---
Anya’s POV
Time felt like it slowed as the chaos unfolded around us. Every second was filled with the clash of fists, the sound of shattering glass, and the muted groans of the men who had come to stop us. The walls seemed to close in, the air thick with the weight of danger and desperation.
Victor’s men closed in, relentless and brutal. Rocco moved like a storm beside me, striking with a ruthless efficiency, his every motion a testament to years of experience. But even he couldn’t be everywhere at once, and it wasn’t long before we were cornered, pressed against the cold wall with no easy way out.
“Rocco,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady, “we need to move. We’re outnumbered.”
He looked at me, his expression hard yet resolute. “I’ll cover you. Go for the door when I give the signal.”
But before he could act, a voice broke through the noise.
"Stop!" Victor’s voice echoed across the room, halting his men in their tracks. With a cold smile, he strode forward, hands tucked behind his back as he assessed us with the smug satisfaction of a man who held all the power.
“Did you really think you could walk in here and steal from me?” Victor’s voice was low, menacing, his gaze fixed on Rocco with a chilling familiarity.
Rocco’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he stared Victor down. “Sometimes you have to take risks. You, of all people, should understand that.”
Victor let out a humorless chuckle. “Risk? That’s rich coming from you, Rocco. You think one little alliance and a stolen ledger will change anything? The Lichten family has been building power for generations. You can’t dismantle an empire with one move.”
Rocco’s voice was steady, defiant. “Maybe not. But it’s a start.”
Victor’s eyes flicked to me, his smile widening in a way that made my skin crawl. “And this is your new ally? The daughter of a traitor?”
The words hit like a slap, stirring memories I’d tried to bury. I felt Rocco’s hand tighten around mine, a silent reminder that I wasn’t alone in this.
“You don’t know anything about her,” Rocco said, his tone deadly calm. “And you never will.”
Victor raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Oh, I know enough. She’s just like her father—a pawn who doesn’t know when she’s out of her depth.”
Something in me snapped. I took a step forward, my eyes blazing with anger. “I may be my father’s daughter, but I’m no pawn. If you think you can use me to hurt him—or anyone else—you’re wrong.”
For a brief moment, Victor looked genuinely taken aback. But the surprise quickly faded, replaced by an unsettling smile.
“So brave,” he sneered, stepping closer. “But bravery won’t save you, little girl. There are things in this world that go beyond courage and loyalty. Your father learned that the hard way, and so will you.”
I could feel Rocco tensing beside me, ready to strike, but before he could act, Victor raised a hand, signaling his men to advance.
---
The Escape
The room erupted into chaos once again, but this time, we had a plan. Rocco grabbed the ledger from the floor where it had fallen, tucking it safely under his jacket before taking my hand and pulling me through the throng of Victor’s men.
“Don’t stop running,” he whispered urgently. “Whatever happens, don’t look back.”
We pushed through the narrow hallway, the shouts of Victor’s men echoing behind us. I could hear footsteps gaining ground, the sound growing louder with every step. My heart pounded as we reached the staircase leading to the mansion’s lower level.
But just as we rounded the corner, a group of men blocked our path, their weapons drawn.
“Get down!” Rocco shouted, pulling me to the floor as he swung out at the men, his movements swift and lethal. I found myself scrambling for anything I could use as a weapon, eventually grabbing a broken piece of wood from the floor.
Just as one of the men lunged toward me, I struck out, my makeshift weapon connecting with his side. He stumbled back, and I took the opportunity to push forward, adrenaline surging as I fought to stay close to Rocco.
Finally, we broke through the line of men, bursting out into the night. The cold air hit my face like a splash of water, and I could see the dim lights of the car waiting at the end of the driveway—a lifeline in the darkness.
But as we reached the car, I heard a single gunshot ring out, the sound splitting the night.
I turned, my heart in my throat, and saw Rocco clutching his side, his face twisted in pain.
“No!” I screamed, rushing to his side. He swayed slightly, but his grip on my arm was firm, grounding me even as he fought to stay upright.
“Get in the car,” he muttered, his voice strained. “We have to go.”
I helped him into the passenger seat, my hands shaking as I climbed behind the wheel. The engine roared to life, and without a second thought, I pressed down on the accelerator, the mansion disappearing behind us as we sped down the winding road.
---
The Aftermath
The drive was a blur, my focus entirely on the road as I struggled to keep my panic in check. Rocco’s breaths were shallow, and I could see the blood seeping through his jacket, staining his shirt a dark crimson.
“Stay with me, Rocco,” I whispered, glancing over at him. “Just hold on a little longer.”
He managed a weak smile, his eyes heavy-lidded. “You… you did well back there,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Didn’t think you’d have the nerve to face him like that.”
“I’m full of surprises,” I replied, forcing a smile even as fear gnawed at me.
By the time we reached the safehouse, Rocco was barely conscious. I scrambled to get him inside, my hands moving frantically as I searched for something to stop the bleeding.
“Rocco, stay with me,” I pleaded, pressing a cloth to his wound. His eyes fluttered open, and he managed a faint nod, his hand reaching up to grasp mine.
“I’ll be fine,” he whispered, his voice growing weaker. “But, Anya… you have to understand. This… this isn’t over.”
His words hung in the air, a dark promise of the fight still ahead. I knew he was right—that Victor wouldn’t rest until he’d taken everything from us.
But as I looked down at Rocco, his face pale yet determined, I felt a surge of resolve. Whatever it took, I would stand by his side. We would face the Lichten family together, bound by blood and a shared destiny.
Because now, this wasn’t just Rocco’s fight. It was mine, too.
---
To be continued...
