Semua Bab THE DEBT OF DESIRE: Bab 21 - Bab 30

The safe house was nestled deep within the countryside, surrounded by towering trees and complete silence. After the chaos, the gunfire, and the chase through the city—it felt like another world entirely. The weight of the past hours still clung to them, but here, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, Matteo could breathe.He ran a hand through his hair as he leaned against the massive wooden dining table, his thoughts still caught in the whirlwind of The Serpent’s latest move. The bastard was always a step ahead. He knew their locations and anticipated their movements. It was more than strategy—it was personal.A soft voice broke through his thoughts. “You’re still thinking about it.”Matteo turned to see Isabella standing near the window, wrapped in a thick sweater that was far too large for her—his sweater. The sight of her, delicate and exhausted yet still breathtaking, sent something sharp through his chest.He exhaled slowly. “I can’t afford not to.”She crossed the

Matteo’s mind raced as The Serpent’s laughter echoed in the cold, damp room. The dim light flickered, casting eerie shadows on the cracked concrete walls. The pain from his wound burned, but the fire in his chest burned hotter.He wouldn’t let this bastard win.Isabella trembled where she sat, her wrists bound in front of her. Matteo caught her gaze, the silent plea in her eyes stabbing through him like a blade. He couldn’t let her get hurt. Not because of him.The Serpent paced leisurely before them, his expression one of pure amusement. “You know, Matteo, I expected more from you. The infamous Matteo DeLuca, reduced to this? Tied up and helpless?”Matteo glared at him but said nothing. Words wouldn’t save them now.The Serpent’s grin widened. “No words? No threats? No promises of revenge?” He clicked his tongue. “Disappointing.”Luca groaned from where he was slumped against the wall. Blood trickled down his temple, but his eyes were still sharp, assessing. He was waiting for an opp

The night was thick with silence, save for the distant rustle of trees in the wind. Inside the dimly lit bedroom, Isabella stirred beneath the soft sheets, her body still weak from the events of the past twenty-four hours. The fear, the cold, the near-death experience—everything lingered in the air like a ghost refusing to be exorcized.Matteo sat at the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped together in silent thought. The paper with her photograph still burned in his pocket, a constant reminder that danger loomed over them like a shadow.Isabella turned onto her side, her voice soft. “You’re still awake.”His gaze snapped to her, his sharp features softening just slightly. “Couldn’t sleep.”She studied him for a moment before reaching out, her fingers lightly brushing over his knuckles. “Neither can I.”His jaw tightened, the tension coiling inside him like a spring wound too tight. “You almost died tonight, Isabella.”She swallowed. “I know.”His finger

The sound of gunfire shattered the fragile illusion of safety. Matteo shoved Isabella behind the heavy oak table, his body shielding hers as glass rained around them. The air was thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder, and the unmistakable sound of approaching footsteps sent a wave of cold fury through his veins.Luca crouched behind the overturned couch, his gun aimed at the shattered window. “We’ve got at least four shooters,” he hissed. “They’re closing in fast.”Matteo gritted his teeth. “We can’t let them pin us down.”Isabella clutched his arm, her fingers digging into his sleeve. “Matteo—”He turned to her, his gaze fierce but steady. “Stay here. No matter what happens, don’t move.”She shook her head. “I’m not just going to sit here while you—”“Isabella,” he cut her off, his voice low and commanding. “Trust me.”She hesitated, but the raw intensity in his eyes silenced any protest. She nodded reluctantly, pressing herself against the wooden floor.Luca reloaded his gun, eyes

Pain seared through Matteo’s body as he fought against the suffocating darkness. He could hear muffled voices, distant but sharp, slicing through the haze clouding his mind. The scent of blood—his own—hung thick in the air.A boot nudged his side, sending another jolt of pain through him. His eyelids fluttered open, and he saw Riccardo looming over him, blood seeping through his shirt where Matteo’s bullet had struck him.“You’re harder to kill than I thought,” Riccardo sneered, pressing the barrel of his gun to Matteo’s temple. “But don’t worry, we’ll fix that.”Matteo’s vision swam, but his fingers twitched toward his weapon. Before he could reach it, a sharp crack echoed through the warehouse.A gunshot.Riccardo stumbled back, his gun slipping from his grasp as a bullet tore through his shoulder.Luca.Matteo barely had time to process before another round of shots rang out. Luca had taken position behind the crates, firing with deadly precision. The last of Riccardo’s men collaps