Page 13 of Ruthless Vengeance
“Where are you, Tommaso?” I mutter under my breath as I scan my surroundings.
I knew this was a fucking trap, but now is not the time to gloat.
Clara is here somewhere, and I need to find her.
We push forward, clearing the front section of the building.
Vince covers my back as I move through the warehouse, stepping over bodies from both sides as we go.
Blood sprays across the concrete floor as another one of Tommaso’s men crumples at my feet after I put a bullet in his chest.
Just when I’m starting to wonder if Clara is even here, I hear it.
A strangled scream.
“No,” I breathe as my blood runs cold.
I don’t stop to think. I sprint toward the sound, kicking open every door in my path as I search for her.
My heart pounds as my fingers tighten around my gun, but I force myself to stay focused. I can’t lose control now.
Another scream echoes in the air, this time closer.
I reach the last door at the end of the hallway and slam my foot into it, sending it flying open.
My gun is raised before I even register the scene in front of me.
Tommaso stands in the center of the room, one arm wrapped around Clara while his free hand holds his gun to her temple.
The fucker is using her as a human shield in the hopes that I’ll back down, but he seriously underestimates the lengths I’ll go to in order to protect the woman I love.
She’s been stripped down to her underwear, and she’s shaking. Sweat coats her forehead and body as she chokes down a breath as Tommaso presses the gun harder against her head.
I don’t falter, even when my eyes lock with Clara’s. I can’t let her see my own fear. I need her to know that I will get her out of this alive, no matter the cost.
“Nice of you to make it, Marco,” Tommaso drawls as his lips pull up into a feral smile.
I don’t lower my gun as my finger flexes over the trigger. “Let her go.”
He tilts his head, amused. “And what? You’ll spare me?”
“Maybe.” I keep my face blank and my voice even.
We both know it’s a lie, but I need him to believe that he has an out, that he has some control.
This is nothing but a game to him, so I’ll play along, but the game will be played by my rules.
Tommaso laughs, but there’s something unhinged in his eyes. “You’re a shit liar, De Luca.”
I move an inch forward, just enough to make him shift his weight.
Clara screws her eyes shut as she waits for him to pull the trigger.
I swallow the bile that burns my throat at how scared she looks.
She’s here because of me. Maybe I deserve to have Tommaso shoot me for what I’ve done to her.
“This doesn’t end well for you if you don’t let her go. Besides, you and I both know it’s me you want, so I suggest you let her go, and we can talk.”
