MAFIA'S WRONG TARGET

27: SECRETS BENEATH SURFACES

AUTHOR'S POV

Hunter's penthouse,
02:42 am.

Hunter dashed outside the room, running his hand through his hair in frustration. The living room was a mess, a testament to his earlier outburst as he had thrown things around in a fit of anger.

His chest was rising and falling rapidly, a physical manifestation of his turmoil. His gaze shifted towards his mobile as the screen lit up with Dash's caller ID.

He reached out, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "Speak."

"Hunter, the girl..." Dash began, but just then, the door started to bang loudly. Hunter lifted his head, gesturing for the only man present at the door to open it. The mobile was still pressed against his ear. "The girl... Lia. She exists," Dash finished just as the door swung open.

Alaric had Lia's hair in his tight grip as he forcefully dragged her into Hunter's penthouse. He threw her to the floor of the hall, the impact jarring her senses. With her hands bounded on her back, she struggled to regain her balance, but the side of her head met the polished floor with a sickening thud, sending a wave of pain coursing through her.

Hunter emerged from the shadows of the living room, his chiseled physique on display, glistening under the soft light. He moved with a predatory grace, each step deliberate, as if he were savoring the moment.

"Here's the thing," Alaric began, his voice low and edged with frustration, his eyes flickering between the two of them. He was keenly aware of the power dynamics at play, the way Hunter's presence seemed to fill the room, making everything else feel small and insignificant.

"Liana." Hunter's voice was smooth, almost teasing, as he leaned casually against the doorframe. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes, but it was laced with something darker. "Long time no see." His tone shifted, the laughter fading as he continued, "Betrayal runs in this family, I see." The words dripped with disdain, each syllable carefully chosen to cut deep.

"You know her?" Alaric asked, the surprise evident in his voice.

Lia looked up at Hunter, her heart racing. The man before her was a storm, dangerous. She felt the tension in the room shift, the air thickening with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts.

"She's Nick's sister." Hunter sat on his ankle in front of her, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. "Explain." His tone shifted, becoming rougher, more demanding.

"You still need an explanation? Forgot how you killed my brother over a small mistake?" Her voice was laced with anger, the memories flooding back, raw and painful.

"Mistakes aren't spared in my world, my dear," he replied, his expression hardening. There was no remorse in his eyes, only a cold, calculating demeanor that sent shivers down her spine.

"But you did forgive Dash, even though your entire Island collapsed because of him," she shot back, defiance igniting her spirit despite the fear that gripped her.

"That should be the least of your concern right now," Hunter said, dismissing her words. "Pity about yourself." The finality in his tone made it clear that this was no longer a conversation; it was a warning, a reminder of the precarious position she was in.

"Where's Sybil?" Alaric's voice broke through the thick tension in the room, urgency lacing his words.

"Bring the girl," Hunter commanded, his eyes still fixed on Lia, a predatory glint in them that sent shivers down Alaric's spine.