Love & Affinities (18+)

17

ADRIANO CALVETI

A chilling breeze spread throughout the entire time we were taking cover at the hidden mansion of Alex. The steady breaths of my men could be felt at the back of my neck - that was how cramped our hideout was. For all I know, Natalie couldn't be aware of the fact who I was and make all of this a trap. Why would it be so easy in the first place to locate him?

But, it was rather late now, wasn't it? Luckily Anna was willing to take in Sofia for a session at this hour and I couldn't be more grateful. Anna was anything but unsafe. Aside from having uncountable medical degrees, she was a trained assassin - one of the main reasons as to why I had agreed to take her in an year ago. I guess Arthur, my personal doctor could use some help.

Two days had gone by since Sofia had woken up and could finally move on her own as per Anna who was also helping her with her physiotherapy. If anything happens to me, she would be safe. I had already planned all of this out. ''Ad, three cars have just entered through the back gate.'' Ares' words pull me back into the reality of the situation.

''Just confirm the identity before we get into our positions.'' He hums as our breaths become even steadier and shallow in the moonlight. Was it because of being so close to ending Alex's life or because of the peace that might emerge later, I couldn't tell. ''It's him with his guards and two of his American friends - Sam Saint and Damon Knight. A few girls too, probably strippers or something. Things can get shitty Ad if one of theirs decide to retaliate.''

''We can handle Sam and Damon later. Let's get our hands on Alex first'' and with that I muted the earpiece, swerving my palm forward to let the men move into their respective positions.

The mansion was filled with his men too, apart from the small party that had just arrived. The snipers held their eyes close to the guns from the opposite ruined building while the others were stationed at all the possible escape routes. None of the pigs should be able to escape tonight.

I trailed an army of eight behind me towards the back door which led into the kitchen. Hopefully, it should be empty. Ares led his troop through the terrace entrance while Ronan led his to the front, waiting for our signal to enter. The other two leaders remained in stand-by positions too - waiting.

Putting up one finger - considering a countdown- two and then on the third, I pushed open the huge metal door that was hacked into by Ronan to be met by the sight of alarmed eyes staring back at my looming figure in the brightly lit room. The bubbling of oil from the deep fryers could be heard apart from the eerie silence enveloping us. The bastard was so sick, couldn't even afford maids.

Maid aprons covered the small stature of the young girls who were now staring back at me, contemplating on what to do. One freezing while dropping something in the pan, smoke covering the air from the now burning dish. Suddenly one of them reaches for the door, probably heading to inform Alex of the intrusion, just like they were taught.

I clutched the door handle before she could as she stared back at me, trembling, as if I were to hit her. I tapped on the earpiece, informing Ares to send in Claire and Amaya who would probably make the situation more comfortable. The door handle jerks as it gets pushed from the other side and into the kitchen as a man enters his head.

The girl who still stood before me looks at me and back at him as he spews orders for them to work faster, who was yet to notice me since I was behind the door. The girl parts her mouth to inform him of the intrusion, when I slightly shake my head with a stern look of disapproval. She shuts her mouth quickly, I did not know out of what - fear of my wrath or anxiousness that I might save her.

He slams the door shut as I hurriedly lock it. Claire and Amaya enter with two loops of rope. There were a total of fifteen girls. I turn on a grinder machine hoping to dull out my voice to the outer party. Turning back to the bunch of girls, I relay instructions. ''Do not worry, you all will be escorted out of here safely. Trust them, we do not mean any harm'', I say as quietly as I could, referring to the two women.