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“And what? You do?!” he spat. “You don’t care about my daughter.”

I pulled out my gun and held it to his head, right between the eyes, not backing down. “I will find my wife without your help, Victor,” I could feel Chad’s gun pointed at my back. Victor gave him orders with his eyes to lower it. “When I find her, and trust me Iwillfind her, you will stay away from us both.” I informed him.. “Don’t make me regret not pulling this trigger tonight.”

“You can’t keep me away from my daughter.”

“I can and I will. You’re only bothered about yourself.” I tucked my gun back into my waistband and turned to leave, not wanting to spend another minute with him.

“I won’t stay away from her,” he called from behind me as I paused at the door.

“Yes, you will. Otherwise, the next search will be for your body.”

I exited the house, not stopping to speak to Florence who stood there unaware of what was going on.

“Boss.” Gino nodded. “How’d it go?”

“Victor is a waste of time and space. We don’t need him.” I slid into the passenger seat.

“Then what do we need?” he asked.

“I need to find my wife and bring her home.”

“And then?” he pressed.

“And then I’ll be the best person I can be for her.” Finding her would be my turning point.

“Well, it’s about damn time.” Gino smiled as he relaxed into the driver's seat.

Itwasabout time. I didn’t know if what happened had knocked some sense into me or whether she had slowly wormed her way in, but I’d been an absolute bastard to her. Sure, she wasn’t innocent in all this either, but she never wanted this marriage. She never even wanted me, and of course, I made everything a thousand times worse just by existing.

Anastacia Ricci was the only person who I knew could save me. And just as well, I would be the one to save her.

20

I didn’t knowhow long I had been in this hellhole for, but it was long enough to not want to look at the stupid photos on the wall or listen to that ridiculous soundtrack of my voice and laughter. My body ached from the bruises I received from those masked fuckers, but no matter how sore I was, my spirit remained unbroken. My grandfather’s voice echoed in my mind repeatedly.Pain is temporary, Moy voin. It’s what you do with it that defines you.

The door creaked open, and my eyes adjusted quickly to the bright light that streamed in. My gaze locked onto the silhouette of a fourth man. I knew he was new because he was built smaller than the others. He was careful with his moves, something the other three weren’t.

There was something incredibly familiar about the way he moved. About the way he tilted his head. Even the confidence in his stride. He stepped fully into the room, his mask concealing his identity.

“Still holding out?” His voice was deep, laced with malice. A shiver ran down my spine. “Your deardedushkawould be so incredibly proud,” he taunted. I did tell them to behave, but itlooks like you were the one who didn’t. You brought this on yourself.” He waved his hand up and down my body, blaming me for the beatings I had received.

“You’re nothing but a coward,” I sneered, keeping my voice steady. “Hiding behind a mask is really brave, isn’t it? Are you afraid?” I chuckled, no longer caring how many punches or kicks I took.

He laughed, a low, guttural sound that seemed to reverberate through the room. He stepped closer, and his shadow loomed over me. “Me? Afraid? I’m not the one captured and tied up like this, am I?” He paused for a second. His gloved hand reached out, stroking my cheek. My body stiffened as his leather-clad fingers caressed my cheek.

“Then take it off,” I demanded. “If you’re not afraid then show me who you truly are instead of hiding behind a piece of fabric.”

He hesitated for a moment, his gloved hands hovering in the air between us. “Fine, but say please first.”

“Get fucked.” I scoffed, fighting against the rope that restrained me.

“You always did have a dirty mouth, didn’t you, Anastacia?” he purred, and it hit me. I knew that voice. The way he said my name was distinct, and I instantly felt sick. I knew but I couldn’t get my head around why.

With a dramatic flourish, he pulled off his mask, revealing a face that made my heart stop as he confirmed my suspicions.

“C-Chad,” I whispered, my voice barely audible as my breath hitched in my throat.

He smirked, his eyes glistening with triumph. “Surprise.” He leaned in closer, his breath hot against my ear. “Didn’t you realise how I watched you, Ana?” He grazed my earlobe with his teeth, making my body go rigid. “And not just because your father asked me to. I did it because you were mine in my mindlong before you were mine in the flesh.” He pulled away, and bile climbed my throat.