Illegally His!!??

XV

Meera's Pov:

As I followed these men, a sense of unease settled in my gut. We moved toward an isolated alley, leaving behind the shimmer and glimmer of lights, the pulsing music, and the crowded noise of Raven. Suddenly, one of the men pulled out his phone to call someone.

Even though I didn't understand Russian at all, I could tell he wasn't speaking it; the language was entirely unfamiliar.

God, give me some subtitles, at least.

But wait—if they were Xavier's men, why were they speaking in some other language? Something was definitely off about these guys.

Panic surged through me, and just as I turned to rush back toward Raven, I felt a sharp sting in the crook of my neck. Everything around me started spinning, my eyelids growing heavy as I faded into darkness. The last thing I remembered was my weak struggles as they shoved me into a car, their evil smirks haunting me.

When I finally blinked awake, a throbbing pain pulsed in my head, and sharp aches radiated through my arms and legs. I quickly realized I was tied to a chair in what looked like a rundown warehouse or stockroom. 

Great, just great—my second kidnapping. Was this some kind of sick joke?

As I muttered to myself and tried to wriggle free from the restraints, I heard footsteps approaching, accompanied by unsettling laughter.

Moments later, three figures emerged from the shadows. I recognized two of them—the same men who had brought me here—but the third man was a stranger.

"Tsk tsk tsk, la mia povera bambolina," (transl., my poor little doll), he said, his cruel smile sending chills down my spine. 

God only knew what that meant, but I could tell it wasn't good.

"Boss said to bring this piccola bambola to him," (transl. little doll), he continued, his thick Italian accent wrapping around each word like a noose. "But he never said not to touch. So that means we can have some fun, right?"

Okay, Meera, you are in trouble. Think, think! I needed a plan to save myself. 

Just as panic threatened to overwhelm me, he stepped closer, a cold smile on his face and a glass of something ominous in hand. He held my face roughly and forced the drink into my mouth, causing me to choke as it slid down my throat. 

What was that?

As I tried to process what was happening, a sudden heat waved over me. My body felt like it was on fire, and sweat dripped down my brow. 

What the fuck was going on?

Just as I was trying to understand what was happening, the man suddenly started unbuckling his belt, and panic surged through me.

Oh Lord, please save me. Xavier, Lucian, someone, save me. For the first time, I desperately wanted Xavier to rescue me. I didn't know why, but all I could think of was seeing the two of them.

Tears streamed down my face as I weakly tried to push him away, but it was useless. He laughed—a cold, merciless sound that echoed through the entire warehouse, sending chills down my spine. 

The other two men behind him were laughing too, adding to the terrifying atmosphere. 

After all my struggles, I felt my strength leave me. I shut my eyes tightly, giving up, tears slipping down my cheeks. 

His hand gripped my hair painfully, and I braced myself for the worst.

Then I heard it—two familiar voices roaring in fury.

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER, YOU BASTARD!" Xavier's voice boomed, his eyes glowing with rage as he stormed toward the man, drawing a revolver from his back.

The two other men moved to intercept him, but before they could, Lucian appeared, his icy rage evident as he grabbed both of them by their collars.

Suddenly, a group of men emerged from different corners of the warehouse, armed with guns, daggers, and steel rods—everything you could imagine—and they lunged toward Xavier and Lucian.

But before they could get close, Xavier's men appeared behind him, fully armed. Gunfire erupted, and his men swiftly took down anyone who dared to come between us.

As Xavier closed in, the man suddenly pressed a gun to my temple, his voice cold as he threatened, "One more step and this chick is gone."

I sobbed, my eyes pleading with Xavier. For a split second, his hardened expression softened, but it was quickly replaced by cold fury as he calmly reloaded his revolver and continued to approach.

"LEAVE HER, DANTE, BEFORE YOU REGRET IT," Xavier roared, his voice laced with anger as he took another step forward.

I squeezed my eyes shut, terrified, and then—bang!!! A gunshot rang out. 

When I opened my eyes, I saw Xavier rushing toward me as Dante stumbled toward the exit, clutching his arm.

"LUCIAN, CATCH DANTE!" Xavier shouted as he hurried to my side, freeing me from my restraints. Without warning, he pulled me into a tight hug.

On any other occasion, I would have pushed him away, but today—after everything—I needed this hug more than anything.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for all of this, princess," Xavier whispered, his voice softer now as he held me close, his hand gently rubbing my back. Without a word, he lifted me into his arms, carrying me bridal-style. 

Just then, Lucian appeared, his expression cold and composed. "We've cleared the area, boss. Dante got away, though." 

Xavier nodded, his tone icy as he spoke. "Clean up the mess, and let's head back to the estate, Lucian." 

Lucian gave a curt nod, staying behind to bark orders to the remaining men in Russian as Xavier carried me outside.

When we reached the car, Marco quietly opened the door for us, then slipped into the driver's seat and started the engine. The car sped down the desolate road, taking us back to the mansion. 

Settling in the backseat, Xavier kept his arms around me, gently stroking my back, offering a sense of comfort. 

But then I felt that familiar burning sensation again. 

I glanced at him, my breathing uneven, and before I knew what I was doing, I leaned in and kissed his neck, my breath heavy against his skin.

Shit, Meera, control yourself. What are you doing?