My knuckles smashed into his jaw like a sledgehammer. I could feel his jaw crack out of place and his agonizing scream filled the breakroom.
A sinister smile spread across my face when I noticed the blade on the floor. I snatched the knife, and with a swift and brutal motion, I plunged it into his eye, feeling a twisted satisfaction as warm blood sprayed across my skin. I delivered the final blow, piercing his other eye.
He gurgled and flailed, but I wasn’t done yet. I grabbed his throat, my fingers digging into his flesh. With a savage twist, I snapped his neck, killing him instantly.
Gigi let out a pained groan, and I rushed over to her.
When she looked up at me, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “You’re okay,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
I knelt beside her and gently cradled her face in my hands, tenderly sweeping away a stray tear. “I’m here now, baby,” I assured her.
Just as I was about to lift her into my arms, the door swung open with a bang, and Gigi jumped.
I turned my head to find Miguel stepping in, a look of disbelief crossing his face as he took in the scene. With ascrunched-up expression, he pointed at Stone and muttered, “Fuck, he was dirty, wasn’t he?”
“Yes,” I replied.
I turned back to Gigi, who looked pale as a ghost. “Hold onto my neck,” I instructed, sweeping her legs out from under her and pulling her close against my chest.
She tightened her grip, burying her face into the crook of my neck. We stepped out into the hall to see Enzo and two of his men rushing down the corridor, their footsteps echoing as they sprinted toward us.
“Is she alright?” Enzo asked, concern etched on his face.
“She will be,” I replied, trying to remain calm. “Is the threat eliminated?”
“Yes. My men are sweeping each room and every corner to ensure it’s all clear.”
I nodded. “I need a doctor for Gigi."
“Of course,” Enzo said, stepping aside to let us pass. We moved swiftly down the hall.
As we reached the same floor as Liam’s room, Alphonse came charging toward us, eyes wild with panic. “What’s wrong with my daughter?” he demanded.
“She’s alright. Just a bit shaken up, but she’ll be fine,” I assured him.
I pushed open the door to an empty room and carefully placed her on the bed. She clung to me as I set her down.
I offered her a smile. “Baby,” I murmured, reaching up to peel her hands from my neck. “I need to find a doctor for you.” She nodded slowly, curling into a tight ball on the bed.
When I had told her to run, I was ready to follow closely behind, but more of those fuckers materialized from every direction and surrounded us. Miguel and I found ourselves heavily outnumbered and fought with everything we had.
I didn’t even notice Stone had slipped away, leaving us to fend for ourselves. That’s when the pieces started falling into place, and I figured he was a corrupt cop. I knew I had to reach my girl before he could get to her.
Once the last of the men were dead, Miguel and I went searching for Gigi.
We stumbled upon the son of a bitch who tried to take me down lying on the ground, writhing in agony with his eyes gouged out.
“Help…” His pathetic whimper had grated on my nerves.
I reached for my gun and fired three shots, each finding its mark directly between his eyes.
Shaking the thoughts away, I leaned down and gently kissed Gigi’s forehead.
Turning to Alphonse, I said, “Stay with her. I need to have a word with Enzo.” Alphonse nodded, settling into the chair beside Gigi. I glanced at Miguel. “I need you to guard her with your life.”
“Of course.”
I closed the door quietly behind me and gestured to two of my guards standing outside the door. “Stand watch. No one gets in.”
