociating, I wanted to remember who they were when all was said and done,” I whisper with determination.

“If you want to tell me about them, I can find where they are now. You don’t have to do anything or share any details of exactly what was done, but knowing their names is a step to your revenge,” He explains. Rome surprises me. I didn’t realize that it was an option to find them this far in the future.

“Okay, I will tell you all of them in one go but I need to know how much time we have before we need to pick up Claire,” I responded.

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