Page 114 of Cassio (Belles & Mobsters 3)

A shuddered breath escaped me as I saw blood there. Blood and mixture of disgusting fluid by those men. Her thighs were bruised too. There were four before Marco King. I had to watch them all.

A wretched sob escaped me, and I buried my head into the woman’s hair. It smelled awful, but it was better than everything else here. I should help her, take care of her, and yet all I felt were sobs shaking my body.

We’d never get out of here.

“It’s okay,” a firm voice came through the fog.

“He’ll be back,” I rasped. My lips felt dry and cracked, just like they were all those years ago and each beat of my heart hurt my chest. I inhaled deeply, expecting the stench of blood and dirt in my lungs. Instead, the scent of the ocean and deep woods invaded my lungs.

“And I’ll be here.” The deep, calming voice assured me. “We’ll get him.” Sleep pulled me deeper, my breathing slowing down. “Together.” The last word was whispered so low, I wasn’t sure whether I dreamt it or not.

* * *

I heardthe voices in the distance. Familiar voices. Smell of coffee. Shuffling of paper. Warmth on my face. Scent of the man that made my chest glow.

My eyes slowly came open and my hand sprawled to the right of me.Empty bed. Turning my head to the right, it was as if I didn’t trust my senses. But yes, the bed was empty. My eyes darted to the clock on the nightstand. It was past eight o’clock. I couldn’t remember the last time I slept in so late.

I yawned and stretched, mentally going through my work schedule. I had my first meeting at ten. It gave me enough time to get showered and ready. But first… coffee.

Walking over to the dresser, I searched for something to wear and found Hunter’s button down shirt. All my clothes were still in my apartment downstairs so I’d just have to make do with this for now. After I brushed my teeth and washed my face, I went in search of coffee. I would need it today for sure. My bare feet were silent against the plush rug.

I peeked from room to room, unsure where I’d find Hunter. I was certain someone else was here. The question was who. My eyes glanced at my left hand and my heart fluttered. My wedding band was still there.

Mrs. Áine King.

It came with complications. The biggest one being his half-brother and his human trafficking. The longer I went without Dr. Taylor, the more I remembered. And surprisingly, it didn’t shatter me.

We’ll get him. Together.

I was certain under the light of a new, bright day that I heard Hunter say that. I believed him. I couldn’t remember everything but just broken pieces of his rescue. His hand, a few words. He saved me from Marco King, and now we’d kill him.Together.

I peeked into another room, which I knew Hunter used for his office. It was empty. I really loved this room. It faced the south side and one whole one wall was floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline. I couldn’t resist walking in, nearing the window. As I stood there, the sun warmed me through the windows.

Spring was here. The season always made me feel hopeful. More time outdoors, more sunshine, more of something that felt good. And this time around with Hunter, the feeling was even stronger.

A beep had me turning towards the desk. It was neat, nothing on it but a single laptop. Curious to know what caused the beep, I sat in his chair and glanced at the open screen, surprised to see it unlocked.

But then, Hunter probably wasn’t expecting anyone in his office.

My eyes skimmed over the words, and with each word read, my heart sped up another notch. The email was from Nico Morrelli, Bianca’s husband. I swallowed the knot in my throat, the words dancing across the screen.

* * *

Marco is on the move.They tried to get Bianca when she was on her way to the women’s shelter with Gia. Everyone is good, except for the fuckers that tried to take my family.

Belles auction is set to happen in the next few days according to the one we captured. No information on the place or exact time. Though all the hints lead me to believe it will happen within the next week, in Turkey. One piece of information has been confirmed over and over again. Marco will host the auction personally.

Keep a close eye on Áine. Marco has offered a special prize for anyone that brings her in. Chad Stewart is funding it. The sick bastard prefers his women compliant and limp, his exact words.

Luciano moved his family to the shelter.

* * *

My eyes dartedacross the screen again, my stomach roiling at the images with Marco and Chad. I knew from Cassio’s initial report that Marco worked with Chad. Yet, it was so hard for me to believe that I missed it. He even fooled Callahan. Fucking Chad, the state’s attorney who was supposed to stand up for innocent and seek justice. No wonder Hunter fucking hated his guts. Hunter must have known all along.

As if I was watching a movie in slow motion, my mind formed a plan.

I stood up, ensuring the chair was left in the exact same position I found it in. I wouldn’t put it past my husband to notice every little discrepancy. I snuck out of the room and headed for the large kitchen next. Low voices drifted from it and it was exactly where I found my husband.

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