by Stone, Piper
“What’s wrong?” she asked, inching closer.
“Listen to me. Now.” While I tried my best to keep my voice low, I wanted to make certain she knew I was serious.
When she hesitated, shaking her head in confusion, I took long strides in her direction.
Pop! Pop!
The two shots were misses, hitting trees only twenty feet from the kids. Their screams and Elle’s barking were all I could hear. She reacted instantly, moving toward the twins and scooping them into her arms, shifting her head in my direction. They struggled against her, flailing their fists, their screams echoing in the dense air.
Everything became chaos, then Titus and Carlo prepared to fire. I would rip the people responsible apart limb by limb.
I reached them seconds later, grabbing the twins. “Come on, Elle.”
Titus and Carlo shielded us as we raced toward the back door.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
A single bullet ricocheted off the building, another driving into Titus’ arm. He grunted but never broke his position even though the children continued to scream.
Once inside, Carlo locked the door, still remaining in harm’s way.
“Listen to me,” I said to Daniella. “You need to go to the room. Do you understand me?”
Daniella nodded, every inch of her body shaking. “What about you?”
“Don’t argue with me. I’m going to be fine. Okay? Trust me. Please, baby, trust me.”
Her face paled but she managed to give me another nod, wincing before turning her attention toward the twins, a plastic smile crossing her face. “Come on, guys. We’re going upstairs. Everything is going to be okay.”
“No. No!” Isabella cried.
“Daddy,” Alessandro said so very quietly. “I can help you. I’m a big boy now.”
I shifted toward the stairs before easing them down, kissing the tops of their head. While the glass had been reinforced, I couldn’t take a chance one of the bullets would penetrate. “Listen to me. You are a very big boy, Alessandro. Because you are, I need you to take care of Miss Zimmerman and your sister. Can you do that for me?”
Carlo hissed, backing further away. “Boss, I don’t like this.”
“Will you do that for me, little buddy?” I asked, doing everything I could to keep the rage out of my voice. Jesus Christ. How could I have been stupid enough to put us in this position? I should have followed my instincts.
“Okay, Daddy. I’ll take care of them.” Alessandro reached out, taking his sister’s hand, looking up at Daniella.
“Do you remember the code?” I asked, ushering her behind them.
“Yes. I think so. Yes. Yes, I do. What’s going on, Michael?” she whispered.
“Just go. Remember that I’ll be the only one to get you. There is an intercom in the bunker. When you hear my voice, you’ll know you can press the button. Only then can I punch in the code, unlocking the door. Do you understand what I’m saying to you?”
We were running out of time. My gut told me we were being surrounded.
“Yes. I just…” Unable to finish her words, the look in her eyes almost strangled me.
“Just promise me you’ll protect them. Elle, go with them. You need to go. Now.”
“I will. Please, just… be careful.” She gripped my arm, her eyes imploring.
I caressed her cheek, shaking my head. “It will be all right.” After kissing her on the forehead, I squeezed her arm.
When I pushed her up the stairs, I could see tears in her eyes. Elle bounded up behind them and for a few seconds, my heart was squeezed to the breaking point.
I waited until they were out of earshot before racing toward the downstairs office to retrieve my weapon. “Let’s kill the motherfuckers.”
Chapter 12
Daniella
Terror.
I’d known fear from the day I’d met Michael, but today was the first time I’d felt legitimate terror. As I rushed the children down the hall, I had a terrible feeling pooling in the pit of my stomach. We weren’t going to get out of this alive.
Echoes of the gunshots rang in my ears. I’d seen the look on Michael’s face. Rage. The light I’d seen in him during the snowball fight had been ripped away, the dangerous man exposed. While I knew he’d do anything to protect us, my psyche fought against the understanding of what he was planning on doing.
Breathe and think. Keep moving.
That was all I could do at this point.
Protect the twins. That was my job.
“Come on, guys. We’re going to play a different game. Hide and seek,” I said in a hushed tone as I whisked them into the playroom, keeping the door open like all the others were.
“We’re in danger. Aren’t we, Miss Zimmerman?” Alessandro asked in a serious voice, the tone so much like his father’s that I winced.
“We’re going to be just fine. Daddy will take care of everything.” I threw open the door to the closet, finding the panel. The numbers had been rolling through my mind the entire time I’d been running up the stairs. Now I couldn’t remember them. My God. Please, help me remember. Please.
I took a deep breath, cognizant of the loud voices from down below.
When Isabella began to cry, I pulled her against my leg, smoothing down her hair. “Listen to me, baby. I’m going to protect you. Nothing is going to harm you. Okay? Just wait a minute and we’re going to a very special place.” I realized that I not only adored the children, but I’d grown to love them as if they were my own.
I took another deep breath, doing everything I could to concentrate. When the numbers finally flashed into my mind, my hand was shaking so badly that I was forced to pull away for another few seconds before punching them in.
“I can help. My daddy needs my help,” Alessandro said with defiance.
“Listen, little man. What your father needs is for you to protect us. I need a big man by my side. Okay?” I gave him a waning smile, praying to God I hadn’t screwed up the numbers. When I heard a slight click, I almost cried out. I pulled the thick metal door open, a light immediately turning on, stairs leading to an abyss below. “Look. Our secret fortress. Come on, guys.” As I led them inside, I could hear the distinct sound of gunfire.
I closed the door quickly, my heart racing. What if I never saw Michael again? I hadn’t told him I loved him. I hadn’t shared with him much of anything.
After chastising my ridiculous thoughts, I guided them down the stairs, shocked at the sight of the room.
The panic room.
There was a communications system of some kind on a console, the lights illuminating a warm and welcoming space. There was even a refrigerator and I knew by instinct that it was stocked with supplies. There were books in a bookshelf, a couch, and even a comfy-looking cot. Pillows were strewn around, pictures on the colorful walls. However, even though the place had been stylized, it was easy to tell the walls were thick concrete, soundproof.
No one was getting in that wasn’t allowed.
“Come on. Let’s get your coats off,” I suggested, doing everything I could to keep the happy sound in my tone. Alessandro tore his off, stomping toward the wall then dropping it on the floor, tossing his mittens beside it. I wasn’t going to chastise him at this point. My hands shaking, I helped Isabella, removing her coat. Her little hands were freezing. I rubbed them together with mine, humming softly in some ridiculous effort to keep them calm. After she gave me a small smile, I scooped up both coats, folding them over the back of the couch. I removed mine, realizing that everything had to appear as normal as possible.
What a joke.
I couldn’t breathe, every inch of my body shaking.
“What is this place?” Isabella asked, immediately heading for a group of stuffed animals placed against one of the walls.
“A place where we won’t die,” Alessandro said almost defiantly. He was totally like his father in almost every way.
I gave him a look before crouching down beside him, brushing stra
nds of hair from his face. “Can you do me a favor? Can you see if you can make your sister feel better?” As Elle crowded in, nuzzling against both of us, his face finally softened. “I know you want to help your daddy and you are. You’re one brave man.”
He studied me intently for a full five seconds before giving a defiant nod. “I will protect you, Miss Zimmerman. You are special and my daddy loves you.” When he threw his arms around my neck, a single tear slipped down my cheek.
“I know you will. Let’s see what we can find to drink.” I did everything to control my emotions, swaying as I rose to my feet. With no way of knowing what was going on, I knew I’d remain sick inside until Michael came to rescue us.
But what if he never did?
Water, soft drinks, and juice boxes filled the refrigerator. After getting the two of them settled, all I could do was pace, finally turning my attention to the communications system. From what I could tell, I would be able to call someone if necessary, but who? No one but the three men upstairs would know we were here. I rubbed my eyes, my head and heart both aching. I’d never felt so desperate or alone in my life, but I’d made Michael a promise and I would keep it.
Even if it meant losing my life.
“Can I color?”
The question came from Isabella, her small voice indicating the level of stress she was feeling. While I had no idea if the twins had ever faced anything like this, I was heartbroken at the thought.
I closed my eyes briefly, shoring courage and whatever resolve I had left, even though fear and worry remained gnawing at my insides. When I turned around, I wore a bright smile. Almost instantly I could tell Alessandro knew instinctively I was faking it. His dark eyes were so reminiscent of his father’s, his jaw clenching in exactly the same way.
“Of course you can.” In her little hand she held a box of crayons, her face pensive. My actions perfunctory, I moved into teacher mode, finding a shelf full of coloring books, sitting down on the tile floor between them. “Why don’t we all do it together?” Elle barked, giving her approval and I laughed to try to break the pensive mood.
Alessandro seemed conflicted, searching my expression, his gaze so dark and forlorn. He nodded, pulling out another book and settling down. As the children became absorbed in the activity, my thoughts drifted to my brother and the last conversation I’d had with him years before.
“I don’t want you in my house,” I barked, tossing his half packed bag into his arms.
“But you’re my sister,” Steven hissed, throwing the duffle against the wall with enough force the pictures shook, almost toppling to the floor.
I cringed, his violence escalating to the point I couldn’t stand it any longer. “We may be blood, but you’re not my brother any longer. I don’t know what happened to you, but I will not tolerate your behavior.”
He laughed, taking long strides in my direction. For the first time, a moment of fear rushed into my system seeing his clenched fist. Yet I refused to back down. It was my home. How dare he act as if my wishes didn’t matter.
“You’re a real bitch, you know that?” His words were laced with such hatred, as if I was to blame for his choices.
“Just get out.” I rubbed my eyes, doing everything I could to keep the rage out of my voice. I’d never seen him this way. He wasn’t just strung out. He’d become someone I no longer knew.
“You’re going to regret doing this, Daniella. You fucked with me for the last time. I won’t forget.”
I jumped when he pounded his fist against the wall, biting back a moan. While in my heart I knew that I’d done everything for Steven, I was miserable at the thought of turning him away just like my parents had done months before. He’d stumbled into a life that I couldn’t understand, consumed by his anger as well as his constant need for drugs. I couldn’t have him in my life any longer. I couldn’t risk whatever criminal activity he was involved in destroying my career, my home, or my life.
“I love you, Steven,” I managed, unable to hold back the tears. I gave him an imploring look, fighting with my inner self. I wanted him here. I needed him safe. But there was no way I could handle him.
He grabbed his duffle, storming toward the door. “Yeah? You don’t have a clue what love means, sis. Keep the rest of my shit. I don’t give a crap.”
When he walked out the door, slamming it shut behind him, I crumpled to the floor, racking sobs the only thing I could do.
The memory was one I’d tried everything to forget about. He’d walked out of my apartment and my life, never turning back. Since that day, I’d never heard from him. I was beginning to believe what Michael had insinuated. Maybe blood wasn’t thicker than water, the need for power consuming the big brother who’d protected me from bullies on the playground.
Shuddering, I realized I’d been lost in the visions for a long time. I still found it difficult to believe that Steven could use me, selling me off in order to relieve some debt owned.
But maybe I was wrong.
“Miss Zimmerman, I’m sleepy,” Isabella said, yawning through the words.
“Why don’t you two take a little nap? Building snowmen takes a lot of energy. When you wake, I’m certain everything will be back to normal.” While I managed a lilt in my voice, my mind was still riddled with terror.
“O-tay.”
After easing her onto the cot, pulling the covers tightly around her, I noticed Alessandro remained sitting on the couch, still staring at me, still unsure of who I was. I moved toward him slowly, crouching down but leaving space between us.
“Are you okay?” I asked, resisting the urge to pull him into a hug.
“Daddy isn’t coming back. Just like Mommy.”
His words broke my heart, bringing tears to my eyes. “You can’t think that way, honey. Your father is powerful, skilled in everything he does.”
He shook his little head. “Not enough. There are bad people out there. They want to hurt him.”
What the hell was I supposed to say to that? Exhaling, I moved onto the couch beside him, allowing our legs to touch. “There are bad people in this world, Alessandro. I’m not going to lie to you, but you need to have faith in your father. Do you know why?”
He shook his head.
“Because he loves you and your sister more than anything on this earth.”
“What about Elle?” When his head tipped in my direction, his eyes imploring, such sadness on his little face, I was forced to swallow before answering.
“Elle is his furry child and yes, he loves her very much. You need to trust me, honey. Daddy will return. There’s nothing that will keep him from taking you home. Okay?”
As Elle trotted closer, Alessandro reached out, wrapping his arms around the pup’s neck.
“I’m afraid,” he whispered.
I wrapped my arms around him, losing my battle at keeping the tears away. “I’m right here, Alessandro. I won’t let anything happen to you either. Can you trust me?”
Although he’d accepted the hug at first, he pushed me away and I was certain he was going to shut down. When he tilted his head, managing to give me a smile, I bit back a wail. “I trust you, Miss Zimmerman.”
“I’m so glad, honey.” I got off the couch, biting my lower lip to keep from whimpering. “Why don’t you let Elle curl up with you during your nap?”
Another nod of his head was almost all I could take. I stood, patting the couch until Elle jumped up.
“Let me see if I can find a blanket,” I managed, moving toward the single cabinet in the dreadful room. When I opened the double doors, I hissed. Guns. There were two handguns and as well as ammunition inside as well as blankets and snacks. Cringing, my hands were shaking as I pulled one of the blankets into my arms, the realization of what we were facing hitting me even harder.
By the time I returned to the couch, Alessandro was already asleep, the exhaustion of being in the snow as well as the trauma too much for the strong little man. I placed the blanket around him, blowing Elle a kiss w
hen she lifted her head.
Then I moved to the wall, sliding down and folding my arms around my bent knees, allowing a few tears to fall. How could I have fallen in love with a man like Michael? How could I have allowed my guard to fall? Whether danger, heartache, or lies broke us apart, that’s exactly what was going to happen.
Not that it mattered anyway.
I lowered my head, closing my eyes.
And I envisioned Michael and the way he looked at me when I’d been allowed to play the violin. He’d been mesmerized, sitting on the edge of his seat.
He’d also been so very sad, haunted by a past that he couldn’t free himself from. The man was full of anger, yet his passion was so powerful. Every muscle ached, my heart skipping several beats, exhaustion caused by fear. If only things could be different.
“They’re so happy,” I said, unable to keep a smile off my face. Just watching Isabella and Alessandro as they frolicked in the pool was an incredible feeling. The sounds as they giggled, splashing water over and over again was like the sweetest music.
“They’re happy because of you.”
The feel of Michael’s heated body gave me shivers. When he wrapped his arms around me, I gave a sigh of contentment. Everything about the day was perfect. Blue skies. Fluffy clouds. A light breeze. Even the humidity was lower than normal. I’d never been so happy in my life.
“You give me far too much credit,” I purred.
The light kiss on my cheek aroused every one of my senses. He knew how to make me feel like a queen.
“Oh, I don’t think so.” He walked me closer to the edge of the pool, playfully pushing me toward the water.
“Don’t you dare!” As soon as I issued the slight shriek, Elle rushed toward us, rising from her slumber. The beautiful Golden bounded against my legs, pawing my dress, her eyes shimmering in the bright sun.
“I don’t know. I think you deserve a dunk in the cold water.” Michael laughed, playfully tickling me then once again pulling me close to him. “Are you ready for ice cream?”
