Chapter 16: 14

Cassie paced the living room, her arms folded tightly across her chest. The house was eerily quiet without the usual chaos of the guys' presence. After Lucien had hurried off following Phoenix’s call, she realized with growing unease that no one had thought to ensure she wouldn’t be left alone.

It wasn’t like she hadn’t been alone before, but this felt different. The events of the past few days weighed on her, each moment replaying in her mind like a haunting movie. Her anxiety began to creep in, a nagging voice whispering doubts and fears into her thoughts.

The piercing ring of her phone made her jump. Fumbling, she quickly answered when she saw Gwen’s name flashing on the screen. Relief flooded her momentarily, but that relief was short-lived as the conversation took a strange turn.

“Cassie, where are you?” Gwen asked, her tone oddly strained.

“At a friend’s house,” Cassie replied cautiously. “Why?”

There was a pause on the other end before Gwen’s voice dropped to a near whisper. “You need to be careful. I heard... I heard people are looking for you.”

Cassie froze. “Who? What people?”

“I can’t say over the phone,” Gwen said hurriedly. “Just... watch your back, okay? And stay put.”

“Gwen—”

“I have to go.” The line went dead.

Cassie stared at her phone, her heart racing. Something was off. Gwen sounded nervous, almost frightened, and that wasn’t like her. Cassie tried calling back, but the call went straight to voicemail.

Her anxiety surged. She tried Nicco’s number, but it rang endlessly. She considered calling one of the others but stopped herself. They were already frustrated with her for sneaking out at Aleksander’s office yesterday.

Her stomach growled, breaking her train of thought. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and Phoenix wasn’t here to whip up one of his incredible meals. Normally, she’d have scrounged up something simple, but the thought of cooking in someone else’s kitchen made her uneasy.

Cassie decided she couldn’t stay cooped up any longer. Grabbing her jacket, she slipped out of the house, convincing herself she’d only be gone for a little while.

---

The small mom-and-pop diner she stumbled across felt like a safe haven. Its warm, inviting lights spilled onto the sidewalk, and the comforting smell of coffee and fried food greeted her as she stepped inside.

“Welcome in!” a cheerful host greeted her. “Just one today?”

“Yeah, just me,” Cassie replied with a small smile.

The host led her to a cozy booth near the window. Cassie slid into the seat, glancing out at the street to calm her nerves. The quiet chatter of patrons and the clinking of dishes provided a sense of normalcy she hadn’t felt in days.

A waitress appeared, her notepad ready. “What can I get you, hun?”

Cassie ordered a plate of pancakes and bacon, pairing it with a coffee. As the waitress walked away, she let herself relax. She was safe here—just a random customer in a random diner.

When her food arrived, she ate slowly, savoring each bite. The world outside the diner’s glass walls seemed distant, as if she’d stepped out of her chaotic reality and into a simpler one.

After finishing her meal, Cassie decided to freshen up. She headed to the restroom, taking her time to wash her hands and compose herself in the mirror.

But as she prepared to leave, the muffled sound of raised voices reached her ears. Her heart sank.

Peeking out from the restroom door, she saw the commotion unfold. Several men, dressed in dark suits and armed with handguns, had stormed into the diner. They barked orders at the frightened patrons, forcing them to sit down and stay quiet.

Cassie’s breath hitched. Roussi’s men.

Her mind raced, searching for a way out. Before she could act, a waiter crept into the restroom, his face pale.

“Are you Cassie?” he whispered.

She nodded hesitantly, her throat dry.

“They’re looking for you,” he said. “Come on. I know a way out.”

He led her to the back door, glancing nervously over his shoulder. Cassie followed, her heart pounding in her ears.

The moment she stepped outside, she realized she’d been set up.

A black SUV screeched to a halt, and before she could run, rough hands grabbed her. A cloth was pressed over her mouth, and the world around her faded into darkness.

---

Nicco paced the living room, his frustration palpable.

“How the hell did you leave her alone, Lucien?” he snapped, glaring at the silver-haired man.

“It was an accident!” Lucien shot back, his tone defensive. “I didn’t realize—”

“Of course, you didn’t realize!” Nicco cut him off. “Do you ever think about anything other than yourself?”

Phoenix stepped between them, his hands raised. “Enough, both of you. This isn’t helping.”

Aleksander, who had been leaning against the wall, pinched the bridge of his nose. “Where’s her phone? Has anyone tried calling her?”

“I’ve been calling, but she’s not answering,” Nicco said, his jaw tight.

Kai, who had been silently watching the argument, finally spoke. “Who’s Cassie?”

Phoenix turned to him. “She’s Derek’s sister. The one we swore to protect.”

Kai frowned. “And you’ve brought her into this mess? Brilliant.”

Before anyone could respond, Aleksander’s phone buzzed. He answered quickly, his expression darkening as the caller spoke.

“There’s been a situation,” Aleks said grimly. “Hostage situation at a diner downtown. The Roussi family’s men are involved.”

Nicco’s stomach dropped. “She was hungry. She must have gone out.”

Aleksander nodded, his voice sharp as he issued orders. “Phoenix, call your contacts. Lucien, get the car ready. Kai, I need you to make some calls and find out exactly what happened.”

“And me?” Nicco asked.

Aleksander’s gaze hardened. “You’re with me. We’re getting her back.”