CONSUMED By The Past | 18+ (Ongoing)

CHAPTER 33

DANTÉ

It's been weeks, and Sal has disappeared into the shadows, slipping away so cleanly it's almost like he never existed. We've combed through every lead, every possible connection, but he's left nothing behind—no whispers, no threats. Even the brutal attacks have ceased. But there's no comfort in the silence. I know better than to believe he's done. Sal isn't the kind of man who fades away quietly. He's lurking, biding his time, likely with allies willing to target anyone who threatens his twisted empire. Xavier, Mia, everyone close to me—no one is safe.

While building the case, I finally uncovered that his reach stretches farther than I ever imagined. He's bought his way into the pockets of officials, police officers, influential figures, people I'd once trusted. All of them were on his payroll, bending to his will. When we finally catch him, it's not just a capture—it will unravel every last connection he's built, launching us into a dangerous game of corruption and retribution.

The day he escaped, he flared up a prison riot that spun the entire facility into chaos. Guards were distracted, defenses crumbled, and in that moment, he slipped through a carefully orchestrated escape route. His path was cleared by a guard he'd paid off, breezing through with the help of a keycard and guard uniform in restricted areas. Surveillance footage was nothing but static, his movements shielded in the blind spots.

*

But then, a break comes out of nowhere—a tip-off that Sal is planning to flee the country on a private jet. The second we get word, every available vehicle roars into action, lights flashing and sirens blaring as we speed toward the airstrip.

I'm barely halfway there when my phone rings. I see Mia's name, and my heartbeat pounds louder than the sirens. "Hello, sweetheart," I answer, trying to keep my voice steady, but then I hear it—a low, menacing laugh. It hits me like ice. "Where's Mia?" I demand, as a series of dark, twisted images flood my mind, but I push it aside.

I don't wait for an answer, already yanking the wheel, swerving off course.

"I told you not to fuck with me!" Sal's voice crackles through the line, a toxic hiss that sets my pulse racing.

"Please don't hurt her," I beg, my voice trembling, feeling tears hot on my cheeks. "J-Just tell me what you want."

"You ruined my fucking life, so I'm going to destroy yours!" His rage is a wildfire, each word soaked with venom.

"Please, Sal! I'll trade my life for hers," I plead, barely able to keep my voice steady.

"No fucking way!" he shouts, raw and violent.

"Where are you, Sal?" I demand, my fists clenching.

Silence. It's a possibility that he hasn't left my apartment. Adrenaline and dread surges through my veins as I tear through traffic. Car horns blare as I weave between lanes, desperation pushing me forward, my mind consumed with one thought: I have to save Mia and our unborn child.

Please God, keep them safe. 

I usually manage on my own, but this time, I need your help the most. 

"Before I kill this pregnant bitch, I'm gonna fuck her good in every hole. And it's gonna be all your fault."

Cold fury floods my veins, choking each breath as my grip tightens on the wheel, my knuckles bone white. The world outside blurs. It's just his voice now, every sickening word twisting in my mind, each syllable laced with cruelty. My pulse drums wildly, my thoughts tangled in frantic attempts to pinpoint where he could be. My lungs ache, caught between terror and wrath that tear at every ounce of my control.