Page 130 of Hidden Memories

A cold sweat breaks out on the back of my neck. “You’re not taking Theo. Over my dead body.”

Marta is pure evil. “Well isn’t that a good idea?”

Maybe they will kill me. So be it. But I’ll die trying. All we need is fifteen minutes. Anton and Gabrielsaid help was coming. They’re out there somewhere. They must know we’re here by now.

I have to keep this bastard talking to save my son.

Nic chuckles, the sound grating and infuriating. “And how do you plan to stop us, Kat? You’re outnumbered, outplayed, and frankly, out of your depth.”

Santi’s expression is carved from stone. He tilts his head, eyes locking on Nic like he’s measuring something—like he’s already decided how this ends.

“You ever wonder what it feels like, Nic? To think you’re untouchable—until you realize you were never even in the game?”

Nic’s smirk falters, just slightly.

It’s Santi’s turn to laugh and it’s a sound that could shake even the strongest man to his core. “Nic, you talk like someone who knows what’s coming. But let me tell you something—you don’t. You never did. And that? That’s why you lost the second you took what’s mine.”

I have to keep this conversation going. “Theo doesn’t have an evil bone in his body. It will never work taking him away, trying to make him into something he’s not,” I snap. “He’s stronger than you think he is. He’ll never be a pawn in whatever sick game you’re playing.”

Marta replies, her tone calm but cutting, “That’s where you’re wrong. I’ve seen it once; I’ll see it again. And Theo? He’s the perfect blend of ruthless Castellanos and killer Rossini blood. A legacy worth nurturing. Worth protecting.”

“You’re insane,” I spit.

Nic’s smirk returns, lethal this time. “And yet not nearly as deluded as you are thinking you can do something about this.”

Before I can reply, a faint noise echoes from deeper inthe house—a door creaking open, followed by soft footsteps. My heart leaps into my throat.

“Theo!” I call out instinctively, my voice breaking.

“Mom!”

Theo’s face appears around the corner, his wide eyes filled with fear. He freezes when he sees me, his small frame trembling.

“Theo, baby,” I whisper, tears streaming down my face.

Marta’s hand raises, signaling to Nic. “Restrain him,” she orders.

“No!” I shout, lurching forward, but Nic has his weapon aimed squarely at my chest.

Santi steps forward, his body is taut with rage, he’s a coiled spring ready to snap. But the situation is precarious—one guard with a gun aimed at Santi, Damon’s presence an unseen threat, and Nic’s hand now gripping my son’s shoulder, his fingers curling possessively.

“Mom,” he says, his chin trembling as he looks up at Nic, then back to me. “I-I’m not scared.” Despite Nic’s hold, defiance flickers in his tear-filled eyes.

My heart lurches with terror. “Theo, stay where you are, honey, we’ll get you out of here.”

Nic snarls. “See that? Bravery. He’s a Rossini through and through,” he taunts, his eyes narrowing on me. “But don’t worry, Kat. I’ll take good care of him. He’ll learn what it means to truly matter in this world.”

“No!” Theo shouts. “I don’t want anything from you!” He jerks against Nic’s hold, his small frame taut with determination.

Santi shifts closer, his shoulder brushing mine, solid as steel. He doesn’t say a word, he just stands with me, like a force at my back—one I don’t have to see to trust. Even with a gun on him, too, I somehow know, he’d risk it all.

Nic responds to Santi’s movement with his own, turning his gun from me to Theo.

My baby’s bright blue eyes blast open with fear.

Nic speaks with an eerie calm. “Lesson one, Theo. Speak when you’re spoken to.”

Every nerve is screaming at me to act, but I force myself to stay still. Not yet. Not until there’s a chance.

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