Page 44 of War Within
Footstep pattered away causing the weak floor to vibrate beneath my fragile body.
“Come to me, Jane.”
Oh God! I recognized that voice! He had come for me! Marco had come for me! He had come to rescue me. So badly, I wanted to show my excitement to see him, but I was too hurt and exhausted.
“Come here.” He encouraged me. Bending over, he helped me to my feet.
Wait a second. He looked different. His face was stern, and he didn't snatch me and hug me. Something was not right. I almost choked at his scent. He reeked of alcohol and cigarettes instead of his usual cologne.
“Marco?” I grabbed hold of him for stability.
“Oh God, we need to get you out of here immediately, Jane. You're hurt and need medical attention.”
Internally, I was panicking. How could he be so calm? I was so confused but more importantly, I couldn't keep my eyes open.
I woke up in a comfortable room but could not open my eyes yet. Finally, I could feel the true significance of my aching injuries. My skin discolored, my body hurt to move. Where was I? This was not my room at Giovanni's.
Maybe it was Marco’s room? I remember seeing him. So many questions. Why was he acting so cold when he rescued me? I needed to get up and find food, but I was unsure if I could move. Just then, I heard footsteps approaching. Pretending to still be asleep, I listened as they neared the bed.
“So sweet. So innocent. So unsuspecting. I'm sorry you got dragged into this. I never meant for you to get hurt. I genuinely liked you. But you happened to be my father's biggest current weakness. Now unfortunately, I may have to kill you.”
What?! Oh my God!He was going to kill me! Did he not know I was on his side?! I did not even like his father. It was too late. This was not a battle I wanted to be a part of. I had to figure out how to get out of here and call Giovanni. At least he liked me and did not want me dead.
“Daddy!”
Valentina peeled her gaze away from her phone screen the moment she saw Emir and I drag our exhausted bodies through the door, entering the kitchen. She never called medaddyunless she wanted money or was up to something. Wrapping her arms around me, she gave me a tight hug, ignoring Emir.
“Did you find her?” She frowned, genuinely concerned.
“No, we didn't.” I lowered my head in defeat. “I have people all over the city and village below, looking.”
“She’ll be okay, dad.” She rubbed my arm. “I have hope.”
“Come here, princess.” I squeezed her a little bit harder than normal. “Will you please go get your brother? I need to tell him Jane is missing.”
Valentina backed away, awkwardly shifting her weight. “Um, I went to wake him up and he wasn't there.”
Narrowing my gaze, I stroked my chin, eyes darting around the room. “He didn't mention he was leaving or leave a note?”
“Nope,” she inhaled a sharp breath, fighting back tears, “and he’s going to flip out when he finds out.”
I lowered my gaze to the floor.
“Hi, Emir.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I gnawed the inside of my cheek, squinting at my daughter.
“Dad?” She jumped. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Emir buried his face in his palm. “He knows about us.”
She gasped. “Daddy, I can explain!”
“Cut the shit Valentina.” Shaking my head, I sighed. “Right now, I need to focus on finding Jane.”
“Val, I need to speak with your father for a moment.” Emir folded his arms.
“I understand.” She lowered her gaze to the floor in defeat. “I'll go try to call Marco.”
