Page 82 of Shackled By the Mafia Boss

I quickly make my calculations. I whirl around and grip his wrist, then I lift me knee to his balls and he frees the gun.

That was easier than I expected.

I shoot him once and his body falls lifelessly to the ground. I sprint down the hallway, following the sound of gunshots.

After a moment, I’m outside another empty warehouse. The door is ajar. I tiptoe to the entrance and peek inside. Marcus and Taylor are in front of each other and Taylor’s back is turned to me.

Marcus’s eyes meet mine. He shakes his head signaling for me to not come in.

I shake my own head, letting him know I’ll attack Taylor. A hand grips me from behind before I can move and knocks me to the ground. It’s dark so I can’t see his face, my gun has fallen from my hand.

A gunshot rings out from the warehouse. My breath catches.

Taylor or Marcus?

I hear the sounds of fighting, the thud of punches and groans, and I’m relieved Marcus is alive.

The guy lunges at me, I roll away and throw him off balance. Jumping to my feet, I kick him from behind. He staggers and crashes into the wall in front of him.

“Stupid bitch,” he curses.

He turns in my direction, shoves me to the ground with a punch to my stomach. Pain lances through me and I cry out.

I try to reach for something. Anything I can use as a weapon. My hand meets the gun I’d dropped. I lash out and hit his head with it. He falls, groaning, a hand at the cut left by the butt of the gun.

I push myself up, point my gun and pull the trigger. A gunshot sounds inside the warehouse.

Marcus runs outside. He takes the gun from me and scans my body. “Jane, are you hurt?”

I’m breathing hard.

Satisfied when I shake my head, he kisses my forehead. “It’s over now. It’s all over now. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you.” He embraces me. “I’m sorry for everything. I hope it’s not too late to say this, but I love you. I love you so much Jane and I can’t live without you. I’m so sorry I hurt you.”

I smile and pull away to look into his eyes. “You love me?”

“With everything in me, Jane. I’m so sorry it took me this long to admit it.”

I shake my head. “Don’t be sorry. I love you too, Marcus. I love you.” I press up to my toes and wrap my hand around his neck, then I press a kiss to his lips. “I love you, Marcus Romano.”

“I love you too, Jane.” He leans forward and kisses me.

Chapter Twenty

Jane

I slowly stir, feeling the warmth of the morning sun gently kissing my cheeks. The soft light filters through the curtains, casting a golden hue through the room. As I open my eyes, I'm greeted by the sight of a beautiful day unfolding outside.

The world seems to be alive with vibrant energy. The gentle rustling of leaves outside the window and the distant chirping of birds create a serene melody, a symphony of nature welcoming the new day.

Marcus’s chest presses against my back and his arms curl around my waist. The heat from his body warms me. He’s sleeping peacefully for the first time since the fight with the Valentes a week ago.

I move his hand from my waist, careful not to wake him. I leave the bed and walk to the window, taking in the picturesque view beyond.

The sky stretches in a canvas of blue, adorned with wisps of cotton-like clouds drifting lazily, as if in no rush to go anywhere. The cityscape below, with its bustling streets and distant sounds, is beautiful.

Turning my gaze back to Marcus, I'm met with a soft smile playing on his lips as he stirs awake. His blue eyes meet mine, and I swear they’re sparkling.

“Good morning, princess,” Marcus murmurs, his voice warm and soothing.

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