Page 38 of Dangerous Secrets

Finally, he speaks. "Handled? You think this is something that can be handled?" His voice is laced with disbelief and a hint of fury.

I take a step back, feeling the weight of his anger. "I know it's not ideal, Dom. But I'll take care of it."

Dominic doesn't respond immediately. Instead, he turns his gaze back to the cemetery, scanning the area once again. I can see the tension in his body, the way his muscles are coiled and ready to strike at any moment. I know that he's not just angry about Bianca's disappearance or her pregnancy. There's something else, something deeper that's fueling his rage.

Finally, he turns back to me, his eyes dark with fury. "You don't understand, do you?" he says, his voice low and dangerous. "This isn't just about Bianca or her pregnancy. This is about trust. You made a promise to me, to this family, and you broke it. You went against my orders and you put us all at risk."

I take another step back, feeling the weight of his words. "I know, Dom," I say, my voice barely audible now as the rain increases. "And I'm sorry."

I never once intended to put my family at greater risk, but I know I have. If Bianca switches sides and joins me, we'll have an even bigger target on our backs and so will she. Not only will the Italians, headed by Mickey, be after her, but also her brothers will have a personal vendetta to settle with me. I'll never cease from looking over my shoulder. But it's my child.

Dom takes a deep breath, his nostrils flaring as he contemplates what to do. I know that whatever happens next is going to be hard for both of us. Finally, he speaks. "You will find her and bring her in," he says sternly. I nod my head in agreement, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. Dom may be angry with me, but he still trusts me enough to put his faith in me to get the job done. "But," he continues, "she will end this all for us. Once for all the Italians will look a new direction and our warring will be over."

I nod my head, understanding the gravity of the situation. It's not just about finding Bianca and bringing her in, it's about ending this war once and for all. I know that it won't be easy, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

"So what next?" He's got some sort of scheme cooked up. I can tell. It won't be as easy as me bringing Bianca in and keeping her safe. There will be bloodshed somehow.

"There's one more thing," he says, his voice low and serious. "We need to take out Mickey."

My heart sinks at the mention of his name. Mickey is the head of the Italian family, and the man who owns Bianca, dead or alive. He's ruthless and cunning, and taking him out won't be easy. He's surrounded day and night by protectors; no one gets in his inner circle without paying a hefty price.

"How do we do that?"

Now it is my eyes that are scanning the cemetery, watching as mourners filter away from the casket through the mud to head home. Not one of them approaches us. They all know we are talking business. What else would we be doing standing so far away from everyone else?

"Bianca will do it," Dom finally says. "You will instruct her to kill Mickey, or we will kill her."

My jaw tightens as I try to wrap my head around what he is suggesting. Force Bianca to kill Mickey? He must be out of his mind. Surely, there must be another way. But then again, Dom always has a plan and I know he's not one to make rash decisions. If Bianca kills Mickey, it draws the attention away from us, thus alleviating the feud between families for a moment.

"Do you think she will do it?" I am under no illusion that she will turn her back on everything she's known.

Dom looks at me for a moment before turning away again and staring off into the horizon. When he finally speaks, his voice is strong and determined. "She will have to," he says firmly.

I know that Dom is right. Bianca is the only one who can take out Mickey and end this feud once and for all. But the thought of forcing her to do it makes me sick to my stomach. I can't imagine what she must be going through right now, being hunted down by both families and forced to do our bidding.

I make my way back to my car, my mind racing with thoughts of Bianca and the task at hand. The first thing I have to do is find her, which might prove impossible if she doesn't pick up her phone. I’ve tried calling a million times but to no avail. Still, as I start the car and pull out, I try one more time. The line rings and rings. I nearly hang up when finally, after days of calling, she answers.

“Rome…” She sounds rushed and scared. She’s whispering and panting, as if she’s out of breath too. “They won’t let me leave.”

My heart sinks as I hear her words. I knew something was wrong when she didn't pick up my calls, but I never thought it would be this serious. I grip the steering wheel tighter and take a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Who won’t let you leave, Bianca?” I ask, my mind already racing with different scenarios.

"My brothers..." She trails off, as if she’s afraid to say more. I hear men's voices in the background laughing.

"What's going on?" I drive, but I have no clue where I'm going.

"They said they're going to 'rehabilitate' me. I'm not sure what that means but I don't like it. Someone has been here round the clock to make sure I don't leave. I think the order came from Mickey. Rome, they're going to kill you." She sounds scared for the first time since I met her and that makes my instinct to protect her blossom.

“It’s alright, Bianca,” I reassure her. “Just tell me where you are. I’ll come get you.”

She gives me an address and hangs up, leaving me with more questions than answers. As I make my way to the location she gave me, I can feel my anger rising. How could someone do this to her? How could they think they have the right to keep her against her will?

When I arrive at the address, I see a run-down building that looks like it's been abandoned for years. Bianca's car is parked outside, but there are no other signs of life. I park my car a few blocks away and make my way to the building. As I get closer, I can hear muffled voices coming from inside. I take a deep breath and approach cautiously, preparing myself for whatever is waiting for me.

The door is unlocked, so I push it open slowly, trying to make as little noise as possible. The room is dimly lit, but I can see Bianca tied up in a chair, her mouth covered with duct tape. She looks up at me with pleading eyes, and I can tell she's been through a lot.

I move quickly, cutting the tape off her mouth and untying her hands and feet. She falls into my arms, tears streaming down her face. I hold her tight, feeling anger and protectiveness surge through me. I can't believe someone would do this to her, someone who I care about deeply.

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