𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑨𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏•

* 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐓𝐰𝐨 *

--*--*

𝑨𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆•

I shifted slightly when I felt myself be lifted from the couch, I snuggled into Ares's chest as he made a soothing shushing sound as he walked us toward our bedroom. I made a sleepy sound when he placed me on the bed, I felt the covers be pulled over me before I released a tired sigh once I felt Ares move under the covers behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. The simple sounds of our breathing mixed and the night lulled me to sleep.

I stretched waking up the next morning, Ares's side of the bed empty and cold. I rubbed my eyes sleepily before they dropped to the note on his bedside table.

Had an early meeting, I'll see you tonight baby.Call if you need anything 

I smiled softly at the note before a sudden wave of nausea hit causing me to bolt out of bed and into the bathroom throwing up in the toilet. I sat back on my legs resting a palm on my stomach. I groaned softly wiping my face before flushing the toilet, standing up I decided to shower. I decided that today I would be going to work to get caught up on everything,  as I haven't been to the office as much as I would've liked to.     

 Once I had showered and done some light makeup to cover my more frequent pale complexion as we were heading into the cooler months. I changed into some black suit-like pants along with a dark navy long-sleeved top topped off with gold jewellery and some black closed-toe heels. I had curled my hair but pinned it up in a bun giving it a messy but professional look.           

"Buongiorno," Marco greeted me once I walked out of the bedroom startling me.                         (Good morning)

"God!" I gasped a hand on my chest easing my increased heart rate. "You scared me!" I laughed.

" Mi dispiace, signora De Luca" He responsed, a small smile ghosting his lips.                                   (I'm sorry, Mrs De Luca)

I stepped out of the elevator walking towards my office, I noticed my assistant approaching me. I scanned over her appearance, she was a petite girl, and her hair was cut into a wavy brown bob. She wore wide-framed tortoiseshell glasses, her outfit consisted of a skirt that rested just above her knees, a white button up and some black heels.

"It's great to finally meet you face to face, Mrs De Luca! I'm Genevieve, but you can call me Gen!" She smiled sweetly.

"It's lovely to meet you too," I smile softly at her "is there anything I should be caught up with?" I asked walking with her to my office.

"Nothing major you need to know! Everything is going smooth here while in your absence!" She spoke, before asking "Is there anything I can get you? Coffee, tea, water?" I smiled softly at her gesture but shook my head.

"Okay well, I'll be at my desk outside of your office if you need me." She spoke before exiting the office. I released a small sigh as I sat down scrolling through my emails, I replied to multiple. The non necessary ones I forwarded to Genevieve or deleted them. It felt good to be back at work after having a short break at home, I had been answering important emails and answering any questions my employees had while I was out of the office. 

It was around lunch time when Genevieve re-entered my office her cell-phone in hand. I turned my gaze off my computer to give her my attention.

"Mrs De Luca, since it is lunchtime I was planning on ordering lunch...I was wondering if you wanted me to add your order with mine?" She asked her tone slightly apprehensive as if she was nervous about my answer.

"Oh that is very generous of you Genevieve, where were you ordering from?" I questioned adjusting my seated position to ease the ache in my lower back.

Once Genevieve and I discussed lunch I passed her my card despite her refusal. Once she collected our lunches she went to exit my office. 

"Genevieve wait," I spoke, waiting as she paused turning  toface me.

"You can eat in here with me if you'd like. If you don't want to, that is completely fine." I smiled softly reassuring her.

"Really? Are you sure that's okay?" She asked her expression lighting up, I smiled nodding. We engaged in a small conversation as we ate, sharing some information about ourselves. Genevieve had the type of personality that made it easy to like her and enjoy her presence.

Marco walked into my office around quarter to four, asking if I was still planning to run those errands I had brought up. He suggested we get a start on them now so it ensured that I would be home in time for dinner. I packed my stuff up before following Marco down to the car, we arrived at the mall I walked towards a babystore, Marco following closely behind me. I stood looking through the clothing a smile on my face as I was unbelievely exicted to tell Ares. Marco followed closely behind me ensuring my safety, I picked up a small white onesie with the words 'Coming soon x' in linky black writing. I grabbed that and some other baby items before heading to the counter using my card to purchase the items. Marco and I were heading to the exit, a happy smile on my face as I opened the bag to let Marco peak at my purchases. He raised his gaze to me smiling at me. As we neared the exit a gun shot echoed the small store. A panicked gasp escaped my mouth at the sound, my eyes widening as Marco pulled me behind him in a hurry, his hand reaching and pulling out his gun.

"Adrienne, I need you to listen to me." He spoke, once he looked out the door, his tone serious. "When I tell you, I want you to head to the staff door, there will be an exit door through there. You must make your way outside and into a crowd before calling Ares. Can you do that?" I nod, getting ready to listen to Marco.

"Now!" He spoke shooting at the men that neared. I immediately listened to him, merging my way through the racks of baby clothes and towards the staff door. I looked back once I heard a gunshot and a thud, a gasp escaping my mouth as Marco collapsed. My heart dropped when i felt a presence infront of me, as I turned a cloth went over my mouth making me go slack in the persons arms as my vision turned black.

--*--*

𝑨𝒓𝒆𝐬•

I was sitting in a meeting listening to my men inform me of the Russians recent moves, when my phone rang I looked down at the caller ID...Marco. I exited the room without a word answering the call.

"Marco? Has something happened with Adrienne?"

"C-capo?" Marco speaks his voice sounding wheezy before he coughed.

"Marco, what has happened?" I spoke, my tone serious.

"She's gone..."

"Who's gone?" I asked dread forming a pit in my stomach, he coughed before speaking.

"Adrienne..."

--*--*

Whoops cliffhanger alert! 

Thank you so so much for 25k reads?! It's unbelievable!

I am hoping that my updates will become more frequent, hopefully, I will finish this book before 2025...so that does mean this book is drawing to an end...

Anywho!

I love you all, my darlings!!

MWAHHHH