Page 77 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Mano grabbed Ody’s face and dragged him closer, holding on like he couldn’t risk even an inch of distance. “He threatened me, Ody. He would’ve hurt you. If I didn’t—if I didn’t do what he said—” The words spilled out, tripping over each other. “I’m not with Ranya, I swear, I didn’t touch her. He has people watching you. I had to get you out of the café or they would’ve cut your brakes.”

Ody’s eyes flicked between Mano’s, his brows drawing together. “Wh—I don’t… What are you talking about? I don’t understand.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you like that.” Mano’s face broke as he held him. “I didn’t mean anything I said at the café. He made me.”

“Mano… I don’t understand any of this. Who made you? What are you talking about? Who’s watching me?”

“Please…” His grip tightened, his eyes filling. “Don’t push me away.”

Ody just stared at him, wide-eyed. “Take a breath… and explain it to me.” He reached for Mano’s hand and pulled him toward the couch. They sat close, facing each other. “Talk to me,” he said, quieter now.

Mano exhaled, dropping his gaze, trying to steady himself. “I was leaving the gym. I saw your message in the elevator, on my way down to the parking lot. He got in with me. Andreas.” He swallowed. “I was going to reply. I wanted to see you, but… When the doors opened, I felt off. Dizzy. And then I just… I blacked out.”

Ody just stared at him.

“When I woke up, I was in a house I didn’t recognize.” He dragged a hand over his face. “He showed me a live video of you. Playing basketball with your friends. He had people watching you.”

“Why?” Ody’s tone sharpened. “What did he want from you?”

Mano hesitated. “He wanted…” He shook his head. “He wanted to take me out to dinner.”

Ody’s brows drew together.

“He said it wasn’t the first time he’s kidnapped someone. I don’t know what the hell he’s involved in, drugs, trafficking… but he’s deep in it.” He paused, his gaze dropping. “And he had…” The word caught in his throat. “He had a gun.”

Ody froze. The fear in Mano’s eyes hit him all at once.

“He told me not to go to the police. Said I wouldn’t get far, that he has people on the inside. And if I did… he’d use the gun.”

Ody’s grip tightened around his hand.

“He had my phone, my keys. I couldn’t go anywhere. He wouldn’t let me leave.”

Ody didn’t say a word; he just stared in disbelief.

“He told me you texted again, and he made me call you, see you… tell you I was with Ranya.” His breath caught. “I’m sorry. I had to make you leave or they would’ve cut your brakes.”

He blinked hard, his eyes burning. “He said he’d get rid of you—” A sob broke out of him, his hands going to Ody’s head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know what to do—” he choked. “If something happened to you… I couldn’t—I couldn’t lose you.”

Ody didn’t move.

Mano’s fingers brushed over his cheek. “I just wanted you to be safe,” he whispered, his gaze flicking between his eyes. “I needed to see you. To know you’re okay.”

“Mano…” Ody could barely get the word out. “What are you…”

“I’m sorry for hurting you. When I saw you outside the club, crying…” He couldn’t finish.

“How did you get out of the club? Won’t he be looking for you?” Ody asked, fear flashing across his face.

“I made some calls. I made sure the people watching you pulled back. We’re not exposed like before.”

Ody’s expression shifted. “What calls? What do you mean?”

“I told them to make Andreas back off.”

“Them…? You mean—”

“Yes, Ody. I had to play dirty. It was the only way.”