Page 60 of Inevitable

“It’s the Farelli!” Gio shouts before reaching for his gun and returning fire.

Soon gunfire comes from the woods off to the left of the road and I realize it is an ambush. They knew we were coming. This was a trap. The odds of us making it out are slim to none. But we have to make it.

I’m coming angel, I’m coming.

Chapter Twenty Two

Ashlynn

I hear murmurs in the background, but everything is too muffled for me to understand what is being said. I go to lift my head, but it is too heavy. I try to pry my eyes open, but it requires too much effort. After a few moments I finally find the strength to crack my eyes open, just barely. All I see is a concrete floor and my feet bound together by rope to a chair.

Slowly, I pull my head up and look around to notice my wrists are also bound behind my back and I am in a warehouse. I see a couple of men standing around the perimeter of the room with guns. Where did they take me? I blacked out after Farelli got me into the car and hit me with the butt of his gun. I hear one man call out, “Hey! Let them know she is awake.”

Them?

A door in the back opens and Farelli strides out looking extremely smug. “Well, well, well. Miss Ashlynn Adams, it is a pleasure to officially meet you. So sorry it wasn’t under better circumstances. You should really be careful with the company you keep. Though the way I hear it Mr. Mariano bartered you from your father so maybe you are just unfortunate collateral. My condolences.”

“What do you want?” I croak, my voice hoarse. I have to really strain just to make it audible.

A dark laugh comes from him and he shakes his head. “Nothing now. We were supposed to kill Luca at the house but seeing as my men were unsuccessful you are the perfect bait now.”

Unsuccessful? So, he made it out of there? Oh, thank goodness…I stop and think about what he just said though.

“What do you mean bait?”

“Oh no need to bore you with the details, just know that he will be finally taken care of soon,” he says with a sinister smile.

I take a sharp breath. No, he has to be lying. Luca can’t die. He is Luca Mariano. He is my love. He is the father of my unborn child. He cannot die.

“So, what are you going to do with me now?” I ask trying to keep my voice steady. I don’t want this prick to think he has me rattled, even if I am.

“Oh nothing, you are no longer my concern. I merely collected you as a favor to a dear friend.”

The door from the back opens again and in walks 2 familiar figures. My jaw hits the floor, I can’t believe it. No, wait. I definitely can.

“Ah, Ashlynn dear I am glad to see that you are awake at last,” my father says, standing in front of me wearing a crisp suit with a casual demeanor like we are chatting over dinner. I look over to Andrew and scowl while he gives me a revolting smile.

“Hello, my darling. It has been too long.”

“What the hell is all of this?” I demand. “Father, you sold me. I shouldn’t be your concern any longer!”

“Wrong,” he says stiffly. “You were swindled from me. I was intending to sell you to Andrew here, but that piece of shit Mariano found out things he shouldn’t. No matter though, I have you back now and our secrets will die with him.”

“So, what I am like a returned item at the store? Just going to put me back on the shelf and sell me off to Andrew?” I snarl.

“For a much lower price,” Andrew interjected excitedly like he was proud he was getting a deal. I think I am going to be sick.

“Due to your,” he glances at my stomach, “condition. You were obviously worth less than before but don’t worry my darling. We will take care of that as well.”

A man steps out of the shadows wearing a sullen expression as he looks at me, his eyes filled with regret.

“Who are you!” I shout at him. I am really getting sick of people coming out of the woodwork around me.

“I am Dr. Coleman. I will be performing todays…procedure,” he cringes.

“Procedure? What are you talking about?”

“Ashlynn,” my father says, gaining my attention.