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“Guard her closely,” he commands, addressing the man who interrupted us. “I’ll be back to finish this later.” The door slams shut behind him, leaving me alone with the guard—and my pain.
As I lie here, battered and bruised, my heart races with a mixture of dread and hope. While the thought of an all-out war terrifies me, I can’t help but hope that the Volkov brothers will find me before it’s too late. They’ve proven themselves capable of great care and kindness, even amidst the darkness that surrounds them.
“Please,” I whisper to myself, my emerald-green eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Find me before it’s too late.”
41
CASSIUS
My heart pounds in my chest as I search through the dimly lit building, a mixture of relief and anger coursing through me. The pungent scent of mildew hangs heavy in the air, and I can feel the dampness seeping through the soles of my shoes. My pulse quickens, and I know time is running out.
“Annalise!” I shout, desperation evident in my voice.
My foot catches on something, and I stumble, catching myself just before crashing to the ground. Looking down, I see Annalise’s unmistakable emerald eyes staring back at me, wide with fear. She’s bound and injured on the cold, unforgiving floor. Her long, wavy brown hair is matted with blood, and her petite frame is bruised and battered.
“Annalise,” I breathe, feeling a wave of relief wash over me, though it does little to quell the rage that boils beneath the surface.
“Ah, Cassius,” a mocking voice drawls from behind me. “I do wonder what makes this woman so special.”
Arlo, a man I once believed was an ally, steps forward, his movements predatory. He picks up Annalise, gripping her tightly, and I can see the pain etched across her face. In that moment, I want nothing more than to tear him apart for what he’s done to her.
“Tell me, Cassius,” Arlo taunts, his dark eyes narrowed in amusement. “What’s so remarkable about this one?”
“Let her go, Arlo,” I growl, barely containing my fury. “This doesn’t have to end badly for you.”
He smirks, seeming to relish in my torment. “Oh, but I think it does. After all, if she’s worth this much trouble, there must be something valuable I could learn by killing you.”
“Touch her again, and I’ll make sure you never lay a finger on anyone,” I hiss, my voice laced with venom.
“Bold words,” Arlo sneers, clearly unimpressed. “But can you back them up?”
My mind races, considering the potential outcomes of this situation. As much as I want to tear into Arlo for the harm he’s caused Annalise, I know that I have to prioritize her safety. I need to get her out of here and find help, even if it means putting myself in danger.
“Put her down, Arlo,” I warn, my determination unwavering. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.”
“Neither do you,” he replies smugly, tightening his grip on Annalise. Her face contorts with pain, and I feel the familiar fire of rage reigniting within me.
The veins in my temples throb as rage courses through me, the sight of Annalise’s pain pushing me to my limit. I can’t contain my fury any longer—Arlo needs to pay for what he’s done.
“Enough,” I snarl, launching myself at him with every ounce of strength and anger I possess. Our bodies collide, sending us crashing to the ground, my fists connecting with his face in a frenzy of violence. Each blow feels like retribution for the harm he’s inflicted upon her, my knuckles bruising and bloodied but unstoppable.
“Damn you, Cassius!” Arlo spits out between gritted teeth, struggling to defend himself from my unrelenting assault. It’s not enough—nothing will ever be enough to make up for what he’s done.
“Never touch her again,” I growl, punctuating my words with one final punch that leaves him lying motionless beneath me. My breath comes in ragged gasps, sweat mixing with the blood that stains my hands.
But there’s no time to revel in victory; Annalise’s safety is all that matters now. I scramble to her side, my heart pounding furiously as I take in her battered form. Gently, I cradle her in my arms, careful not to cause her any more pain.
“Annalise…Lily, it’s me,” I murmur, brushing a strand of hair away from her bruised face. Her eyes flutter open for a brief moment, confusion and relief warring in their emerald depths.
“Cassius,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “Thank God you’re here.”
“Shh, save your strength,” I soothe, trying to keep my own emotions in check. “I’ve got you now. You’re safe.”
As I hold her close, my mind races with plans to get us out of this hellish place. I can’t let my guard down, not even for a second—the danger still looms over us, threatening to snatch away everything I’ve fought so hard to protect.
“Stay with me, Annalise,” I plead, more to myself than her. “We’ll make it through this. I promise.”
With every step, Annalise’s shallow breaths remind me of the gravity of our situation. I carry her toward the door, my urgency growing as I sense the danger closing in around us.
