Chapter one

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Jax's POV

The dim light of the warehouse flickered as Jax reviewed the plans spread out before him. The air was thick with tension, a mix of sweat and metal, punctuated by the occasional clatter of tools. The cold, concrete walls of the abandoned space seemed to close in on him, mirroring the weight of the task at hand. His mind was a storm of strategy and resolve.

Jax was no stranger to dangerous undertakings, but this was different. The stakes were higher, and the lines were more blurred. His hand traced the blueprint of the Hart family estate, a meticulously detailed map that would guide their operation. His eyes were steely, focused, but behind them, a flicker of something deeper-something more personal-shone through.

"Everything's set," he said, his voice cutting through the murmur of his team. The members of his crew, hardened and loyal, looked up with a mix of respect and unease. They knew this job was not just about money; it was about something much more profound.

One of the men, a burly figure named Marco, stepped forward, his face etched with concern. "Jax, are you sure about this? We've got the plans, but this isn't just any target. It's Hart's daughter."

Jax met Marco's gaze, his expression unwavering. "It's precisely because she's Hart's daughter that this has to be done. Marcus Hart isn't just another powerful man; he's the one who destroyed my family. This is my chance to get back at him."

Another member, a wiry woman named Lena, chimed in, her voice laced with curiosity. "And what exactly do you expect to achieve? Holding her won't just bring him to his knees. It might make things worse." Lena had a thing for Jax. She always had. It wouldn't be surprising, if she was more weary than curious.

Jax's jaw tightened. He walked over to a small table where photographs of Amelia Hart were laid out. He picked one up, his fingers lingering on her image. "It's not just about retribution. It's about making him pay for everything he's done. The pain he caused my family, the lies he's lived behind. Amelia's the key to drawing him out, to forcing him to face the consequences of his actions."

Marco's brow furrowed. "So, what's the plan? We grab her, keep her in the safe house, and then what? Just hope Hart shows up?"

Jax nodded, his expression grim. "We've set up surveillance around her daily routine. The abduction will be swift, precise. We'll take her from her car, neutralize any immediate threats, and bring her here. The goal is to have her out of sight and out of mind until Hart is ready to make a deal."

Lena's eyes were sharp, assessing. "And how do you plan to keep her under control? She's not just any target-she's his daughter. If she tries to escape or cause trouble, it could complicate everything."

"We'll be prepared for that," Jax said firmly. "There will be contingencies. We've planned for every possible scenario. She'll be secure, and we'll manage any resistance. The key is to stay focused, to make sure this goes exactly as planned."

Marco nodded, though the tension was still evident. "Alright. Let's get it done then. I'll make sure the team is ready."

Jax turned his attention back to the blueprint, his mind already shifting to the final preparations. As his crew began their tasks, Jax couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a job. It was a reckoning. And while the thought of finally confronting Marcus Hart filled him with a cold satisfaction, there was a part of him that wondered about the girl who was about to be caught in the crossfire.

As he reviewed the details one last time, Jax felt the weight of the coming confrontation-both with Hart and with the unexpected complexities of the situation. This was just the beginning, and he knew the path ahead would be fraught with danger and difficult choices.

Jax leaned against the cold concrete wall, the weight of his mission pressing heavily on his shoulders. The now quiet warehouse starked contrast to the turmoil within him. He needed this moment alone to let the gravity of what he was about to do settle in. The plan was set, and the time for action was imminent, but it wasn't just the logistics that occupied his mind.

He thought back to the moment his life had irrevocably changed-the day his brother had died, a casualty of Marcus Hart's ruthless ambition. It wasn't just a personal loss; it had been the shattering of everything Jax had held dear. Every promise, every hope for a future had crumbled that day, replaced by a singular purpose: revenge.

The hurt was still raw, a festering wound that refused to heal. Jax could vividly recall the hollow pain of standing by his brother's grave, the world feeling impossibly large and cold. He had watched as Marcus Hart walked free, his life untouched by the devastation he had caused. The injustice was not something Jax could easily set aside. It had become his driving force, a relentless need to make Hart face the consequences of his actions.

Jax closed his eyes, the image of Amelia Hart's photograph still fresh in his mind. She was the key to his plan, but more than that, she represented the embodiment of his torment. Her father had lived a life of power and deception, insulated from the suffering he had inflicted. By taking her, Jax was not just seeking retribution; he was forcing Marcus Hart to confront the reality of his choices, to feel a fraction of the anguish he had caused.

In the quiet moments before the operation, Jax allowed himself to relive the pain, to let it fuel his resolve. He remembered the late-night arguments with his brother, their dreams for the future, and the sudden, brutal end that had taken it all away. Each memory was a reminder of what was at stake, a reaffirmation of why this mission was necessary.

He straightened up, shaking off the emotional weight. The plan was set in motion, and there was no room for hesitation. Amelia's abduction would be swift and efficient. She would be taken, hidden away, and used as leverage to bring Marcus Hart to his knees. It was a harsh, ruthless approach, but it was the only language Hart would understand.

Jax turned as his crew members approached, their faces a mix of readiness and concern. They were his allies in this endeavor, but they couldn't fully grasp the depth of his personal vendetta. He had kept his motivations close to his chest, knowing that the true nature of his drive was a burden he alone bore.

"Everyone in position?" Jax asked, his voice steady.

Marco gave a nod, his expression serious. "We're ready. The extraction team is in place, and the perimeter is secure."

Jax's gaze swept over his team, feeling a surge of determination. "Remember, this isn't just about the mission. It's about making Hart face the consequences. We're not just taking Amelia; we're taking the first step towards making him pay for everything he's done."

As his team moved into action, Jax took a final moment to steel himself. The pain and anger that had fueled him for so long were about to be transformed into action. The time for vengeance had come, and he would see it through, no matter the cost.

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