The chaos at the docks was relentless. Bullets whizzed through the air, sparks flying as they ricocheted off metal containers. Dominic moved with deadly precision, taking down anyone in his path. His men followed suit, pushing back Matteo's forces with sheer force.
Vincent, crouched behind cover, reloaded his gun and shot Dominic a look. "Matteo's not here."
Dominic gritted his teeth. Of course, that bastard wouldn't show up himself. This wasn't just about attacking his shipment—Matteo was distracting him.
Then, as if confirming his thoughts, his phone vibrated. He pulled it out, blood running cold at the message displayed.
Matteo: You left something unprotected. Such a shame.
Dominic's breath hitched. "Elijah."
Without hesitation, he turned to Vincent. "We're leaving. Now."
"But the fight—"
"I don't give a damn about this fight," Dominic snarled, shoving his gun into his holster. "Matteo's after Elijah."
Vincent didn't argue. He barked out orders for their men to hold the docks before sprinting after Dominic, who was already making his way to the car.
---
Back at the estate
Elijah's fingers hovered over his phone. He had debated calling Dominic, but he knew the man was handling business. Don't be paranoid, he told himself.
But then, the shadow outside moved again.
Elijah's breath hitched. He wasn't imagining it.
Heart pounding, he grabbed the nearest object—a glass bottle from the table—and stepped toward the window. Slowly, he pulled back the curtain, expecting to see nothing.
Instead, dark eyes stared right back at him.
Elijah barely had time to react before the window shattered, an arm reaching in to grab him. He swung the bottle instinctively, smashing it against his attacker's face.
"Shit!" the man growled, stumbling back. But before Elijah could bolt, two more men rushed in through the front door.
Elijah fought back, kicking one in the stomach and trying to make a run for it. But strong arms wrapped around him from behind, lifting him off the ground.
"Let me go, you piece of—!" Elijah thrashed wildly, but it was useless. A cloth was pressed against his mouth. A sharp, sickly-sweet scent filled his nose.
Chloroform.
His vision blurred, his body going limp. The last thing he heard before darkness swallowed him was the sound of a familiar voice.
"Tsk, tsk. Did you really think Dominic could protect you forever?"
Then, everything went black.
Dominic's car screeched to a halt in front of the estate. He barely waited for the engine to stop before throwing the door open and storming inside, his gun already drawn.
"Elijah!" His voice echoed through the halls. Silence.
A sick feeling crawled up his spine.
Vincent rushed in behind him, gun raised. His sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on the broken window. Blood splattered the floor, and the shattered glass glistened under the moonlight.
Dominic felt his chest tighten. His worst fear had just come true.
Vincent crouched near the glass, touching a fresh smear of blood. "It's recent."
Dominic clenched his fists. Matteo.
His phone buzzed. With a shaky breath, he looked at the screen.
Unknown Number: You're always so careless, Dominic.
Unknown Number: I have something of yours. If you want him back, come get him.
Attached was a photo.
Elijah—tied to a chair, head slumped forward. A bruise was forming on his cheek, his lips slightly parted as if he'd just woken up.
Dominic's grip tightened around the phone. His entire body burned with rage.
Vincent glanced at the screen. "Where is he?"
Dominic's jaw clenched. "Matteo wants me to come to him."
"Then let's—"
"No." Dominic cut him off. "You stay here and track the location of this message. I'll handle Matteo myself."
Vincent grabbed his arm. "That's exactly what he wants, boss. You go alone, you're walking into a trap."
Dominic pulled away. "I don't care."
Vincent cursed under his breath but didn't argue further. He knew Dominic well enough to know there was no stopping him now.
Dominic turned, storming out the door, his mind set on one thing
Taking Elijah back and making Matteo pay in blood.
Chapter 67: Blood
A sharp sting burned against Elijah's cheek as he groggily opened his eyes. His head was pounding, and the cold bite of metal against his wrists made it clear—he was tied up.
With a groan, he shifted, blinking away the blurriness. The dim light flickered above him, casting eerie shadows against the concrete walls. He tried moving, but the ropes around his wrists and ankles barely allowed any room.
"Awake already?"
That voice.
Elijah's body tensed. He turned his head and found Matteo standing a few feet away, swirling a glass of wine in his hand, as if this was just another casual evening.
"You look uncomfortable," Matteo mused, stepping closer. "I'd untie you, but well… I wouldn't want you running off before Dominic gets here."
Elijah scoffed. "So that's what this is? Some twisted way to get his attention?"
Matteo chuckled, crouching beside him. "You say that like you're not enjoying all the attention you get from him." His fingers trailed along the bruised skin of Elijah's jaw. "You must really like being Dominic's little possession."
Elijah yanked his face away, glaring. "I'm not his possession."
Matteo smirked. "That's cute. You really believe that?"
Elijah bit the inside of his cheek, refusing to react. He wasn't about to give Matteo the satisfaction.
The sound of a door creaking open made Matteo sigh. One of his men stepped in.
"Boss, he's here."
Matteo straightened, a grin playing at his lips. "Right on time."
Elijah's heart pounded.
Dominic.
Matteo turned back to Elijah, lifting his chin with two fingers. "I wonder how far he's willing to go for you, tesoro."
With that, Matteo strode out of the room, leaving Elijah alone in the dim light his heart hammering as heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway.
Dominic was here.
And all hell was about to break loose