Time to Meet My Enemy

ZANE

I woke up around ten the next morning, carefully extricating myself from my lover’s embrace. She was snuggled against me, her right leg and arm draped over my body.

I managed to slip out from under her without waking her and headed for a shower. When I returned, she had rolled onto her back, spread out across the bed.

I gently pulled the covers back over her. She’d been warm against me, but now she’d start to feel the chill. She mumbled something in her sleep, but settled back down after I kissed her forehead.

I left the room quietly, making sure to lock the door behind me by scanning my hand. I made my way to the kitchen, stretching and yawning as I went.

Conner and Noah were already there, tucking into breakfast prepared by our new cook. We’d had to replace the old one after we found out he was working for Luca. He was in hiding now, but we knew he’d resurface eventually. And we’d be ready.

“Morning, boss. We just got up ourselves. What’s the plan for today?” Conner asked.

“We need to check on Luca. The doctor was supposed to remove the tracking devices and the bullet from his knee yesterday. We took a break last night, but it’s back to business today.

“She’ll be safe with the new palm scanners on the rooms. I don’t think we need to worry about an attack for a few days. But make sure everyone is on high alert, especially at night.”

After a hearty breakfast, we headed to the basement where Luca was being held. I scanned my hand on the palm reader and the door to the prison area slid open.

The door closed behind us as we descended the stairs. The guards on duty were playing cards. They looked up and smiled, dropping their cards.

“Morning, boss. Luca had to be sedated for the removal of the bullet and tracking devices. They were embedded deep. He woke up about fifteen minutes ago, but he’s in a lot of pain.

“The doctor had to dig deep into his knee, so he’ll be sore for a while. Your dad’s okay, just a big bump on his head. We took him home last night; he was resting when we left.”

“Good, let’s see what Luca knows.” I approached his cell. He was lying down, so I banged a metal bar against the bars of his cell.

“Damn, man, I have a headache and my knee is killing me. Can’t I just lay here and suffer without your shit?” Luca groaned, holding his head in his hands.

“You can talk, or I can make your headache ten times worse.”

He pulled himself up, wincing with pain, and I couldn’t help but smile as he leaned against the wall behind him. His knee was shaking with pain.

“I’ve already told you everything. You may have removed my trackers, but I promise you they know I’m here.

“You’re not safe, and neither is my angel. I’m guessing she’s somewhere nearby?”

He smirked and I gripped the bars until my knuckles turned white. “If you ever touch her again, I swear it’ll be the last thing you do.”

His eyes flicked over to where the guards were standing, then he smiled. “That’s what you think.”

Suddenly, there was a whooshing sound and I ducked just in time as a board hit the bars above my head. One of the guards had knocked the other one out and was now attacking us.

Noah and Conner sprang into action, lunging at the guard and grabbing the board. But he pulled out a taser and stunned them. I watched in horror as they collapsed to the ground.

An arm wrapped around my neck, pulling me back against the bars. Another pinned my arms to my sides.

“You underestimated me, Zane. I have men everywhere, ready to help me when needed.

“Now, give me the key. You’re going to get us out of here. If not, he’ll stun you and take it from you. Let’s try something else.”

The guard searched my pockets, finding the key to the cell. He opened it and Luca limped out, leaning on his shoulder.

“What should we do with him?” The guard looked at me, now free from his grip.

“Put him in the cell. His buddies can figure out how to get him out when they wake up. By then, we’ll be long gone.”

He hobbled over to the chair where the guards had been sitting earlier, while the guard approached me. I lunged at him and we traded blows.

I managed to grab the taser and hit him in the chest with it. He fell to the ground with a thud. Then I turned to Luca, who was trying to climb the stairs, dragging his injured leg.

“How are you going to get out? Your hand can’t open the door.”

Just then, the door opened and three guards rushed down the stairs. They grabbed Luca and hauled him up the stairs. The door slammed shut behind them.

Shit! He had more men in my organization than I’d realized. I rushed over to Conner and Noah, slapping their faces to wake them up.

They finally came to, and I pointed up the stairs. It took them a few seconds to gather themselves, then we all rushed up the stairs.

I slammed my hand down on the pad and ran out of the room. I hit a button on the main pad at the front door, putting the whole house into lockdown.

Men were running everywhere, shouting as I barked out orders. I rushed up the stairs to our room, only to find the panel outside our door damaged.

I kicked down the door after four tries and searched the room. She wasn’t there.

“Conner! She’s not here! ~Find her!~” I shouted.

“Yes, boss, we’re on it now!” he yelled back as he ran along the lower floor and Noah rushed past me. We searched the whole house but couldn’t find her or Luca anywhere.

~“Boss! He’s out of the gate!”~

Conner sprinted towards me, laptop in hand, as we watched them vault over the fence to the men waiting on the other side. They were already in a car, parked just beyond the fence, and they sped off.

I scoured the house for her, my heart pounding, while a few of the guys were sent off to tail the car. I checked every room, every corner, every possible hiding spot, until finally, I found myself standing in front of the security office.

Resting my hand on the scanner, I whispered a desperate plea. “Please be here. I can’t bear it if he’s got you again.”

The door slid open and there she was, huddled in a chair, her knees drawn up to her chest, her body shaking like a leaf in the wind. I rushed to her, wrapping my arms around her trembling form. She buried her face in my shoulder, her tears soaking my shirt.

“They tried to get me, Zane,” she sobbed. “I ran and ran until I ended up here. I tried to hide, but they broke into our room. When they went to check the bathroom, I bolted out the door and came here.”

I lifted her up, settling myself into the chair she’d just vacated. Her body quivered against mine as she cried into my shoulder. My hands cradled her, one supporting her body, the other gently stroking her hair. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

She was safe. She was in my arms again. Thank God she knew what to do.