Page 69 of Lorenzo's Claim

“This way,” I directed as we headed down the corridor.

We reached a door that was ajar. Hushed, harsh words came from inside, and I recognised the voice instantly.

“He’s not coming for you, Anastacia.”

Chad.

I kicked the door open, and his body stilled, sensing we were behind him and not his men.

“Get away from my wife,” I warned as my eyes landed on Ana. Her petite frame was bound to a chair in the middle of the room, her body a canvas of blood and bruises. Her hair hung limp around her shoulders, matted with crimson. Her once vivid blue eyes were barely open, clouded with pain and exhaustion. The sight tore at my insides, a raw, aching wound threatening to consume me.

Chad fisted her hair, forcing her head up before pressing a knife to her neck. A sick and twisted grin played on his lips. His beady eyes shone with malice as he pressed the blade into her skin. “She’s mine, Lorenzo,” he sneered. “You’ll never have her again.”

I tightened my hold on my gun, but I had to tread carefully, especially with Ana in danger. I kept my eyes trained on her and the knife that was pressed to her throat. “One step, Lorenzo… That’s all it will take for me to end her life. I love her enough to take her away from a monster like you.” He released her hair and caressed her face.

I knew I had to act fast and be clever. There was no other way. My eyes flicked to Red in a silent plea. He nodded inconspicuously, his fingers already moving towards the trigger. Chad was too focused on me and Anastacia to pay attention to what Red was doing.

Anastacia’s eyes met mine once more as her lips parted slightly. She had no strength left, and I knew she usually had bags of it. I had no idea what those bastards did to her, but I’d find out from Chad’s mouth when I tortured him to within an inch of his life.

In an instant, the room erupted. Red’s shot was a thunderclap in the confined space, the bullet tearing through Chad’s shoulder. The knife clattered to the floor as he howled inpain, his grip on Anastacia loosening instantly. Gino crossed the room in three long strides, grabbing Chad’s injured shoulder, his fist connecting with his jaw in a brutal, satisfying crack.

“Get him out of here,” I ordered as Emmet and Gino removed him from the scene.

The room fell silent, except for one sigh of relief from Anastacia. I dropped to my knees in front of her, my fingers working the ropes that bound her wrists and ankles. The material had bitten into her skin, leaving deep, red welts in their wake. I couldn’t help but wince at the sight. “I’m here, Ana,” I whispered, trying to remain calm. “I’m right here, and I’m never leaving you again.” I pulled her broken body into my arms as she flopped against my chest. I could sense the steady yet weak beat of her heart as I cradled her.

I was going to kill that motherfucker.

“I d-didn’t think y-you’d—” she stuttered.

“Didn’t think I’d come?” I stroked her hair as Red draped his leather jacket over her. “Of course I’d come. I never stopped looking for you.”

She nodded her head slowly as she closed her eyes, giving into exhaustion. I didn’t know when the last time it was she slept or ate. I didn’t know anything. I glanced around the room, her pictures decorating the walls making me sick. Chad had an obsession with my wife, an unhealthy one, and I was going to make him pay.

“Finn, Nicolo, check the rest of the house,” I ordered. “I want the heads of the three masked bastards out there sent to Victor.” I wanted him to see exactly who had his daughter. “Once you’re done, burn this shit hole down,” I forced out, scooping Anastacia off my lap and into my arms. I cradled her against me as her head rested on my shoulder. “Red, start the car and call Thomas. I want him waiting when we arrive.”

“On it.”

I carried her through the corridor towards the exit. The weight of her in my arms was a comfort, a reminder of her existence and strength. Her breath was warm against my skin, but her trembling never stopped as she released silent sobs. “Shh,” I murmured against her hair. “It’s okay, I’ve got you. I’m not letting go.” I kissed her head gently, reassuring her that I was there.

My most trusted men flanked us in a silent promise of protection until we reached the car. I settled her into the backseat, sliding in beside her, and pulling her as close to me as humanly possible.

“How is she?” Red asked from the front seat.

“I have no idea, Red.” I sighed. “I need Thomas to check her over to know.” I cupped her head, keeping her as still as I could as Red started off down the bumpy side roads.

“What are we doing about him?”

“Chad will get exactly what he deserves. But he can wait. Tonight I need to make sure my wife is okay. I don’t want anyone to disturb me or her, you got it?”

“You think Victor will try and see her?” he questioned.

“After receiving the heads and news of Chad, yes, I do. But keep him away. I need her to rest.” I glanced down at her, the sight of her caused my heart to ache.

“You don’t need to worry. We’ll do whatever’s needed.” He nodded as he focused on the road ahead.

This woman had gone through more than I could imagine since marrying me. The mental abuse I gave her on a daily basis was eating me alive and now this— the physical torture she endured. There was nothing I could possibly say that would ever make up for what I did. I didn’t even know if she’d want to hear me out but I would try. I wouldn’t stop trying until she listened, until she forgave me, and until she accepted being my wife because she wanted to be, not because she was forced to.

I had never tried before, but I was willing to try now. Willing to do anything to make her see that I was a man worthy of her.

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