Chapter 34 - Like a sickness

Alessandro

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When I walked into the apartment, the first thing that hit me was the smell—blood, sweat, and something metallic in the air.

A symphony of violence. Perfect.

The old man was tied to a chair in the middle of the room, slumped forward, whimpering through the gag Viviane had shoved in his mouth. His body was a mess. Rope burns around his wrists, blood streaked down his arms, and bruises blossomed across his skin like flowers in bloom. She’d done a number on him, I’d give her that.

But what I hadn’t expected was Viviane, lying sprawled on the floor like a discarded doll.

I paused, standing in the doorway for a moment, taking it all in. The way the old man’s chest shuddered with every breath, the way Viviane was passed out cold. Goddamn it, Freckles. I knew she’d pull through with the torture, but this…this was unexpected.

I took a slow step into the room, my shoes making a soft click on the hardwood floor. I wasn’t in a rush. The old bastard wasn’t going anyw