AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I will not slip up,” I growl as I lean towards him.
The office phone rings out, and I answer it, not taking my eyes off Oliver, who is no longer being held back. That fight wasn’t the first time Harry has had to separate us; we love and fight like brothers. Just today feels more vicious than usual.
“What?” I snap down the line.
“Boss, we have a problem.”
I look at my phone and see it’s five to six.
“You had better not be running late; I told her to be ready for you at six.”
“I’m here now, but the shop is locked up, and there’s no answer.”
“She has probably gone to the flat; knock there,” I reply as I see the concern on her brother’s face.
“I have; there’s no answer. Something feels off, boss.”
“Hang on,” I answer as I get my phone. I quickly call Gabriella, but it just rings out. “Kick down the door,” I demand as the panic builds.
Her brother and I hear when the door is kicked open and wait for her voice, but there’s silence.
“Boss, she isn’t here. I’m heading into the shop now from the internal entrance to see if I can find her.”
We listen intently as Neil and his hefty boots enter the shop. I hear him calling her name, but there is nothing in return. I told her to be ready for six. Has she popped out and lost track of time? I frantically call her again, but again there is no answer.
“Somethings not right boss. The storage room is open, and books are all over the floor. Something went down in here.”
My eyes find Olivers, and I can see my fear reflected in them.
“One week, and she’s in trouble, I fucking told you!” Oliver tries to get to me, but Harry grabs him before whispering in his ear. Oliver stops fighting against him and stares at me.
“There’s a note on the counter, boss.”
“What does it say?” I ask as my blood starts to boil.
“One Lawson for the other. Bring us her brother, and we will let her go unharmed. You have until midnight. Julian Rossi.”
Oliver steps back, knocking against Harry. I watch as his whole body slumps.
“What do you want to do, boss?” I hear Neil over the line; I don’t take my eyes off Oliver as I answer.
“We give them what they want.” I look at the one person who has stuck by me my whole life. “You told me to protect her. I will do anything to get my girl back, even if that means giving them my brother.”
Chapter Thirteen
Gabby
“This will all be over soon, Miss Lawson. Then you can be on your way, and we will never bother you again.”
I look at the guy I now know is Leo’s father. I knew it the moment I saw him. Seeing Julian Rossi is like looking at an older version of his son. They share the same features except for the extra wrinkles on Mr Rossi’s face around his eyes and mouth. There is also more grey in his black hair and beard. But they share the same shaped nose, eyes and mouth. It’s no wonder Leo said his father is known for sleeping around behind his wife’s back. Most women would throw themselves at this man if he smiled at them.
“Why don’t I believe you? Danny will never hand over my brother. Even if he did, I would not let you hurt him.” I try desperately to be the strong level-headed woman I know the guys would want me to be, even if inside, I’m falling apart with fear.
“Your brother is the reason my son is dead. An eye for an eye, life for a life.” Mr Rossi stares at me with his locked jaw as he struggles to hide his grief. If I weren’t tied to a chair being held hostage, I would feel sorry for the guy.
“Would you still honour that if Leo had succeeded in raping and killing me?” I ask with arched brows. Like every other time I’ve attempted to reason with Mr Rossi, he has frowned before shaking his head.
“You were an unfortunate pawn in his and your brother’s game. I don’t believe he would have gone through with it.”
