"Sunshine, it's going to be okay," Ade's voice soothes, reading me like a book.
It's enough to remind me of where I am.
This is not Rome.
This is not that nightclub.
There is no fighting… no gunfire.
And most importantly, Ade is here with me.
My eyes find his. They're steady, and warm, and loving… loving me so much.
We don't break our connection when Niccolo yanks at my arms, making quick work of securing my wrists. Nor when he jerks me against his hard body.
"You're up next, Burg. Hands behind your back. And don't try anything or…" He points his gun at my temple, "or your bride won't make it to the altar."
Ade and I keep staring at each other. The love and strength that flows between us is palpable. It pushes away the fear, the trepidation.
We're going to be alright.
No matter what, we're going to get through this… together.
I stand taller despite Niccolo's relentless hold on me.
"I'm sure you're already considering how to break your bonds with brute strength, Burg, but let me save you the trouble. These cable ties are steel-reinforced. They come in handy for… well, you know, occasions like this. Nothing but wire cutters will break them."
Steel-reinforced cable ties? A criminal's toolbox truly is different, isn't it?
Ade doesn't respond, but keeps his connection with me, until the two men grab his arms and march him to the quad bikes.
Those few precious seconds of staring into Ade's eyes were enough to bring a sense of calm. My heart rate has returned to a more rhythmic pace, and my head has cleared of the panic that wanted to consume me.
Niccolo pushes on my back to get me moving. As my feet carry me forward, I let my gaze wander, ever the optimist to spot an escape.
The helicopter blades have stopped spinning. The pilot currently shuffles a trembling and bound Reverend into the back seat. My heart goes out to him, and I wish there was something I could do to ease his fear.
Father Josef has been the De Marco minister for decades. The old man should be used to dealing with criminals, but something tells me he's usually treated with a lot more respect.
Niccolo and I follow his men. He lifts me onto the seat of one bike and climbs on in front of me.
"Move up, Miss O'Neil, Silas has to fit too."
Great. I'm going to be sandwiched between two mobsters.
"And remember, Burg. No funny business. Silas' gun is aimed at your head. And he never misses."
Chapter Fifteen
Ella
Ade is awash with contained fury as he watches me sitting squashed between the two large men. I try to tell him with my eyes that it's okay.
And I truly believe it. Niccolo won't do anything to me, not while he hasn't got what he came here for.
"Why do you need whatever it is you think is hidden here? How is it going to make your journey to the top easier?" I ask as the quad bike beside us starts up.
"I don't just think it is. I know it is," he replies, looking over his shoulder at me.
