Page 8 of Until It Ends

Vito's eyes meet mine, the unspoken understanding between us speaking volumes.

My voice is filled with determination as I continue, my words carrying the weight of my conviction. "We need to mobilize our resources, Vito. Contact every connection we have, every informant, every ally. I want every lead, every possible trace of Valeria followed up on."

Vito nods, a steely resolve in his gaze. "Consider it done, Dante. We won't rest until we find her."

"We'll turn this city upside down if we have to," I say, my voice filled with a fierce determination. "Valeria is our priority, and we won't stop until she's back where she belongs. When we find her, we'll make those responsible for taking her pay dearly. No one messes with what's mine."

With each passing mile, my determination grows stronger. Valeria's absence fuels my fire, igniting a fierce resolve within me.

"In other news, your assets have been safely moved to another lockbox," Vito says.

"Good," I say. "I can't lose sight of what's keeping us afloat. My resources are caught up in finding Valeria right now, but I know there are other things at stake here."

"Right. And Valeria's kidnapping could be just a ploy to redirect you."

I clench my fists together. "I won't allow anyone to steal from us."

"I'm with you on that. We should send out a small force to collect intel. Find out what recent moves our enemies and allies have been making. Who knows? Something might be connected to Enzo Cipriano who's been hiding in our city for quite some time," Enzo offers.

"Now that you say that, I actually look forward to the meeting with the families."

Enzo turns to me. "Why the change of heart?"

"Because when men get drunk, they easily tell secrets." I drum my fingers on the door rest. "Most of them, anyway."

As the car speeds towards the mansion, my mind races with a mix of worry, anger, and unwavering determination. I can't fathom a world without Valeria by my side. And I can't fathom my world without the empire that has become my livelihood either.

Eight

Valeria

Two days ago...

The room feels suffocating as I sit on the edge of the bed, my gaze fixed on the mute guard who seems completely disinterested in his surroundings. He lounges in a chair, lazily flipping through his phone, his attention far from me. The monotony of my captivity is starting to wear on my patience, but I refuse to let frustration consume me.

Suddenly, the door swings open, and a person enters carrying a set of clothes. It's a simple jeans and a plain button-up shirt.

"Get cleaned up and dressed," the man says.

"I am dressed," I retort.

"Don't be smart with me, girl. Enzo wants you in something other than yesterday's rags," he says.

My mouth drops open in disbelief. It's because of them that I'm even in this position. After spending the last few nights in a room in some seedy ass club, I felt like dirt.

The man leaves the room before I can ask anything else but the mute guard remains.

I take the clothes, hoping that this meeting with Enzo might finally provide some clarity or an opportunity to escape. I hadn't seen Enzo's face since I feel unconscious in the barn. After that night, only guards and other hench-type men came to assist me.

The hotel employees would bring food that's just left outside the door for the mute guard to wheel in. There's also two guards waiting just outside the door. The maids must think I'm some kind of high-profile guest or something. Little do they know about the danger lurking around this ten-star hotel.

I suppose I could scream for help and cause a scene. Surely then someone would call the cops. But then I wouldn't get to learn what the hell Enzo wants with me. If they were going to kill me, they would've already done it. But let's get one thing straight here, they're all going to pay for taking me against my will and wasting my time.All of them.

As I enter the bathroom, the sight of my disheveled reflection in the mirror catches me off guard. The earlier fights for escape had left its mark on me, and I am a mess.

Locking the bathroom door behind me, I begin to fill the tub with water. The warmth soothes my weary muscles, and I close my eyes, allowing the tranquility to wash over me for a moment. Thoughts of Dante flood my mind, and I yearn for his presence, for his strong arms wrapped around me, providing solace and protection. I wonder what he's doing now. Does he know I'm missing? Will he come for me? Or will he make amends with his father and be a rival for anyone with Cipriano blood, including me?

Fumbling with the necklace he brought me, I hold it close to my heart, finding comfort in the reminder that he's capable of love. It's a symbol of our connection, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we are bound together. I think we'll always be no matter what.

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