Page 119

Story: Taken

I see his jaw clench as he steps forward, his eyes narrowing in my direction.
When Chiara stirs on the sofa, my eyes immediately move back to my daughter. She is desperately trying to take heavier breaths, like she is fighting the darkness that is holding her captive.
My heart lurches as I watch her struggle.
Leaning down, I rub my hand across her hair, whispering her name, hoping that it is enough to bring her back.
“Come on, Chiara. Open your eyes for me.”
There is a shift beside me as the twins move back slightly, allowing me to have more space.
Mikhail’s eyes linger on Chiara’s frame, a clear softness to them that I do not want to acknowledge. He looks at my daughter like she’s the only thing that matters to him right now.A part of me wants to shout at him, to tell him to stay away from my daughter, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
Not after everything he has found out tonight.
What is the point?
What is the point of any of this?
Chiara’s unconscious body beneath my hand reminds me of what is truly important.
I tighten my hold on her, moving closer to her, whispering soft words that are only meant for her ears to hear.
This is not about them.
This is not about revenge or pain any more.
This is about keeping her safe, and I will not let anything happen to my daughter.
Not ever again.
Isaak finally speaks, his voice cold, though tinged with something else—something I can’t quite place.
“She’s fine.” He says gruffly. “She’ll wake up, Francesco. If she could spend five weeks with my sons, and come out unharmed too, then she’s a fighter for sure.”
I do not care for his words.
I do not care about what he thinks.
And I choose to ignore that last part.
I will not even allow myself to wonder what things my daughter has endured in their captivity.
Instead, I give her my full attention instead.
I brush her hair from her face, keeping an eye on the steady rise and fall of her chest.
She is my entire world.
And I will be damned if I ever let anybody take her away from me ever again.
“We are getting out of here.” I mutter to Dario, my voice tight with determination. “I will not allow Chiara to be a pawn in this game any longer.”
Dario nods without any hesitation, his gaze hardening as he looks to Isaak, then to both of his sons.
“I agree.”
My son murmurs, his grip still firm on Chiara’s shoulder.

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