Page 39 of Devil's Embrace
For the first time since this nightmare began, Luca and I were aligned completely.Whatever complicated feelings existed between us, whatever history we shared, we had one goal now: keep Mina safe.
And God help anyone who got in our way.
Chapter Thirteen
Emory
The first shot rang out as we rounded the corner, the bullet embedding itself in the wall inches from my head.I ducked instinctively, clutching Mina tighter against my chest as plaster dust showered down on us.Luca moved with frightening speed, shoving us behind a marble column as he returned fire, his movements precise and deadly.Two of Mateo's men fell before they could take cover, blood blooming across their chests like crimson flowers.
"Stay here."Luca’s gaze scanned the corridor ahead."More coming."
Mina whimpered against my neck, her small body trembling."Shh, baby.Close your eyes.Don't look."
The sounds of gunfire intensified, echoing off marble floors and high ceilings.Through the chaos, I heard Luca's phone buzz.He checked it, his expression darkening.
"Perimeter breach at three points.They're coordinating.We need to move.Now."
I peered around the column, counting at least four men advancing toward us, using doorways for cover.Behind them, smoke billowed from what must have been an explosion somewhere deeper in the mansion.
"Give me your belt."I didn’t know if it would work, but I had an idea.
Luca looked at me sharply but didn't question it.He removed his leather belt with a single fluid motion, handing it to me.I set Mina down behind the column, keeping my body between her and the gunfire.
"Cover me."I wrapped the belt around my hand, leaving the heavy metal buckle dangling.
Luca's eyes narrowed, but he nodded once."On three.One...two...three."
He pivoted from cover, firing with lethal precision.As he drew their attention, I swung out from the opposite side, the belt whipping through the air.The buckle caught one of Mateo's men across the face with a sickening crack.He staggered, dropping his weapon.I lunged forward, grabbing his fallen gun and swinging the belt again, catching another man in the throat.
Luca dispatched the other two with cold efficiency, each shot finding its mark.He looked at me with something like surprise as I returned to Mina, who remained huddled behind the column, hands over her ears.
"Where did you learn that?"Luca eyed the belt.
"Survival.Besides, I thought two of us might be a distraction for them and end things quicker.We need to keep moving."
We advanced down the corridor, stepping over bodies, the smell of gunpowder and blood thick in the air.Mina kept her face buried against my neck, her tears dampening my skin.I whispered reassurances with each step, promises of safety I wasn't sure I could keep.
More of Mateo's men appeared ahead, emerging from the stairwell like shadows.Luca pushed us into a side room, bullets splintering the doorframe as we took cover.
"We're cut off from the panic room.”He checked his ammunition."We need another route."
I scanned the room—a small sitting area with antique furniture and crystal vases.Nothing that would stop bullets, but plenty that could cause damage.I set Mina down in the corner furthest from the door, behind a heavy bookcase.
"Stay here, sweet pea.Don't move, no matter what you hear.Understand?"
She nodded, tears streaming down her face."I'm being brave, Mama."
"The bravest."I pressed a kiss to her forehead before turning back to Luca.
I grabbed a heavy marble figurine from a side table, testing its weight in my hand.I kept the letter opener tucked up my sleeve, ready if I needed it."We need to get to Mina's room.”
If Maria's note was correct, Mateo's men would target it first, thinking Mina was still there.We needed to secure it, to remove any trace of her presence that might help them track us.
Luca's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded."I’m assuming you have a reason, even if you won’t share it.”
Footsteps approached the door—at least three men, judging by the sound.Luca positioned himself to the side, his gun raised.I took position on the opposite side, the marble figurine raised like a club, my heart hammering against my ribs.
The door burst open.Luca fired twice, dropping the first man.The second turned toward him, weapon raised.I swung the figurine with all my strength, connecting with the back of his head.He went down hard, but the third man was already advancing, his gun swinging toward me.
