by A. J. Macey
Theo
My heartbeat thudded painfully within my chest as Sam and, subsequently, Liam and whoever was driving the third car came to a hasty stop near the abandoned SUV. I was out and sprinting toward the ajar door before any of the others. No one could hurt her—no one would fucking dare. Rounding one of the long aisles, I came face to face with one of the men who’d taken me.
He loosed a pained scream as I smashed my fist into his face, the crunch of his nose beneath my knuckles satisfying. The adrenaline pounding through me numbed the ache radiating through my hand to a barely noticeable hum. As soon as the man crumpled to the ground, I delivered a few more swift hits until he slumped unconscious on the warehouse floor.
The deafening sound of gunfire sounded, echoing through the building as I ran, scanning for a familiar head of black hair. Curving around yet another aisle, I found Sam and Liam fighting two more of the men.
“Where is she?!” I hissed sharply, snagging one as soon as he was disoriented and the other was incapacitated against the metal shelving.
“She went that way,” he mumbled in a slurred whisper, pointing a trembling and bloodied hand toward the next section of shelves tucked in the far corner of the warehouse.
I didn’t wait for the others, scanning each aisle with rapt attention, refusing to let Mila slip through my fingers into the hands of that bastard. Mila was mine, and there was no way I’d let her get hurt in this folly.
She was nowhere to be found. My nails dug into my palms as I sprinted back to the front door of the building, wondering if she’d somehow escaped the Phantoms’ grasp. Barreling out front, my stomach twisted painfully.
Stephen shoved a screaming Mila into the SUV at gunpoint.
In a moment of dread, I realized there was no way I could catch up, my throat closing when he pistol-whipped her. By the time I neared the car, they’d already started away from the side of the road. Without thinking, I leapt into the car Sam picked me up in and barreled after them.
Whatever it took, I would get her to safety, I vowed, flooring the pedal. There wasn’t much traffic around where we were, but Stephen maneuvered into a more populated area, slowly gaining more and more distance with each car and truck that turned into the lane in front of me. I didn’t lose visual for most of my pursuit until he took a random left turn, and by the time I did the same, there was no longer a black SUV in the traffic throng.
“He couldn’t have gone far,” I muttered, seething. “If he’s not on the road, that means he stopped at his destination.”
Digging out my phone, I rang Sam without looking, refusing to risk the possibility of missing where the car might be parked, indicating where she was being taken.
“Where the hell are you?!” Sam’s shouted.
“Following Stephen. He got her back in the car.”
“Bloody hell, I swear the three of you,” he muttered under his breath, a defeated sigh filling the line following his exasperated words. “Where are you? We’ll follow now that we’ve taken care of everyone here.”
I rattled off the streets, then focused on a different train of thought, using it as a distraction to keep my anger from growing more intense.
“You call Inspector Carter?”
“Yes, he and a few others are on the way to pick up the conveniently bound and unconscious Phantoms.”
“It’s like Christmas came early,” I murmured. As I turned on a side street, I almost missed it, the shiny black exterior of the SUV hidden by a bank of dumpsters behind a run-down and under construction restaurant, which had been closed for several months. Before Sam could say anything else, I nearly shouted in relief.
“I found them.”
“On our way,” he responded after I explained what I found.
“Let’s go get your girl, Theo!” Hunter whooped in the background, his voice betraying he was giddy to face off against our rivals once more.
“That’s exactly what I plan on,” I echoed his sentiment with grim determination.
She’s mine. There is no way in hell I’ll let Stephen or anyone else take her away from me.
15
Mila
“What the...” I slurred. My vision was cloudy, and my mind was filled with fog that was fading at a glacier pace.
“Wakey, wakey, my love,” I heard cooed in a low, mocking tone. I wrenched involuntarily, my body unresponsive to my attempts to keep a cool, collected facade. Blinking rapidly for a few moments, my eyesight cleared, and I was faced with Stephen’s cocky smirk amid a dingy, empty restaurant dining room.
“Where the hell are we?” I slowly looked around slowly. Anything might be useful, anything that might get me out of here sooner rather than later, hopefully as unscathed as possible. I worried my lower lip between my teeth, not caring how it looked to Stephen.
“Someplace out of the way. Someplace to lie low until we’re good to leave,” he said evasively.
“Leave and go where exactly?” I snapped, glaring. His gaze sparkled at my inquiry, like a cat who got the cream. There was no way to stop the shudder that shot down my spine.
“You think we’d stay in Auckland? Or even in New Zealand after your little... indiscretion with Theo King? No, Mila, you and I will go somewhere away from all that until you understand you are mine,” he hissed, striding forward with a cold smile. Shuffling on wobbly legs, I tried to stand quickly and before Stephen closed the distance between us.
“Why do you even care about me or this sham of a marriage my father offered you?” I snapped, leaning away from his enraged expression. The counter was solid and cold against my back as I pressed into it, attempting to put any amount of space between us, but it was no use.
“It’s what I was promised,” he murmured, his body leaning against mine. “Besides, you’re the easiest step to gaining control of the Phantoms.”
“So, you want to be the boss without having to go toe to toe with my father and his followers,” I surmised with a frown. It made sense, but must I always be a pawn for other people? The rogue thought was filled with malice, mixing with my adrenaline, and before I could stop myself, I smashed my head into his face.
He cried out, stumbling away from me. As he clutched his bleeding nose, I didn’t waste any time, sprinting around the counter and back toward what I hoped was the kitchen. Weapon… need a weapon. I scanned the space with a frantic gaze.
“Ah!” I screamed in pain as Stephen’s lanky body barreled into me, sending me colliding into the corner of the kitchen’s worktop. My limbs trembled, my vision tunneling as I shot up and evaded his grasp. It was difficult, but I ignored the throbbing ache spreading through my side with each movement.
“Don’t forget, Mila, you’re still on the hook for Travis’s murder. Even if you escape, you’ll never be free!” he shouted, spittle flying from his mouth.
“A murder you committed!” I screamed, grab the handle of an abandoned pan, wielding it like a baseball bat. “I would rather be dead than go with you.”
“Hm, that can be arranged,” he cooed cruelly, stalking around the worktable. “But it won’t be quick and painless like Travis. Oh no, my love, you’ll suffer—”
Before he could finish, I sprinted forward, flinging the heavy instrument with reckless aim, but it struck true, clobbering him in the elbow and shoulder with a sharp crack. Unfortunately, the reverberation jarred my hold, my hands loosened with, and the pan clattered to the floor.
No thoughts filled my mind—there was only survival. My instincts fueled me onward to the point I didn’t remember snatching up a large knife from a nearby knife block, nor did I feel the slicing of Stephen’s own knife cutting my arm. There was no sound filling my ears outside of my panting breath and galloping heart.
I didn’t notice Theo and the others barreling into the restaurant, not until Theo aiming a weapon at a barely conscious Stephen filled my sight. Slowly, my movements stilled, my brows furrowing as I tried to puzzle the pieces together.
“What...” I murmured in shock, wa
ving the bloodied knife at Theo. “When...”
“You were a little preoccupied when we arrived,” Theo smirked. The adrenaline fog lifted, and I stood tall, finally understanding what happened.
“You think this is the end of it?” Stephen, the idiot, opened his mouth and snapped in a hoarse voice. “Remember what I said, Mila?”
“Yes, yes, Stephen. Wanted for a murder you committed, yadda yadda yadda,” I huffed, digging out my phone at his reminder. Somehow, it survived the kidnapping and subsequent fight. I hit stop on the long audio recording, but before I revealed my hand, I emailed it. Better safe than sorry, I thought as I saw the ‘message sent’ confirmation. My triumphant grin spread as I hit play for everyone to hear. It was muffled slightly from the fabric of my pants, but still clear enough to make out what was said. As the recording played, Stephen’s bloodied skin paled when he heard himself admit he was behind the murder.
“You might think you had the leverage, but I’m sure there are a lot of inspectors who would love to have their hands on this piece of evidence,” I taunted, noting the surprised yet pleased expressions on the Auckland Kings’ faces. “You will never lay a hand on me, or the Kings, ever again.”
Theo
I could kiss her, regardless of injury and the bloodied mess coating her hands, arms, and face. Completely, utterly, and hopelessly infatuated.
She revealed her hand to the Phantom cowering on the floor.
“Theo, Liam, Hunter, keep your eyes on him,” Sam instructed sharply. “I’ll call Inspector Carter.”
“I can’t kill him?” my voice sounded whiny to my own ears, earning a chuckle from Mila.
“No, he’s going to pay for everything he’s done, as well as everything else the Phantoms have been up to,” Sam said firmly, his phone pressed to his ear. He didn’t wait in the kitchen, his voice fading as he relayed all important information to our police contact.
“We got him, Theo,” Liam murmured, jutting his chin toward Mila. “Go get your girl.”
Smiling, I nodded, lowering my weapon as Hunter and Liam aimed theirs. I closed the short distance, scooping her into my arms and carrying her out of the kitchen. As soon as we reached the dining area and were far enough away from Stephen, I captured her lips fiercely. The sound of the knife clattering on the front countertop was lost among the heat of our kiss, and finally, the knot that had tied my stomach and chest in a crushing wave of worry released.
“Don’t you ever do that again,” I murmured breathlessly against her lips.
“Do what? Kick a man’s ass?” she smarted with a chuckle.
“No, sacrifice yourself.” Opening my eyes, I found her watching me with a soft yet sad expression that tugged on my heart.
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” she revealed, her fingers trailing over my jaw. “You’re worth it, Theo King, even if half the time I want to stab you myself.” Both of us burst out laughing, and I nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing right now, especially since Sam and several policemen entering the building cut off our banter.
It took a long while for them to survey the scene, arrest Stephen, take statements, and have each of us checked by medical professionals. I never left Mila’s side, despite the urge to go shoot the bastard. The paramedic noted a large cut on her arm, which neither of us realized was there.
“Baby,” I started once she was cleaned and managed, the two of us sitting on the back of the ambulance, a blanket draped around her thin shoulders.
“Yeah?” she prompted when I said nothing else, her eyes finding mine.
“I know you wanted out,” I whispered, taking her hand in mine, my thumb brushing over her knuckles gently. “But I am and always will be, a King.”
“Mhm,” she murmured, seeming to close off right before me.
“So, I was wondering if you’d like to join me.”
She was silent for a moment, her lips tilted down in a slight frown.
“As in... become an Auckland King?”
“Yes. You don’t have to actually be engrossed in the family business. You wanted out on your own, but... I’d like if you were with me.”
“Are you sure your family, your father, would be alright with that?” Before either of us could continue our conversation, a shiny black car arrived out front, and my father stepped from the backseat. “I guess we’ll find out,” she muttered under her breath.
My brows knitted together, choosing to ignore her statement, even though I agreed. Based on Mila’s head tilt, she felt the same wonder of his arrival as I did.
“Father,” I greeted curiously, not bothering to hide my surprise at his appearance.
“Theo, Mila.” My girl stayed silent but dipped her head in greeting. “Am I to assume Sam and the others are still inside?”
“Yes, for the most part. Sam’s giving his statement. Liam and Hunter are hanging back by the cars with the others until they get the go-ahead to leave.”
“Good, good. I wanted to come to ensure your safety.” His focus shifted to Mila, looking at her expectantly.
“Oh... I’m alright. I had a gash on my arm, but it’s all cleaned up.” She held up her newly bandaged forearm.
“Why are you here?” I asked, unable to keep it to myself any longer.
“I reviewed most of the files you brought to us, Mila. You realize you won’t be able to go back to them. Not ever, yes?”
“I never wanted to,” she admitted firmly.
“I offered her a spot with me, in the Kings,” I blurted, earning a single brow raise from my father. Despite the small, deliberate motion, I couldn’t crack his controlled mask.
“Good, because I came to do the same,” he explained, smiling when Mila’s jaw dropped.
“Seriously?” she breathed, her fingers intertwined with mine, squeezing tightly.
“Yes, if you’ll have us. I know Theo can be quite the handful at the best of times.”
“Hey!” I exclaimed, laughing at being tossed under the bus.
“Don’t be upset,” Mila cooed, patting my shoulder with her free hand. “He’s right, but that’s okay with me. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
“So... you’ll join me? Join us?” I held my breath as a happy smile spread across her pretty face, anticipation growing with each moment of silence.
“Yes, Theo, I’ll join you.”
Epilogue
Nine Months Later
Mila
Taking a deep breath, I walked with Theo, my hand nestled tightly in his. Reporters flocked the courthouse steps, the flashing of cameras flickering on either side of me as we headed toward the front. My spine was straight and rigid, my chin held high as our small group was bombarded with questions and accusations.
“Jesus fuck, they never give up, do they?” Liam muttered once we were safely in the courthouse. I chuckled, remembering how at the last proceeding Liam, Hunter, and Sam attended, the ongoing cases ended in near disaster. Thankfully, Sam had held Hunter back from punching the reporter who tried to ask if he was cheating on Chloe with me.
“Of course not. They have nothing better to do,” Sam agreed with a simple shrug.
“Thank God this is the last time we have to do this,” Theo agreed.
“Hopefully,” Hunter added unhelpfully, earning him tired glares from Theo, Sam, Liam, and me. “What? You know I’m right. Shit seems to always happen when it comes to us.”
“Yes, I’m very much aware. I mean, honestly, look at this! I blame the lot of you,” Sam huffed in exasperation, pointing at a grey patch on his temple. The silly comment broke the tension, and laughter filled the large hall as we approached the door to the courtroom.
There were more reporters in the room but less boisterous at our appearance. Their eyes and focus shifted to watch with keen gazes. It took everything in me not to glare or roll my eyes.
After nine months, you would think I would be used to the attention.
Today marked the sentencing of my father, the last standing member of the Ph
antoms. Oscar and whatever contacts the Auckland Kings had on retainer had spent the last three quarters of a year dismantling the organization with the information I’d provided. When the members realized what was happening, they either went on the run, leaving New Zealand at the earliest opportunity or turned on the other Phantoms with the hope of leniency.
One by one, they were imprisoned, and my worry slowly melted, but the two who I’d been most concerned over were Stephen and my father. The former was sentenced to life in prison for premeditated murder, kidnapping, assault, along with a laundry list of other charges leveled against him. The latter, though, was still in limbo with his sentencing.
Until today, noted with a sense of giddy excitement. The fall of the Phantoms hierarchy was not only the court case of the century but mattered more to me than I expected. Soon enough, I’d be safe. Not that I wasn’t already with Theo and the rest of the Kings, but officially, the last of the men who had the connections and ability to hurt me would be gone from my life.
It was quite a rush.
The judge appeared, bringing a wave of silence from the attending members of the press and public. My father was stoic and proper as if he was meeting with a client or acquaintance, not facing life behind bars. However, I knew him better than anyone here, and the tension in his body and tight lines around his mouth and eyes betrayed his emotions. He was terrified. I couldn’t stop the cold smirk from curling my lips.
The proceedings were bland and dry, and to be frank, I zoned out until the tension in the room reached new heights with the reading of the sentence. I waited with shallow breaths.
“Life in prison. You will never wreak havoc on the city of Auckland ever again, Mr. Walker,” the judge stated with a harsh frown.
The tension broke, and the air in the room lightened significantly when he was carted out. He didn’t even bother to look my way, but I knew he was aware of my presence. The chatter of the press and other viewers grew to a dull lull of noise as I turned to Theo with a bright smile.
