Chapter 57

**Annika**

It's been ages since we shopped together. Thea let out a sigh as we stepped into another store. "I know, I know, my bad," I replied.

"It's all good. We get it, you're swamped with three kids and a hot boyfriend," Thea teased with a grin.

"Did you guys make it official?" Chiara chipped in.

"Yeah, we did," I confirmed.

"And how's everything since then?" Thea asked, her voice trailing off.

"Everything's fine; I told you we're over that stuff," I reminded them.

"Alright, alright," Chiara said, backing off.

"You’re falling for him pretty hard, huh?" Thea teased.

"I am," I admitted with a sigh. "He mentioned he has a surprise for me when I get back, and I’m a bit anxious about it."

"What if it’s an island?" Thea joked.

"Why would he get me an island?" I laughed.

"Because he’s rich! I mean, he’s the don and all that," Thea chuckled. We went from one store to another and I can feel my stomach growling from hunger. I need to take these two shopaholics out of here and soon before I faint from my hunger.

We popped into a restaurant for a quick bite since Thea had an appointment soon, and after I finally got them out of the clothing stores. Chiara was flirting with a girl and I had to drag her out of there. "I’ll be right back; I just need to hit the bathroom," I told them.

"Want me to come with?" Chiara asked.

"Nah, I’ll be quick," I assured her. I found the bathroom, checked my messages from Raffaele, and smiled. Once inside a stall, I hung up my purse and called him.

"Miss me already?" he teased.

"Why are you always so full of yourself?" I shot back.

"I'm just confident, that's all," he replied, and I could picture his smirk.

It was nice hanging out with the girls, but I really missed Raffaele. Living with him and the children had made me feel so attached.

"I miss you," I sighed.

"I'll see you soon, baby girl. Just remember the surprise," he said.

"At least give me a hint."

"It's a surprise for a reason, babe," he laughed.

"I know. Can’t wait to be home," I smiled. After hanging up, I tucked my phone back in my purse, hearing someone enter but I ignored it until the lights suddenly went out.

"Hello?" I called out, wondering if it was just the janitor who hadn’t noticed anyone around. I grabbed my purse from the hook and headed out, but that turned out to be a huge mistake.

Suddenly, something was thrown over my head, and I felt a sharp sting in my skin. I tried to scream and fight back, but I could feel my strength fading fast. I mustered all my energy for one last struggle before everything went black.

**Raffaele**

"Put the guns over there," I instructed Flavio.

"Why not just let me take him out?" Flavio replied with a sigh.

"Because I want Tony for myself. I want to be the last face he sees before he goes," I said, just as my phone rang. It was Annika, so I picked up.

"Miss me that much, angel?" I teased.

"Hello? Raffaele??" a voice on the other end asked, leaving me puzzled.

"Who’s this?"

"Damn it, Raffaele. It’s your sister."

"Why do you have her phone?" I questioned.

"She went to the bathroom, and Annika usually doesn’t take long. After five minutes, we checked on her, and she was gone. Her purse and stuff were left behind. Is she with you? Do you think she just up and left?"

"What do you mean she’s not there? Where the hell is she?" I asked, motioning for Flavio to come over.

"We have no idea. We think someone took her. She wouldn’t just leave her bag and phone behind," she explained.

"Shit. Text me wherever you are and don’t move," I said before hanging up.

"What’s going on?" Flavio asked.

"Annika’s missing. That bastard has her; I just know it," I growled, my phone ringing again from an unknown number. "Who is this?"

"Maybe I should’ve given you my number since we’re friends," he chuckled on the line. Tony.

"I’m going to kill you, you bastard," I hissed, nearly crushing my phone in my grip.

Sure thing! Here’s a different version of that text:

"Same here, buddy. I've got your little girlfriend right here. Want to chat with her?"

He grinned as I heard some muffled sounds in the background. "Go ahead, say hi."

"Raffaele..." I could hear Annika sniffling.

"She's stunning and smells amazing, I gotta say. You really know how to choose them. Have you two fucked yet? Because I wouldn't mind having a taste myself." His words made my blood boil.

"Don't you dare touch her!" I yelled, hearing her cries.

"Man, you're so annoying with all that yelling." He chuckled. "Meet me at my warehouse. You know, the place that nearly took you out? I want to finish this myself." He hung up.

I was beyond furious. "Get the guys together and head to the warehouse, but park a few blocks away and split up. If I don’t call you in 10 minutes after we all arrive, I want you to storm in. Grab every weapon you can find in there. This ends now." I said as I walked toward my car.