DelucaThe only person who could make Lucas hiss with that much anger was one woman—Madeline.His ex.I gave him an amused glance, and his face pulled into a frown as we turned around to find Madeline standing behind us.They had dated for, like, two or three months before something huge happened.No need to go into details now—that was a story for another day. Right now, I had to find a way to get this bitch out of Lucas's sight.“What do you want?” I asked, my voice turning emotionless and unrecognizable.“Oh, don’t be so cold, Deluca. We go way back, do—”“I’m giving you a minute to convince me not to put a bullet through your skull,” I drawled lowly and saw fear flash in her eyes before she quickly concealed it.“I need your help,” she threw out, and my brows raised of their own accord.Glancing at Lucas, who stared at her with disbelief, I knew the woman had to be on something to even think I would help her.“You need our help?” I echoed, my brows suddenly pinching together.“Unf
ElenaI sank down into the seat, dragging in deep breaths as I reconciled with the fact that I had come this close to death without having achieved anything.It was surreal to realize I felt no remorse for the dead man. But I simply couldn’t find it in me to feel anything.I knew that sooner or later, I would kill someone with this gun—but thinking about it and actually doing it were two different things.What was even more disturbing was my lack of anxiety or emotion altogether.I didn’t dare to glance at him again, afraid that doing so might awaken feelings I didn’t want to face.Slowly, I stood up, giving the room one last look. Nothing seemed out of place—except for the pile of burnt papers.Lately, I had been feeling suspicious. Who had burned them? Whoever it was had to be aware of Lorenzo’s dealings.And if that was the case, they must have been close to him.It could be Dante… or the Council Elders… or even Deluca.This was beyond frustrating. I was going around in circles, an
DelucaMy hands clenched into fists as I watched Lucas work on his laptop, trying to uncover Ramsey’s hidden location.We had been at this for two straight days without a single moment of rest, and it was beginning to take its toll on all of us.Madeline slept on the couch, occasionally snoring—and it grated heavily on my nerves.I sighed, unclenching my fists and resting my head in my hands.My head was pounding, and with nothing to show for it, I was growing more and more agitated.It had been easy to pull up a photo of her, but tracking down her location was taking far longer than I’d like.My brows furrowed as the sharp, shrill sound of my ringtone pierced the otherwise silent room. I calmly grabbed the phone.Boldly written on the screen were two words: “Unknown Caller.”I picked up without a second thought, placing it to my ear.“We have Colton.”My spine snapped straight, and my eyes squeezed shut.What was it with Colton always getting kidnapped for ransom?“I know you’ve been
ElenaA ping alerted me to a text on my phone. It looked like it was from Lucas, but I couldn’t decipher what the words meant.I gave Sarah a look across the breakfast table and turned the phone to her.She read through it and gave me a shrug.“Maybe ask one of their own?” she suggested, an unsure look on her face. I gave it some thought.As much as I didn’t want to have anything to do with them, they were slowly but surely pulling me into their affairs.This could be a way to get something on them—something that might force them to start telling me what I wanted to know.I stood up and nodded at Sarah. She gave me a look before standing up, too.“If you’re going, I’m going,” she declared.I gave her a disbelieving look.What did she think she was doing?“Um... no, you’re not,” I began, but she shushed me with a raised palm.That was insulting, but she was my friend, and I did that to her all the time—so maybe…“I want to help. Why? Think I’m too frail?” she cocked an eyebrow at me.I
DelucaA groan slipped past my lips as I forced my eyes open, instinctively trying to palm my head with my hands—only to find it hard to do so.Pain radiated from the back of my head as I slowly but surely glanced around, instantly spotting three men standing around me. Beside me sat an awake Lucas.“You awake yet?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.A slow smile tugged at my lips.“You still have the head to smile, bastard,” Lucas cussed, though amusement colored his tone.“What... happened?” I asked quietly. He gave me a look—and then it all came rushing back. I squeezed my eyes shut.That happened.“That happened,” I whispered, and he whistled.“No, we’re dreaming,” he said with mocking condescension, and I knew I deserved it—for not keeping a level head when I got that call.All I’d felt was rage. I still felt it. But I knew I needed to stay calm now.“Then we’ve got to wake up,” I muttered.I shot him a sharp glare, but he waved me off with a goofy look.“I know you’re my
ElenaAs we drove back to the mansion, I suddenly had an idea—A very bad idea that could get me killed.I stayed calm until we got to the house. Sarah made an excuse to go clean up in her room, and I took that as my opportunity to hash out my ridiculous plan.If I could help rescue—or at least assist—Deluca, he’d owe me a debt, and he'd want to repay it.That was when my ridiculous plan got interesting enough for me to actually go through with it.I called his line, and an unknown male picked up.“What do you want?” he barked into the phone.I was already tapping on my laptop, tracing the call to its current location.“I was hoping to talk to the owner of the cell,” I began, dragging out my purpose for calling. He took the bait like a fool.“He’s not available. Who’s talking?” he demanded.Just then, my laptop gave a sharp ping. I quickly disconnected the call.My lips curved into a triumphant grin.I got dressed, not forgetting my face mask, and silently slipped out of the mansion.
DELUCA I was surprised—shocked, even—and it showed on my face.I had prided myself on the ability to remain unshaken after the life I’d lived, but this infuriating woman surprised me daily.And this… this was the height of it.I looked around as I stood up, only to discover she was nowhere to be found.Lucas gave me an ear-splitting grin as he hopped over to me. I cut away his ropes.“Where is she?” I asked.He shrugged, but when I glared at him, he finally spoke.“She left.”“What do you mean she left?” My brows furrowed in frustration.“She did. She told me to shut up and disappeared into the night,” he said with that same irritating shrug before bending down to pick up a groaning Colton, whose eyes were starting to flutter open.“Do I send him back?”I looked at Colton and decided it was time he watched.Time he stopped being a child and finally understood what I had been protecting him from.Maybe then he’d stop being such a blabbermouth.Such an idiot.For years, I’d protected h
ELENA I refused to regret not taking the car—or Mr. Leo—along. I could’ve made a quick change and saved time, but the truth was, I had achieved my mission. That alone made it worth it.I’d helped DeLuca.Now, he owes me.But my small victory was short-lived. My smile faded the moment I saw a figure standing at the entrance, arms folded. As I got closer, I recognized her.Sarah.Thankfully, I’d already taken off the mask I used earlier.“It’s about time,” she said, voice flat.I ignored her tone, parked the bike in a hurry, and rushed past her, heading upstairs to my room for a quick shower.“Please inform Mr. Leo to get the car ready,” I tossed over my shoulder without slowing down.To my surprise, Sarah didn’t argue. She just watched me go, silent.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ten minutes later…I stepped out of the house and Sarah was nowhere in sight. Relief washed over me. Maybe she was letting me off the hook—for now. I didn’t have the time or energy for one of her lectures tonight
ELENA My hands tightened around the gun in my purse. I had Sarah behind me as I led her out of the backstage. My white dress was splattered with blood—it looked like something out of a horror movie. I probably looked just like Deluca had when he waltzed into the place with confidence, despite being stained from head to toe in blood.I had just finished changing when I heard the gunshots. My heart pounded with fear—fear for the life of my best friend, who had stubbornly followed me to the show.I came across a dead makeup artist with a gunshot wound to her head. I sidestepped her body and rushed to my purse, pulling out the gun.I turned down the hallway that led in and out and heard another shot go off. Blood splattered onto me, but I didn’t hesitate—I fired two quick shots.I had found Sarah being held at gunpoint and had shot the man before dragging her out to the stage.But I was confused by the chaos unfolding in the venue. Every dignitary was running, as though they had no train
DELUCA Waltzing into the arena, my body smeared with blood and my confidence soaring—perhaps for the first time in my life—stares and murmurs followed my every move. Everyone was either curious or, more likely, terrified of whose blood I wore like a trophy.I felt better. Two down, two to go.And Lucas had finally freed himself from that bloodsucking leech, Madeline.I coolly pulled out a chair in the VIP section and sat down, not caring in the slightest whom it was reserved for. I crossed my legs, clasped my hands together, and watched as the show began.The first models came and went, each exuding a kind of elegance that captivated the crowd. But I was growing impatient.Then, the curtains drew back—and out walked the only person I was certain everyone had come to see.She embodied elegance. She didn’t just walk the runway—she owned it. She moved with a confidence most women could only dream of. The sparkle in her eyes made one thing clear: she loved the attention. Everyone was ent
ELENA I refused to regret not taking the car—or Mr. Leo—along. I could’ve made a quick change and saved time, but the truth was, I had achieved my mission. That alone made it worth it.I’d helped DeLuca.Now, he owes me.But my small victory was short-lived. My smile faded the moment I saw a figure standing at the entrance, arms folded. As I got closer, I recognized her.Sarah.Thankfully, I’d already taken off the mask I used earlier.“It’s about time,” she said, voice flat.I ignored her tone, parked the bike in a hurry, and rushed past her, heading upstairs to my room for a quick shower.“Please inform Mr. Leo to get the car ready,” I tossed over my shoulder without slowing down.To my surprise, Sarah didn’t argue. She just watched me go, silent.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ten minutes later…I stepped out of the house and Sarah was nowhere in sight. Relief washed over me. Maybe she was letting me off the hook—for now. I didn’t have the time or energy for one of her lectures tonight
DELUCA I was surprised—shocked, even—and it showed on my face.I had prided myself on the ability to remain unshaken after the life I’d lived, but this infuriating woman surprised me daily.And this… this was the height of it.I looked around as I stood up, only to discover she was nowhere to be found.Lucas gave me an ear-splitting grin as he hopped over to me. I cut away his ropes.“Where is she?” I asked.He shrugged, but when I glared at him, he finally spoke.“She left.”“What do you mean she left?” My brows furrowed in frustration.“She did. She told me to shut up and disappeared into the night,” he said with that same irritating shrug before bending down to pick up a groaning Colton, whose eyes were starting to flutter open.“Do I send him back?”I looked at Colton and decided it was time he watched.Time he stopped being a child and finally understood what I had been protecting him from.Maybe then he’d stop being such a blabbermouth.Such an idiot.For years, I’d protected h
ElenaAs we drove back to the mansion, I suddenly had an idea—A very bad idea that could get me killed.I stayed calm until we got to the house. Sarah made an excuse to go clean up in her room, and I took that as my opportunity to hash out my ridiculous plan.If I could help rescue—or at least assist—Deluca, he’d owe me a debt, and he'd want to repay it.That was when my ridiculous plan got interesting enough for me to actually go through with it.I called his line, and an unknown male picked up.“What do you want?” he barked into the phone.I was already tapping on my laptop, tracing the call to its current location.“I was hoping to talk to the owner of the cell,” I began, dragging out my purpose for calling. He took the bait like a fool.“He’s not available. Who’s talking?” he demanded.Just then, my laptop gave a sharp ping. I quickly disconnected the call.My lips curved into a triumphant grin.I got dressed, not forgetting my face mask, and silently slipped out of the mansion.
DelucaA groan slipped past my lips as I forced my eyes open, instinctively trying to palm my head with my hands—only to find it hard to do so.Pain radiated from the back of my head as I slowly but surely glanced around, instantly spotting three men standing around me. Beside me sat an awake Lucas.“You awake yet?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.A slow smile tugged at my lips.“You still have the head to smile, bastard,” Lucas cussed, though amusement colored his tone.“What... happened?” I asked quietly. He gave me a look—and then it all came rushing back. I squeezed my eyes shut.That happened.“That happened,” I whispered, and he whistled.“No, we’re dreaming,” he said with mocking condescension, and I knew I deserved it—for not keeping a level head when I got that call.All I’d felt was rage. I still felt it. But I knew I needed to stay calm now.“Then we’ve got to wake up,” I muttered.I shot him a sharp glare, but he waved me off with a goofy look.“I know you’re my
ElenaA ping alerted me to a text on my phone. It looked like it was from Lucas, but I couldn’t decipher what the words meant.I gave Sarah a look across the breakfast table and turned the phone to her.She read through it and gave me a shrug.“Maybe ask one of their own?” she suggested, an unsure look on her face. I gave it some thought.As much as I didn’t want to have anything to do with them, they were slowly but surely pulling me into their affairs.This could be a way to get something on them—something that might force them to start telling me what I wanted to know.I stood up and nodded at Sarah. She gave me a look before standing up, too.“If you’re going, I’m going,” she declared.I gave her a disbelieving look.What did she think she was doing?“Um... no, you’re not,” I began, but she shushed me with a raised palm.That was insulting, but she was my friend, and I did that to her all the time—so maybe…“I want to help. Why? Think I’m too frail?” she cocked an eyebrow at me.I
DelucaMy hands clenched into fists as I watched Lucas work on his laptop, trying to uncover Ramsey’s hidden location.We had been at this for two straight days without a single moment of rest, and it was beginning to take its toll on all of us.Madeline slept on the couch, occasionally snoring—and it grated heavily on my nerves.I sighed, unclenching my fists and resting my head in my hands.My head was pounding, and with nothing to show for it, I was growing more and more agitated.It had been easy to pull up a photo of her, but tracking down her location was taking far longer than I’d like.My brows furrowed as the sharp, shrill sound of my ringtone pierced the otherwise silent room. I calmly grabbed the phone.Boldly written on the screen were two words: “Unknown Caller.”I picked up without a second thought, placing it to my ear.“We have Colton.”My spine snapped straight, and my eyes squeezed shut.What was it with Colton always getting kidnapped for ransom?“I know you’ve been
ElenaI sank down into the seat, dragging in deep breaths as I reconciled with the fact that I had come this close to death without having achieved anything.It was surreal to realize I felt no remorse for the dead man. But I simply couldn’t find it in me to feel anything.I knew that sooner or later, I would kill someone with this gun—but thinking about it and actually doing it were two different things.What was even more disturbing was my lack of anxiety or emotion altogether.I didn’t dare to glance at him again, afraid that doing so might awaken feelings I didn’t want to face.Slowly, I stood up, giving the room one last look. Nothing seemed out of place—except for the pile of burnt papers.Lately, I had been feeling suspicious. Who had burned them? Whoever it was had to be aware of Lorenzo’s dealings.And if that was the case, they must have been close to him.It could be Dante… or the Council Elders… or even Deluca.This was beyond frustrating. I was going around in circles, an