Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Four
Walking Into the Trap

The warehouse was cold, the air thick with dust. I kept my steps light, my senses sharp.

This was a risk. A big one.

I’d known that the moment I agreed to this meeting. But I needed answers. And I wasn’t leaving without them.

A single overhead bulb flickered, casting long shadows across the cracked concrete floor. Footsteps echoed in the distance. My heart pounded, but I kept my breathing steady. Then, Alessandro stepped into the light, dressed in his usual expensive suit, calm as ever.

“You actually came,” he said, amusement in his voice.

I clenched my fists. “I want the truth.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “And what truth is that, Adrianna?”

“Don’t play games with me.” My voice was firm, but my pulse raced. “Who ordered the hit?”

Alessandro smirked, tilting his head. “Straight to the point. I like that.” He took a slow step forward, hands tucked into his pockets. “But you already know the answer.”

I didn’t blink. “Luca said it was my last warning. Was it your order?”

He let out a long sigh, almost as if I was exhausting him. “Would it matter?”

I held his gaze. “It matters to me.”

Alessandro studied me for a moment before a small laugh escaped him. “You’re bold, I’ll give you that.” He glanced around the empty space. “But tell me something—did you really think you’d walk out of here alive?”

A chill ran through me.

I reached for my gun, but before I could even get a grip, the metal doors slammed shut behind me.

Damn it.

Alessandro tsked. “You should have stayed out of this.”

I took a slow breath, keeping my voice calm. “What now? You kill me?”

“Not yet,” he said, motioning with his hand.

From the shadows, men stepped forward, all armed. At least six of them. Too many to fight alone.

I tensed. “This is a waste of time. If you wanted me dead, you wouldn’t be talking.”

Alessandro smirked. “You’re right.” He nodded toward one of his men. “Take her.”

The first guy moved too fast. I barely had time to react before he grabbed my arm.

I twisted, slamming my elbow into his ribs. He grunted, stumbling back.

The second one lunged, but I was quicker. I ducked, throwing a punch straight into his jaw. He cursed, staggering.

Then pain exploded in my side.

A fist. Hard and fast.

I gasped, doubling over as another hit landed against my stomach.

Before I could recover, two men grabbed me, yanking my arms behind my back. I struggled, but their grip was iron-tight.

Alessandro crouched in front of me, his expression unreadable. “You just don’t know when to quit, do you?”

I glared at him. “Go to hell.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I admire your spirit.” He nodded at one of his men. “Bring him in.”

The door creaked open again.

I sucked in a sharp breath as Nicholas was dragged inside, his face bloodied.

My stomach twisted.

Nicholas lifted his head, locking eyes with me. “Damn it, Adrianna…” His voice was weak, but the frustration was clear.

I clenched my fists. “Let him go.”

Alessandro stood, adjusting his cufflinks. “That depends on you.”

“What do you want?” I demanded.

He tilted his head. “You already know, don’t you?”

I swallowed hard.

Information. Control. My loyalty.

And if I didn’t give it?

Nicholas would die.

Alessandro smiled, like he could read my thoughts. “So, what’s it going to be?”

I forced myself to breathe, my mind racing for a way out.

Silence stretched between us. Then Nicholas let out a low, bitter laugh.

“You’re a coward, Alessandro,” he muttered.

Alessandro arched a brow. “Excuse me?”

Nicholas lifted his head, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. “You hide behind men. Give orders. Never get your hands dirty. Is that what you call power?”

Alessandro’s expression darkened. He turned slightly, signaling to the man holding Nicholas.

A fist crashed into Nicholas’s stomach. He groaned, his body sagging against his captor’s grip.

“Stop it!” I shouted.

Alessandro turned back to me, his smile returning. “Then answer the question.”

I clenched my jaw. “If I give you what you want, how do I know you’ll let him go?”

“You don’t.”

I exhaled sharply. “Then you expect me to trust you?”

He smirked. “I expect you to make a choice.”

My mind raced.

There had to be another way. A way out.

Claire.

She was still listening. I knew she wouldn’t sit back and do nothing.

I had to buy time.

I straightened, forcing my voice to stay even. “Fine.”

Alessandro raised a brow. “Fine?”

“I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

His smirk widened. “Now we’re getting somewhere.”

I glanced at Nicholas. His eyes narrowed. He knew what I was doing.

Stalling.

Alessandro crossed his arms. “Let’s hear it.”

I took a slow breath. “But first, let Nicholas go.”

Alessandro chuckled. “Do I look like an idiot?”

I clenched my fists. “I don’t talk until he’s out of here.”

Alessandro studied me.

Then he sighed, turning to his men. “Take him outside.”

Nicholas struggled. “Adrianna, don’t—”

A punch silenced him.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as they dragged him away.

Now it was just me and Alessandro.

“Talk,” he said.

I kept my voice steady. “You want information? Fine. But I want to know something first.”

He smirked. “And why would I answer?”

“Because if you kill me, you lose your only lead.”

He tilted his head, intrigued. “I’m listening.”

I took another breath. “Why did you set this up? Why warn me, then trap me?”

Alessandro’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Because you’re a problem.”

“Then why not kill me outright?”

He sighed. “Because part of me hoped you’d be smart enough to walk away.”

“Too bad,” I said.

His eyes darkened. “Yeah. Too bad.”

I glanced at the metal doors. Any second now.

Any second—

Then, a gunshot rang out.

Alessandro tensed.

Chaos erupted outside.

I moved.

Elbowed the guy closest to me, grabbed his gun.

Another shot. Then a voice in my earpiece.

“Move, Adrianna! Now!”

Claire.

I turned, fired a warning shot, and bolted.

Shouts followed me.

Footsteps pounded behind me.

I reached the door, yanking it open just as another gunshot echoed.

Nicholas was fighting. Bloodied but standing.

“Go!” he shouted.

I grabbed his arm, pulling him with me.

We ran.

Bullets whizzed past us.

Claire’s car skidded to a stop outside.

“Get in!” she yelled.

We dove in.

Tires screeched.

I glanced back.

Alessandro stood in the warehouse doorway, watching us escape.

His eyes met mine.

And then he smiled.

A warning.

This wasn’t over.

Not even close.