Chapter 86

Dominic’s team approached the warehouse with the precision of a well-oiled machine. The air was thick with tension, every step measured, every breath controlled. The building loomed ahead, dark and foreboding, its silence amplifying the danger that lay within.

Marco signaled for the team to spread out, covering all entry points. Dominic led the main group to the front entrance, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. They had come too far to fail now.

“On my count,” Dominic whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of adrenaline coursing through their veins. “Three, two, one... breach!”

The door exploded inward under the force of their entry, the team moving in with swift precision. The initial silence was shattered by the sound of gunfire as guards inside the warehouse reacted to the intrusion. Dominic’s men returned fire, their training and coordination turning the chaos into a calculated assault.

Dominic moved through the building with deadly efficiency, his eyes scanning for any sign of Ava. He took down two guards with quick, controlled shots, their bodies crumpling to the ground. Marco and Lucas were right behind him, clearing rooms and corridors as they advanced.

As they pushed deeper into the warehouse, the resistance grew fiercer. Dominic’s focus never wavered, his mind locked onto one goal: finding Ava. He dispatched another guard with a precise shot, the man’s weapon clattering to the floor.

“Clear!” Marco shouted as they reached a junction in the hallway.

Dominic nodded, leading them further in. They reached a large open area filled with crates and machinery. More guards appeared, opening fire from behind the cover of the stacked crates. Dominic and his team responded in kind, their bullets finding their marks with lethal accuracy.

In the midst of the firefight, Dominic spotted a figure darting through a side door. His heart leapt as he recognized Alex. “There he is!” he yelled, breaking into a sprint.

Marco and Lucas provided cover as Dominic chased after Alex. They burst through the door, entering a dimly lit corridor. Alex was at the far end, fumbling with a set of keys, trying to unlock another door.

Dominic didn’t hesitate. He raised his gun and fired. The bullet struck Alex in the leg, and he collapsed with a scream of pain, dropping the keys. Dominic reached him in seconds, kicking the keys away and pressing his gun to Alex’s head.

“It’s over, Alex,” Dominic said, his voice cold and unyielding. “Where is she?”

Alex groaned, clutching his leg. “You’re too late, Dominic.”

Dominic’s patience snapped. He grabbed Alex by the collar, lifting him slightly off the ground. “Tell me where she is, or I swear I’ll make you wish you were dead.”

Alex coughed, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. “Fuck you” he gasped. “She’s already dead”

Dominic slammed Alex’s head against the floor, knocking him unconscious. “Marco, Lucas, watch him,” he ordered, stomping past Alex.

He sprinted through the corridors, his heart in his throat. The doors weren’t locked but none of them contained Ava. After what seemed like 1000 empty doors, he found one that was locked. Heart racing, Dominic smashed the lock and threw the door open, his breath catching in his throat at the sight before him.

Ava was tied to a chair in the small, dark space. Her clothes were torn, her body covered in bruises and cuts. She looked up as the door opened, her eyes widening with a mix of fear and relief.

“Dominic,” she whispered, her voice hoarse and weak.

Dominic rushed to her side, carefully cutting the ropes that bound her. “Ava, I’m here,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’m so sorry. I’m here.”

As soon as she was free, Ava collapsed into his arms, her body trembling. Dominic held her tightly, his heart aching at the sight of her injuries. “We need to get you out of here,” he said, gently lifting her into his arms.

Marco and Lucas joined them, their faces grim as they saw the state Ava was in. “Let’s go,” Marco said, leading the way back through the warehouse.

The team moved quickly, ensuring no more guards were lying in wait. When they passed by Alex, Ava said “Wait!!”

Dominic looked at her, shocked.

She paused for a moment, and with all the strength she had left, she kicked Alex square in the face.

With that, they exited the building, the first light of dawn casting a pale glow over the docks. Dominic carried Ava to one of the waiting cars, carefully placing her in the back seat.

“We need to get her to a hospital,” Dominic said, his voice thick with emotion. “She needs medical attention.”

Lucas nodded, already on the phone arranging for their private doctor to meet them at a secure location. “We’ll take care of it, boss. You focus on Ava.”

Dominic climbed into the back seat with Ava, holding her close as the car sped away from the warehouse. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his heart breaking at the sight of her battered and bruised.

“You’re safe now, Ava,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’m never letting you go again.”

Ava clung to him, tears streaming down her face. “I knew you’d come,” she said, her voice barely audible. “I knew you’d find me.”

Dominic’s grip tightened around her. “I’ll always find you,” he vowed. “No matter what.”

As they drove away, the reality of what they had just faced settled over them. The fight was far from over, but at least for now, they had each other. And that was enough to give them the strength to keep going.