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As we continued speeding into the night toward whatever fate awaited, the mantra echoed in my mind, keeping me centered - control, focus, face the threat. I would not run or cower under Bree's pitiful attempts at intimidation. The time had come to make that clear to her once and for all, no matter what it took.
CHAPTER 17
TRIAL BY FIRE
As Leonardo turned the car down the dark side street indicated in Bree's threatening call, my nerves jangled anxiously. The abandoned warehouse looming ahead had bad omen written all over it. This was undoubtedly a trap, but we were out of options.
I cast Leonardo a wary look, but his expression remained stoically calm, hands steady on the wheel even as we drove straight into the vipers' nest. Parked outside the ominous building, he finally met my gaze.
"You don't have to do this, Natalia. Just say the word and Ill handle this myself and then we’ll disappear, leave all this behind," Leonardo said quietly. His dark eyes were full of concern for me, ignoring his own peril.
I shook my head, jaw set stubbornly despite the tremor in my hands. "We face this together. I won't keep running."
Leonardo studied me a moment longer before nodding gravely. "Together then." He squeezed my shoulder bracingly. "Stay behind me and stay sharp. These snakes fight dirty."
I flashed a humorless smile. "So do I." After the threats against Ashley, mercy was off the table if it came to blows here tonight. But I hoped the petty mafia princess had merely staged an intimidation tactic and we could avoid outright bloodshed.
The warehouse loomed oppressively as we approached, only a few dim security lights illuminating the grime-streaked exterior. An ideal spot for clandestine meetings or violent ambushes. The prickle on my neck said tonight would likely involve the latter.
At the solid metal side door, I tensed, senses on high alert. But the entryway yawned open at Leonardo's touch - clearly we were expected. Hands flexing instinctively, I stayed close as we edged inside the cavernous darkened interior.
Our steps echoed too loudly in the deathly silence. The space appeared empty, though menace dripped from every shadow. I strained for any hint of lurkers hidden within the maze of hulking equipment and rusty barrels. Leonardo too had gone preternaturally focused, shoulders coiled with tension as his gaze swept methodically for threats.
Abruptly, harsh overheads flared to life, momentarily blinding us. As my vision adjusted, I sucked in a sharp breath at the ring of impassive thugs now surrounding us, each heavily armed. We were well and truly trapped.
At my side, Leonardo emitted a menacing growl, shifting subtly to shield me. But before he could attack or threaten, a slow mocking clap drew our eyes to the balcony above.
"Bravo, you actually showed up," Bree jeered down at us, ponytail swishing arrogantly. "But really, did you think it would end any other way?"
I stepped forward defiantly before Leonardo could respond. "Enough games, Bree. What's the point of all this?" I demanded, gesturing around the tense standoff.
Bree's lip curled in a cruel smile. "The point, Natalia, is to remind you that you don't get to lay a hand on me without consequences." Her gaze hardened, pointing one manicured nail at me. "Now you'll learn what happens to dirty little psychopaths who think they can touch me."
I shook my head sharply. "I'm done being afraid of your threats. Do what you will, but this ends tonight." I squared my shoulders, refusing to show weakness though my heart raced. If violence erupted, I had to be ready.
"Oh, your miserable existence is definitely ending tonight. But let's not get ahead of ourselves." Bree snapped her fingers, and two more armed goons emerged from the shadows dragging a bound, struggling figure between them.
My stomach dropped seeing Ashley's wide, frightened eyes. I started forward instinctively, but Leonardo's firm grip on my arm stopped me short. This trap had teeth, and I had to keep a clear head.
Bree smirked down at our impotent distress. "Aw look, I brought your little pet to witness your demise too. She cried quite pathetically for you, Natalia. I almost feel sorry ending your friendship so brutally." Her mocking tone belied the sadistic pleasure she was taking in this torment.
Anger boiled hotly in my veins, but Leonardo's steady presence kept it from erupting recklessly. "Don't play your twisted games with me, Bree," I called back coldly. "If you want revenge, face me yourself without involving Ashley."
Bree's smug expression soured at my refusal to grovel and beg as she had clearly hoped. With a dramatic sigh, she replied "Fine, have it your way. Boys, let's get this over with."
At some unseen signal, the mob enforcers all raised their weapons in unison, click of safeties deafening in the tense room. Leonardo shoved me down, shielding my body with his as gunshots erupted. I could only watch in horror as Ashley screamed and thrashed against her captor's grip.
When no bullets found their marks, I risked peering up to see the men had intentionally fired high, the rounds shattering grimy windows and pockmarking the wall above us. It was only a violent warning - for now.
"Here's how this ends," Bree called down to us coldly. "You have five minutes to get down on your knees and beg my forgiveness before I let my associates finish off your little friend. And they won't aim high next time." To emphasize her point, one ofthe thugs pressing a gleaming pistol directly to Ashley's temple elicited a choked sob from her.
I met Ashley's terrified gaze across the warehouse floor, guilt and fury raging inside me that I had entangled her in this bloody feud. But I could see determination still blazing in her despite the fear. My loyal friend would tell me not to surrender or kneel to bullies, no matter the threat.
A risky plan solidified swiftly in my mind. I turned to Leonardo, lowering my voice urgently. "I'm going to distract them. Get Ashley out of harm's way first chance you get."
Leonardo's eyes widened, but he gave a terse nod. We both understood there was no backing down or escaping the confrontation now. All that mattered was protecting each other, whatever it took.
I moved to stand slowly, holding my hands up submissively. Shouts rang out for me to stay down, safeties clicking off again around the tense room. But I kept my focus locked on Bree, blocking out the rising chaos.
