AllFreeNovel
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Teo walks into the living room, where Izzy and I have spent most of the day. She tried putting on a rom-com to distract me, but all I’ve done is trap myself in my mind, thinking about what’s going to happen tonight. The only thing that’s kept me from plummeting into a dark abyss with no return, is knowing my mom is alive. Teo’s assured me multiple times that he’ll get her back, and it might sound crazy, but I fully trust him.
Wrapping his hand in my hair, Teo softly tilts my head back over the couch and leans down, giving me a kiss on the lips. “I see you found your clothes,” he says as he pulls away.
“I did,” I say with a small smile, probably the first one I’ve given all day. “Thank you for bringing them. Wearing your clothes was going to get old pretty quickly.”
“That’s a shame. I’d be happy to see you in nothing but my clothes, ever.”
“What is with you men and your possessive need to see a woman wearing your baggy ass t-shirts and stuff?” Izzy asks before taking a sip of her water.
“What isn’t sexy about your girl wearing your clothes with that fully fucked and satisfied look on her face?” Enzo asks as he flops himself onto the couch next to Izzy.
Izzy playfully hits her brother, but I’ve learned her playful hits come with a serious kick. One I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of.
“Fuck, Izzy. Must you?” he asks, rubbing his chest where she hit him.
“Mustyou?” she rebuttals.
Ignoring them, I turn back to Teo who’s still standing behind the couch. “Are you guys ready for tonight?”
“We are.” His voice is calm, which helps to settle my nerves somewhat.
“When are you leaving?”
“Soon. We just stopped by to change into our gear and grab some weapons.”
Weapons. Right. Because they’re going to go save my mom from people who could actually kill them. My husband and my mom could die tonight.
Matteo must notice the expression change on my face because he rounds the couch to sit next to me. “You do not need to worry. My men and I have been through this type of thing before.”
“You’ve had to rescue kidnapped victims before?”
“Yes, we have. Tactical gear is part of the territory when you do what we do. It’s just a safety precaution. I promise we will be fine, and we’ll get your mother out of there.”
“This seems like it’s all a setup. What if she’s not even thereand you’re walking into a trap? What if Silvestri kills you? What if my mom’s already dead?” My voice gets higher and more desperate as each question comes out.
“Nothing will happen to me or your mother, Lux. You have my word.” He brushes some loose strands behind my ear and cups my cheek. “After tonight, you’ll finally be able to put this nightmare behind you.”
“But how do you know?” My voice is desperately searching for any kind of reassurance I can get.
“Because in the end I have something that Silvestri wants, and that’s how I know he won’t do anything to your mother. I promise, Lux. Your mother and I will both be back tonight.” He drops his hand and pulls himself back before heading in the direction of our bedroom.
Teo and Enzo return a few minutes later, bodies covered in black, looking like they’re part of the SWAT team. Black cargo pants, black long sleeve shirts, black gloves, and black boots. They’re each carrying black helmets, and their black vests have numerous weapons, including multiple rounds of ammo for the guns they’re carrying.
“Alright, we’re going to get going,” Teo says as he stands before me. “I won’t be able to access my phone once we’re in there.” I nod even though I don’t like that I won’t know what’s going on in real time. I’m not sure my anxiety can take much more, but I need to hold on just a little bit longer.
“I’m assuming you won’t let me come with you?” I ask Teo even though I already know the answer to that question.
His face hardens as he stares down at me. “Absolutely not. I don’t want you anywhere near that warehouse, Luxtyn.” His voice is sharp, and I see the flinch in his jaw when he grinds his teeth.
Holding up my hands, I mutter, “Okay, okay. I just figured I’d throw it out there in case you need help.” Deep downI know I’d be useless in this situation, but being there to help save my mom would put my mind at ease just a little bit. I had to try.
Teo gives me an incredulous look as if he can’t believe those words came out of my mouth. Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath before releasing it. Then he locks his gaze on mine, and I swear a hint of anxiety flashes in them. “Lux, please do not try to sneak out of this house. The last thing I need to do is worry about you when I’m trying to rescue your mother and keep my men and I alive. Please, just stay put.”
“I know,” I say, suddenly feeling ashamed for even suggesting such a dumb idea. “I know. I promise I won’t leave.” The last thing I want to do is be a distraction.
“Wewon’t leave,” Izzy says, coming up behind me and throwing her arm around my shoulder. “I know I can be a bad influence sometimes, but I promise, Teo. We will stay put. Getting Lux’s mom back—getting all of you back—is what’s important here, and we don’t want to mess that up for you guys.”
I give her a small smile, agreeing with what she said, and so thankful I have her by my side right now.
