Page 147 of Savage Temptation

In one swift move, I stuck the rusty hook below his stomach and forced it all the way up, tearing him in two.

Chapter 45

Jamie

For the first time, I was sure the air was going to run out. Every new breath was harder to take. It was getting hot and damp from my own breath. The scent of the roses beneath me made it all so much harder.

Each time I tried to move, a thorn pressed into my skin, making my breath quicken and waste all that much more oxygen.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

I tried coaching myself to take less oxygen each time I inhaled. My eyes were shut already, my body had stopped shaking. I was on the end of the lifeline.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

I had wished this fate before, only now I had something worth living for. Ironic, just as much as all those spoons when you need a damn knife.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

A gush of fresh air burst into my lungs just as light burned my closed lids.

“Jamie!” A voice called from above. But it wasn’t him, it wasn’t Liam.

The sun was blinding as I tried to peek, the humid but fresh air burning my lungs on the way in. The voice that called my name with such relief wasn’t familiar, but I was free.

I was free?

Two sets of hands dove into the tight space and pulled me out, sitting me down on the rim of the metal case Mercier had locked me in. They cut the rope that was binding my hands, revealing bruised wrists. Slowly, I managed to open my eyes and see who had saved me.

Mike stood to the side, a look of concern on his face, while Don Amato was in front of me. He took my face in his hands and scanned my injuries, his brows pinching together as he turned my face around to each side.

“Figlio di puttana” Son of a bitch. His voice was deep and filled with rage.

Don Amato hugged me to his chest, cradling my head like the most precious thing on Earth. I had no reaction at first. Why was he here?

A stranger was holding me in his arms, yet somehow, I felt myself leaning into his hug. Craving the solace a tight embrace and safety could carry. Only after a couple of seconds did the panic lift, giving way to a new, fresh flow of tears, sobs, and shaking hands.

I was free!

“Jamie, are you okay?” The man I barely knew asked, pulling back again and looking right into my eyes. I nodded, no words could find their way out from my sobbing chest.

Behind him stood Mrs. Amato with a few men I’d seen at Dea Tacita. What was happening? Didn’t they realize she was the one who’d brought me here?

Don Amato reached to caress my cheek. I flinched away from his touch instinctively, surely he was in on it with his wife.

“It’s okay.” Mike cued from beside him. “Don Amato is here to help.”

“Liam?” I asked, my voice hoarse and shaky. He was the only one I trusted right now.

“I’m here, Baby.” I heard the only voice that could calm my senses. I looked back towards the warehouse, watching him march out of it like a soldier returning from battle.

There was blood all over his face and hands, his shirt was more crimson than white.

“Oh my God!” I cried, not sure if he was the one it belonged to.

I wiggled off the metal box, Don Amato and Mike helping me down just as Liam got to the back of the truck. I leaped into his arms, kissing him like I had never kissed him before while crying all my panic against his lips.

“Shh, it’s okay, Baby Girl. It’s okay. It’s all over now, you’re safe.”

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