His protector

Chapter 1- Mila

My boots thudded softly against the polished marble floor as i made my way down the narrow corridor. I reached the door to my managers office, the frosted glass emblazoned with the name Russell Lark. Being summoned by Lark was a rarely, he didn't bother to personally give assignments unless there was something significant.

I knocked twice, firm and steady. The voice inside was muffled by the door."Come in."

A simple mahogany desk stood between me and the graying man behind it, his suit jacket draped carelessly over the back of his chair.Files and papers were all tossed across the desk. He gestured towards the lone chair on the opposite side. "Take a seat, Mila."

I complied. "What's the job?" I asked, straight to business.

Lark leaned back in his chair,eyeing me for a moment. "Have you ever heard of Kai Bianchi?" The Bianchi family was well known in the underworld, their influence spanning more than a few continents. Kai was the eldest son of Lonzo Bianchi, his brother location unknown though.

"I've heard of him."I said carefully. "But last I checked we didn't work for crime families."

Lark open the folder on his desk and slid a photograph across to me. It showed a young man in the early twenties, with dark hair and sharp features. A face that would have been handsome were it not for the bruises on his face and the slight fear in his eyes. He was bound to a chair, but I could tell from the quality of the photo it was taken in a hurry.

"Kai was kidnapped a few nights ago," Lark explained. "Whoever took him it's keeping him quiet and Lonzo does the same. They're trying to avoid a media storm but the don reached out to us. He asked for someone who can get the job done discreetly."

"And you're sending me." I stated.

"Yes. Your last job proved you can handle high-risk missions but this is different. We are talking about the heir of one of the most dangerous men alive. If we pull this job we win a favor from the Bianchi family we might need someday."

My gaze dropped back to the photograph. Kai looked vulnerable but more than that he doesn't look like other people described him, a killer.

"Are you sure this isn't a test for Kai? I've heard of parents in mob doing things like this to teach their kids a lesson or prepare them for the real thing."

"He wouldn't come to us if he could finish it at any time. So are you in or not?"

"Of cours I'm in. When was I ever afraid?" Lark smirked.

"Good. Then you are flying in two hour for New York where you'll meet with Lonzo and he'll tell you what to do."

"And if i can't bring Kai back, alive?" Larks gaze darkened.

"Let's hope so that won't be the case. I trust you. The Bianchi's don't take kindly to failure."

I nodded. I didn't need to be reminded the stakes were high. I lived for the challenge.

The echo of heavy foots steps followed behind me as I strolled down the hallway leading to the agency's locker room. With a quick swipe of my ID card the metal door slid open,letting me in. The familiar smell of leather and gun oil filled the air.

I made my way to the locker and put in the code. The door opened with a click and I pulled out a black duffel bag, setting it down on the floor. I took out two handguns, one smoke grenade, s few combat knives, a spare of clothes and a small first aid kit.

I out on a black long sleeved shirt followed by a dark leather jacket and a pair of worn combat boots. I placed the knives along the side of my thighs and one inside my boot.

I zipped up the bag and threw it over my shoulder. This wouldn't be the first time I've flown for New York, but it was the first time she went there to meet with the mob.

I double checked the details Lark sent me about the flight right as I exited his office. Apparently he was pretty sure I won't refuse. He'd booked a private jet, standard for high priority missions. It offered flexibility if the plans change.

Kai Bianchi. The name kept replaying in my head. If he was still alive he was undoubtedly terrified and wondering if somebody was coming to save him. I understood the fear and survival. I've experienced it myself in my early days as a bodyguard. If Kai wanted to love he'd need to cooperate and trust me enough to out his life in my hands.

"Are you heading out?" Lia stopped me in my tracks.

"Yeah. Tough mission."

"Yeah, I've heard." She suddenly tossed me a necklace which I caught with ease. "I've just made this. Take it with you, it's a tracking device disguised as a pendant. Might help if you get it on your target, assuming he will still be alive."

"Thanks,"I say "I'm going to miss you." I say giving her a quick goodbye hug.

"Me too. Come bacon in one piece will you? With a final nod u headed out the building towards the black SUV that was waiting to take me to the airport. I got into the back seat not bothering making small talk with the driver.

The drive took about an hour because if the traffic but I've made it, I spent my time thinking of the possible things that could happen. Kidnapping cases could turn in an instant,whoever had Kai would be ready for someone to come at his rescue.

The jet came into view,it was sleek and black, it looked like it could belong to a wealthy business man

The pilot greeted me at the base of the stairs and with a simple nod I climbed in. I took a seat by the window and resisted the temptation to take a little sip of the bottle of champagne.

After a couple of minutes the jet lifted off, slicing through the sky.