43

Jennifer

“Vincent !” I screamed, but my voice was drowned out by the chaos erupting around us.

I watched in horror as the guard swung hard, sending Vincent crashing to the ground. My heart seized in my chest.

No. This couldn’t be happening. He couldn’t be hurt—or worse, gone. He had to be okay. Desperation gripped me, and I fought against the panic rising in my throat. I needed to get to him, to make sure he was alive.

Rico ’s cold laughter sliced through the air like a blade. “Looks like your knight in shining armor isn’t so indestructible after all.”

My hands curled into fists, my nails biting into my palms. I refused to let fear consume me. I couldn’t just sit there, tied up, while everything fell apart. Gritting my teeth, I started twisting my wrists, trying to loosen the ropes cutting into my skin. The pain didn’t matter. Freedom was all that mattered now.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rico yelling orders to his men. He wasn’t paying attention to me—he thought I was helpless.

He was wrong.

With one final, desperate tug, my hands slipped free. I wasted no time untying my legs, my movements frantic but determined. My eyes darted around, and I spotted a metal rod lying on the ground nearby. I grabbed it and pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to pull me back down.

“Hey, Rico !” I shouted, my voice firm despite the pounding in my chest.

He turned, his expression flickering from surprise to annoyance as his eyes landed on me. “Sit down,” he growled. “Now.”

But I wasn’t backing down. Not anymore.

I swung the rod with every ounce of strength I had, aiming for his head. Rico ducked, and the rod narrowly missed its target. He lunged at me, but I sidestepped, swinging again. This time, the rod connected with his shoulder, and he let out a grunt of pain. His gun slipped from his hand, clattering to the floor.

“You little bitch,” he spat, lunging for the rod.

I held on tight, refusing to let go as we wrestled for control. Rico was stronger, but adrenaline surged through me, fueling my fight. I would not let him win.

With a sudden twist, I yanked the rod free from his grasp and swung again, striking him across the side of his head. He stumbled back, crashing into a stack of crates.

I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop.

I raised the rod once more, but before I could strike, Rico kicked out, sweeping my legs out from under me. I hit the concrete floor hard, my head slamming against it. The rod clattered from my grip.

Rico loomed over me, his face twisted with rage. “This ends now,” he growled, reaching for his gun.

My breath hitched as he cocked the weapon, pointing it directly at me. The cold barrel was aimed squarely at my head, and I felt a wave of icy fear wash over me.

“Don’t do this, Rico ,” I pleaded, my voice shaking. “Please.”

Before he could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

“Rico !”

Vincent .

Relief flooded through me, and I exhaled shakily. He was alive. He was okay. My instinct was to turn and run to him, but I didn’t dare move, not with Rico ’s gun still trained on me.

Rico ’s smug grin returned as Vincent stepped forward, his voice hoarse but steady. “Let her go, Rico . Take me instead.”

I glanced at Vincent , my heart pounding as I took in the sight of him. Blood trailed down the back of his neck, but he stood tall, his eyes fierce and unwavering.

Rico chuckled darkly, his grip tightening on the gun. “And why would I do that? She’s just as valuable as you are—maybe even more. She’s your weakness, Vincent .”

Vincent ’s jaw tightened, but his voice remained calm. “Because you know I’m worth more to you alive. Hand me over to the FBI, and you’ll have your leverage. Use me as your bargaining chip.”

Rico ’s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with malice. He was enjoying this far too much.

I glared at him, every fiber of my being filled with hatred. I didn’t know how this would end, but I refused to give up hope. Not with Vincent here.

Rico studied Vincent ’s offer, his gaze shifting between the two of us. The gun lowered slightly, and he tilted his head, as though weighing his options.

“An intriguing suggestion,” he murmured, his tone almost amused. “The FBI would certainly be thrilled to get their hands on you, Vincent . I imagine they’d offer me quite the deal if I delivered you to them—wrapped up with a bow.”

“Exactly,” Vincent replied, taking a cautious step forward. “You hand me over, and you’re free to run your operations without interference. But if you harm her, you lose that leverage. I won’t cooperate if she gets hurt. Not a single scratch, Rico .”

Rico ’s eyes narrowed as he processed the proposal, the wheels clearly turning in his head. “Clever, Vincent . Always a step ahead. But I’d be a fool to trust you. What’s to stop this from being another one of your schemes?”

“It’s no trick,” Vincent said firmly, his tone unflinching. “You know me—or at least you used to. You know I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, just like I did for Maria.”

Rico ’s lips curled into a cold, cruel smile. “Anything, you say? Well then, let’s put that to the test.”

He raised the gun again, this time aiming it squarely at me.

“No!” Vincent yelled, stepping forward and instinctively pulling me behind him. “You don’t need to do this. I’ll go with you. No resistance. Just let her go.”

Rico held his gaze for a long, tense moment before finally lowering the weapon—just slightly. “Alright,” he said at last. “I’ll accept your offer. But make no mistake, Vincent . If you so much as think about double-crossing me, she’s dead. Are we clear?”

Vincent nodded, his jaw tight. “Crystal clear.”

Rico snapped his fingers, signaling one of his men to bind Vincent ’s hands.

“We’re taking a little trip to see our friends at the FBI,” Rico said with a smirk. “And as for you, Jennifer , don’t get too comfortable. You’re coming with us. Can’t risk you running off and blowing the whistle, now can we?”

My stomach dropped as one of Rico ’s men grabbed me, forcing me away from Vincent . I struggled briefly, but it was no use. They tied my hands roughly, the rope biting into my skin.

When they shoved me forward, I stumbled, nearly losing my balance. I managed to catch myself before hitting the ground, but the fear in my chest only grew stronger.

This was bad.

The stakes were higher than ever, and I couldn’t see any way out of this nightmare.