Maddox's point of view Before we all split up, I motioned for my brothers and friends to gather for a quick discussion. "I have a bad feeling about this; something isn’t right. Do you think this is Finn's doing?" Kenzie immediately asked when we were all together. I took a deep breath and glanced over at Sariel and my sisters. There’s no way Finn would make his move now, not while I'm with the most important people in my life. "This can’t be. I think someone is targeting us, but why, Sunny? She’s not related to us. It shouldn’t be a big deal because I’m Finn’s only target," I said, gritting my teeth and clenching my jaw. "But, bro, he did say he would involve the people close to you, the ones you care about. And Sunny is with us. She’s Lowe’s girlfriend," Kenzie argued back. I crossed my arms and sneered. We were supposed to be having fun, but now it’s turned into some twisted game of hide and
Maddox's point of view It's been twelve hours. We didn't get much sleep because we were planning how to catch Finn and save Sunny without hurting her. But we're still not sure if she's really there. Chandler and Leigh have also joined us. We only asked for their opinions because we didn't want them to get involved, but they insisted on being here. Who am I to refuse their offer of assistance? "Hey, is there no stated time for our departure?" Knight inquired. Knight asked. "There are none, but I'll be the one to go inside that abandoned building first. You guys just watch out if there are any of his men around," I say, pulling out my Glock and hiding it behind my back. I’m wearing a white shirt and a black leather jacket. "Wait, you're going inside that abandoned building alone? No way; I'll go with you," my brother Lowe cut in. "Oh, come on, dear brother. That's sweet of you. I appreciate it, but I can handle myself," I de
Maddox's point of view "Sh*t, Finn is a fvcking disaster!" Lowe mutters over the line. My brow furrows at his cursing. "What happened?" I asked, straightening up and furrowing my brows in concern. I paused from untying Sunny, straining to hear what's happening on the other line. Everything suddenly went quiet. But then, chaos erupted. "Hey, Lowe, tell me what's going on," I command. I wait a moment for his response, but there's nothing. Damn it. I continue freeing Sunny. Her eyes swell from crying, and a scratch marks the side of her face. Did those assholes slap her? Crap. That's unforgivable. "Hey, are you okay?" Even though it's obvious she's not, I ask. I help her stand, and she clings to me, trembling with fear. She nods her head as tears stream down her face. "Hey, it's okay. Lowe and I are here to rescue you. No one's going to hurt you again." She doesn't r
Third Person's Point of View After finishing slapping Sunny, Finn left the abandoned building gleefully. He would be hiding out at Carter's Manor for now. They had set up everything, including speakers and wireless CCTV, while Verity was on a mission. Along with him was his trusted friend, a hacker who was helping him block Ventura's system from locating him. They concentrated on the computer screen, observing Maddox, who appeared to be on the verge of a rage explosion. "Dickhead! Come out now! What a coward! What do you want?" Maddox shrieked. Finn pressed a button on the speaker, which was connected to the abandoned building. He laughed mockingly at Maddox. Well, Finn wasn’t stupid—he knew Maddox would bring his people, so leaving a speaker to talk through was part of his plan. They also used the audio from the CCTV installation to listen to everything Maddox and his cre
Third Person's Point of View Finn and Verity had changed their minds after spotting a good opportunity to harm the Venturas. They planned ahead to ensure success. They found an abandoned ten-story building, far from civilization and at a dead end, giving them the freedom to do whatever they planned. Even setting off a bomb would be fine. However, their real plan was to plant a bomb outside the building. Finn was confident in the success of their meticulously planned strategy. Finn's plan was gradual, but he was worried about his daughter, Verity—he didn’t want her to get hurt, but he had no choice. He would only make it up to her later. "Dad, I've already placed the three speakers in the corner, and the wireless CCTV is up there. Maybe you should place it? I can't reach the ceiling, and there's a rotten ladder hidden behind the broken cabinets," Verity said, taking a deep breath. Finn nodded and followed her instructions. He let
Sariel’s point of view I’m all set and excited to meet Maddy. So, I really made an effort tonight. To show off my playful side, I'm wearing a basic black cross-front blouse paired with a midi skirt with a cheetah print. A light pair of strappy shoes completes my look, adding a touch of polish. Errr... I hope Maddy likes it. I did put in the effort after all. When I meet Murphy later, I'll make myself look less attractive. Only Maddy deserves to see my true beauty, pfft... I giggled at the thought. I took a deep breath and checked my face again. Just light makeup and curled hair. Once I was satisfied with how I looked, I said goodbye to Mom. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to come home later or if I’d just sleep over at Meli’s place. As long as I was with Meli, Mom was fine with it. When I arrived at Meli’s house, she immediately looked me up and down—this girl is so judgmental.
Sariel's point of view "That's nice. Where are you? I'm going to fetch you." I'm still unsure if I should tell him where we are. It seems disrespectful to Maddy, since, after all, this is our date. It's so fancy, too, since she even booked a private room with a view of the city skyline. "Oh, wait a moment. I'm going to check the full location first," I say. I didn't let him respond, and I covered the speaker, asking Maddy. "Hmm, can I stay here after this date?" Or should I look for another place? I just need to talk to Murphy," I whispered, tugging his hand sideways. No matter how much I swat his hand away, it stays on me. Damn. His hand is so filthy that I'm at a loss for words. A crease appears between his brows. He leaned closer to me and whispered, "I'll allow you to meet with him, but I'll wait for
Sariel's point of view "Hey, what happened? What did that idiot do to you?" "I... I'm fine," I sigh. I immediately stopped him from going out. I may just ask him to buy me some cetirizine. Luckily, when I entered the restroom, there was no one around. "What happened? Why is your mouth turning red?" He choked out, then gently touched my mouth. "I have a citrus fruit allergy, and Murphy suddenly fed me some. He probably didn’t know," I finally explain. Damn. I'm starting to itch. "A citrus fruit allergy," he repeats. "What do you want me to do?" "Could you buy me some cetirizine? I'll just wait here," I mutter. "Oh, I think there are some here." "You want to come with me?" "I'd rather wait for you here," I mumble. I don’t want to run into Murphy. Additionally, people might stare at me. I probably look like a ghoul—did I just say that to myself? No way! He slowly nodded at my words. He crouches down and kisses my flushed mouth. "Hey, come on. I am concerned that I may experien