Chapter 8 - The Return
The revelation about Camille echoed in my mind as the black van dropped me off three blocks from the Vescari estate.
My clothes were torn, my face was covered in dirt, and I looked exactly like a woman who had barely survived a kidnapping.
I clutched Marco and stumbled toward the massive iron gates.
The security cameras spotted me immediately.
Within seconds, the gates swung open, and armed guards swarmed around me.
Roman rushed out of the main doors, completely abandoning his usual composed demeanor.
He grabbed me by the shoulders, pulling me into a fierce, almost suffocating embrace.
"Elena," he breathed, his voice thick with rare emotion.
"Where did they take you?"
"I don't know," I sobbed, playing the part perfectly to save my son's life.
"It was dark."
"I managed to run when they stopped to change vehicles."
Roman gently took Marco from my arms, handing him to a waiting nurse.
He picked me up entirely, carrying me into the warmth of the mansion.
For a terrifying moment, he actually felt like a husband who loved his wife.
He laid me down on the master bed, ordering the staff to bring hot water and blankets.
I sat there shivering, feeling the cold weight of Dante's wire hidden beneath my bra strap.
Once the room cleared, Roman sat on the edge of the bed and cupped my dirty face.
"I swear to you, Elena," he whispered fiercely.
"I will burn this entire city to the ground to punish the men who touched you."
I forced myself to look into his dark eyes, hiding the utter disgust I felt.
"Do you know who took me?" I asked weakly.
Roman's jaw tightened, a muscle ticking violently in his cheek.
"I do."
"My men found tire tracks and bullet casings that trace back to a specific supplier in New York."
He leaned closer, his breath ghosting over my lips.
"My brother Dante orchestrated this."
My heart stopped completely.
If Roman knew Dante was behind this, the entire plan was already falling apart.
"What are you going to do?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice even.
Roman stood up, adjusting his cuffs with terrifying precision.
"You don't need to worry about Dante ever again."
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"I ordered a hit squad to his location ten minutes ago."
"By the time the sun comes up, my brother will be dead."
