Page 15 of Impure Vows

“There were too many people, and she moved fast. She knows how to blend in.”

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to think. “Alright, get back to the station. Sweep the area. Check every camera, every corner. She couldn’t have gone far.”

“Yes, Boss.”

I end the call, the frustration boiling under my skin. Aliyah. That girl is slipping through my fingers, and it’s driving me insane. Every time I close my eyes, I see her face, those wide, terrified eyes. It's more than just wanting her; it's needing her.

I get up, pacing the room. The darkness is giving way to the early light of morning. She thinks she can run, hide in the shadows of this city. But New York is my territory, and she’s just a mouse in my maze.

I grab my clothes, throwing them on with purpose. The mansion is quiet at this hour, my men either asleep or on watch. As I step into the hallway, I catch sight of Marco, his expression one of controlled concern.

“She’s gone, Boss?” he asks, falling into step beside me.

“For now. We’ll find her.”

Marco nods, understanding the weight of my words. He knows me well enough to recognize that failure is not an option. “I’ll get the team ready. We’ll cover every exit, every possible hideout.”

“Good. And get me the latest footage from the station. I want eyes on every screen.”

“On it.”

We move through the mansion with silent efficiency, the air thick with unspoken determination. My mind races with possibilities, each one more infuriating than the last. She’s clever, I’ll give her that. But clever only gets you so far.

As we enter the control room, the screens light up with feeds from various parts of the city. I lean in, scanning each one for any sign of her. Marco and the others are already at work, dissecting every frame.

“She won’t get far,” Marco says, his voice steady.

“She better not,” I reply, my eyes fixed on the screens. “Because when I find her, there won’t be anywhere left for her to hide.”

I lean back in my chair, a smirk curling my lips. Finally, she’s out. The thrill of the chase courses through me, making me adjust myself. I’ve drawn her out, and now it’s time to swoop in, to sink my claws—and other parts—into her.

“Marco,” I call out, my voice steady and commanding.

He steps forward, his eyes meeting mine. “Boss?”

“I want our best men on this. No screw-ups.”

He nods, understanding the gravity. “Who do you have in mind?”

I tap my fingers on the desk, considering. “Luca, for sure. He’s good at tracking without being seen. Get Tony too; he’s got a knack for sniffing out hiding spots. And Vinny. He’s fucking relentless.”

Marco pulls out his phone, already dialing. “Luca, Tony, Vinny. Got it.”

As he arranges the team, I rise and walk to the window, looking out over the city. My city. Every street, every corner, belongs to me. And soon, so will she.

Marco’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “They’re on their way. Should be here in ten.”

“Good,” I say, turning back to him. “Make sure they know the stakes. I want her found, and I want her brought to me.”

Marco’s eyes flicker with understanding. “Understood. Anything else?”

“Yeah,” I say, my voice dropping an octave. “Tell them to be gentle when they find her. She’s not to be harmed.” The thought of anyone’s hands on her beside mine fills me with an uncontrollable surge of rage. If anyone hurts her, so help me I will lose my shit and make everyone pay.

Marco nods, his expression serious. “I’ll make sure they know.”

Satisfied, I return to my desk, picking up the phone. “And Marco?”

He pauses, phone halfway to his ear. “Yes, Boss?”

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