Twisted Loyalty

Chapter 12: Cold Resolve

Dante

The water runs hot, almost scalding, as it pours over my skin, washing away the blood and grime of the night. I stand under the stream, my hands braced against the cold tile of the shower wall, my head bowed. The tension still coils tight in my muscles. Steam rises around me, swirling like smoke, but no matter how hot the water gets, it can't burn away the rage simmering beneath my skin.

Enzo.

I close my eyes, feeling the heat on my face as the water drips down. My mind isn't on the comfort of the shower. It's back in that house—where I found Sienna trembling, trapped behind that door, Enzo's threats still fresh in her mind. The way she clung to me, scared and vulnerable, haunts me. That bastard put his hands on her, made her feel like she was nothing but property, something to be claimed.

My jaw tightens, anger bubbling up again. I can see Enzo's smug face, hear his voice in my head, and it makes my knuckles itch. I picture him in front of me, just like the guards I dealt with tonight. Only this time, I wouldn't stop. I'd make him feel every ounce of pain he deserves.

The plan was always about Luca—taking him down, dismantling his empire, piece by piece. Enzo was just another pawn in the game, someone I'd take care of in due time. But after tonight? Now it's personal. Enzo hurt her. He terrified her. For that, he's going to pay. I'll make sure he begs for death before I'm done with him.

I push off the wall, letting the water pound against my back, trying to calm the fury boiling in my chest. But it's no use. Every time I think about Sienna—about the way she was trembling, the fear in her eyes—it's like fuel being poured on a fire that's already raging out of control.

He'll beg for death when I'm done with him.

I shut off the shower, stepping out and grabbing a towel. The rush of steam fills the room as I dry myself off, running the towel through my hair before wrapping it around my waist. I catch my reflection in the mirror—my jaw is tight, my eyes darker than usual, the weight of everything hanging heavy on my shoulders.

Focus. Enzo first, then Luca.

I reach for my phone just as it starts buzzing. Nico. Good.

I answer without hesitation. "Talk."

There's a pause before Nico's voice comes through, calm but with an edge. "We're still searching. Enzo's disappeared for now, but we'll find him. Just wanted to check in—what the hell happened tonight?"

I exhale, the anger simmering just beneath the surface. "Enzo was in Sienna's room," I say, my voice low and sharp. "He tried to get his hands on her, acting like she was something he owned. Like she had no choice."

Nico lets out a low curse on the other end. "That piece of shit. He actually did it, huh?"

"He touched her," I growl, grabbing a fresh shirt and pulling it over my head. "He terrified her, Nico. And for that, I'm going to make him pay. I don't care where he's hiding; I want him found."

Nico's voice hardens. "He's a dead man walking, boss. We'll find him."

"He won't just die," I mutter as I yank open the drawer and grab some clean clothes. "He's going to suffer for what he did to her."

I can hear Nico shift on the other end, his tone dark. "When we find him, you'll have the first shot."

"You're damn right I will," I snap, pulling on my jeans, my movements sharp, filled with adrenaline. The image of Enzo with his hands on Sienna keeps flashing in my mind, making my blood boil. "I want him found by morning. No excuses. Make sure the others know—there are no prisoners."