Ideal Men 1: Russo Mancini (On Hold)

23

Russo's nerves were on edge as he paced back and forth in the dimly lit living room, the clock ticking away the agonizing minutes. Icy had promised to return home promptly after her errand to the desert shop, yet hours had slipped by without a word from her. Each passing moment only amplified Russo's anxiety, his mind conjuring up all manner of dreadful scenarios.

Frustration boiled within him as he reached for his phone, his fingers trembling as he dialed Icy's number for what felt like the hundredth time. The harsh reality of her phone being switched off sent a shiver down his spine, his heart sinking with each unanswered ringtone.

"Answer your phone, tesorina," he muttered under his breath, the endearment a bittersweet reminder of the affection he held for her.

With a sense of urgency gnawing at him, Russo snatched his car keys from the table and bolted out the door, the engine roaring to life as he sped towards the desert shop. Every second felt like an eternity as he raced through the streets, his thoughts consumed by the fear of what he might find.

Upon reaching the familiar storefront, Russo's breath caught in his throat as he scanned the interior, his eyes darting from one corner to the next in search of any sign of Icy. Approaching the cashier desk, he found Paul, the usual calm demeanor of the man now replaced with a look of concern.

"Isn't Icy here?" Russo's voice trembled with worry as he posed the question to Paul.

"Boss kanina pa umalis si ma'am Icy," Paul replied, his brow furrowing in confusion. "May problema po ba?"

Russo's grip tightened on the edge of the counter as he forced a tight-lipped smile, handing Paul his card with a shaky hand.

"Nothing to worry about. Just... let me know if she comes back, okay?"

As he turned to leave, Russo's mind spun with thoughts of Icy's whereabouts, the uncertainty clawing at his chest like a vice. Russo kept sighing while driving. With trembling fingers, he dialed her number once more, only to be met with the maddening sound of an out-of-service signal. Panic threatened to consume him as he fought to push back the intrusive thoughts of dread that threatened to overwhelm him.

Napagpasyahan niya na tawagan ang kaibigan na kapatid ng dalaga.

"Icy's missing," he disclosed solemnly, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.

The other line went silent.

"Are you sure?" Vandal inquired, his voice tinged with concern.

"I don't want to believe it, but she's not someone to disappear without a trace. Something's wrong... I just know it. This is my fault bud. I should have gone with her earlier," Russo lamented, his voice filled with regret.

"The fault lies with the perpetrator, not you. We'll find her. For now, head back home. I'll come over," Vandal reassured him.

"Okay," Russo agreed reluctantly before ending the call.

They ended the call. Russo went back to Icy house. He waited for Vandal outside the gate. Mabilis na naparoon si Vandal kasama si Icen.

"We've tracked her," Vandal said. "But let's talk it out inside."

Russo's heart leaped with relief, and he nodded eagerly. They settled on the couch, facing each other. Icen remained silent, though beneath his composed exterior simmered a raging inferno of anger. Vandal appeared calm, but his tightly clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil.

"Is she safe?" Russo's voice trembled with concern.

"They won't harm her," Icen stated with unwavering conviction.