Chapter 17: Threads of Anxiety

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In the heart of the mafia house, Xavier's normally composed demeanour betrayed the storm within. The monitors in the control room flickered with an intensity that matched the rapid rhythm of his own heartbeat. The city held his closest allies within its tight grasp.

As he paced before the monitors, his eyes locked onto the display tracking Madison and Will's location. The seconds felt like an eternity, each one magnifying the anxiety that coiled within him. The city, usually a canvas of control under Xavier's watchful eye, now seemed an unruly force that threatened to unravel his carefully laid plans.

"They should have been back by now. Something's not right.", muttered Xavier under his breath

The team in the control room exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the uncharacteristic tension emanating from their usually calm and collected leader. Xavier's belief in Will's capabilities was unshakeable, yet the shadows of doubt crept into the corners of his mind.

In the midst of his internal turmoil, a message buzzed on his communicator – a coded signal from Will. Xavier's eyes focused on the screen, deciphering the subtle message that spoke of strategy and calculated risk.

Xavier suddenly had a faint glimmer of relief, "Will, you sly fox. What have you gotten yourself into this time?"

The coded signal revealed a plan, a thread of assurance woven into the fabric of uncertainty. Will had anticipated the shadows, leading them into a carefully orchestrated trap. While anxiety still gnawed at Xavier's composure, a seed of confidence sprouted within him.

"They're playing a dangerous game, but we play it with them. Madison and Will are leading the shadows straight into their own demise. Prepare the team; we're moving out." instructed Xavier to the team.

The control room buzzed with renewed activity as the team mobilised to end it all for good.


Meanwhile

Within the ominous confines orchestrated by the shadows, Will and Madison were held captive, surrounded by an air of foreboding. The leader of the shadows, draped in secrecy, stepped forward, revelling in the palpable tension.

"Will, you're about to witness the effectiveness of our little game. Xavier's love for you will be the downfall of the entire mafia." said the Leader with a a chilling smirk behind the mask

"You can try whatever you want, but you won't break us." said Will, bound but defiant, as he met the leader's gaze with ardent resistance.

"Ah, but breaking you is not our immediate goal. We're going to use Xavier's love for you as bait, draw him into our trap, and watch everything crumble." replied the other, pacing with sinister intent

Will's brows furrowed. "Xavier... will he fall for this? After all, we're not really together." he thought as his head filled with doubts and uncertainty.

The Leader, almost as if reading Will's mind, produced a series of photographs, an album of genuine connection and shared moments between Will and Xavier. The images unfurled like a clandestine love story, challenging the very notion of their unacknowledged relationship.

"Shall I describe them to you, or would you prefer to see for yourself?" taunted the Leader

The first image showcased a stolen moment in the dim glow of the mafia house, Will and Xavier caught in a candid embrace. Xavier's eyes bore an unmistakable warmth as he held Will close.

"Ah, the tender moments in the heart of the mafia house, where love transcends into something deeper." teased the Leader

The second image depicted a shared glance between the two, a silent conversation that spoke volumes. Xavier's eyes reflected an unspoken affection that went beyond the realms of acknowledgment.

Leader of the Shadows, continuing with a sinister tone, "Eyes, they say, are the windows to the soul. And these eyes tell a tale of genuine connection."

The final image captured a moment of unguarded laughter, Xavier's infectious joy resonating with Will's genuine happiness.

Leader of the Shadows, concluding with satisfaction, "Laughter, the most genuine of emotions. Your relationship seems to be veering into authenticity, wouldn't you agree?"

Will, bound but with a mischievous glint in his eyes, retorted, "You know, you're missing a crucial detail in those pictures. Our love story is better than any soap opera. I'm thinking about selling the rights."

Leader of the Shadows, slightly perplexed, "Rights? What are you talking about?"

Will, playing along, "Oh, you see, we're negotiating with Netflix. Imagine the drama, the suspense, the occasional pizza deliveries interrupting our intense moments."

Leader of the Shadows, bewildered beneath the mask, "This is absurd! You're making a mockery of our plan."

Will, with a sly grin, "Well, you tried to expose our secret love affair. Now, we're turning it into prime-time entertainment. I bet you didn't see that coming, did you?"

Madison, despite the dire circumstances, couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected turn of events. Talk about buying time! 

The shadows, momentarily thrown off by Will's unexpected humour, exchanged confused glances beneath their masks. In that bizarre moment, the shadows' sinister plan collided with the absurdity of Will's wit, leaving an air of banter hanging in their secret lair.

However, the leader's patience wore thin. In a fit of rage, the leader delivered a swift punch to Will's face, the impact causing blood to trickle from his mouth. Undeterred, Will, with his hands still tied up, defiantly spat the blood onto the leader's mask.

Will, with a defiant glint in his eyes, "You may have your grand plan, but you'll never break our spirit. We'll keep laughing in the face of your darkness."


A/N - It's time I get things moving for this book. Almost at 1k reads! Please do vote < 3

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