Twisted Loyalty

Chapter 33: Break in

Sienna

The days have blurred together into a strange kind of bliss, a reprieve from the chaos I've known all my life. Dante's home has become a sanctuary for me, and the man himself—he's everything I never expected. The way he holds me in his arms at night, the way we make love, slow and intense, like the world outside doesn't exist, like we have all the time in the world. It's been weeks since I've heard from my father, and I'm almost daring to believe that this could be my life now—safe, happy, with Dante.

Today, Dante had to leave for business, and for the first time in a while, I find myself alone in the house. It's strange, the silence, but it's not unwelcome. I've been lounging in the bedroom, flipping through a book I found on one of the shelves, wrapped in one of Dante's oversized shirts that still smells like him.

I'm at peace.

Until the front door slams open downstairs.

The sound reverberates through the house, the force so violent that I can hear the door hit the wall. My heart jumps into my throat as I freeze, every sense on high alert. Slowly, I close the book, setting it aside with shaking hands as I stand up from the bed. My first instinct is to head toward the door, to see what's happening—but then I hear it.

His voice.

"Sienna!" My father's voice cuts through the house like a knife, and I freeze in place, my breath catching in my throat. "Come out, Sienna. I know you're here."

No. No, no, no, this can't be happening.

I feel my chest tighten with fear as I creep toward the door, listening to the heavy footsteps moving through the house. His voice is closer now, and I hear him talking to others. He didn't come alone.

"I know you're hiding, Sienna," my father taunts, his voice echoing through the hallways. "You're making this harder than it needs to be. Come out and let's talk. It's time for you to come home, piccola."

My heart pounds so loud I swear he must be able to hear it from downstairs. I glance around the room, my mind racing. My phone. I need my phone.

I grab it from the nightstand, my hands shaking so badly I almost drop it. I fumble with the screen, trying to stay quiet as I quickly find Dante's number. The phone rings once, twice. Please pick up. Please, Dante. Please.

He answers on the third ring.

---

Dante

I'm standing at the construction site of one of my new businesses, watching as the crew works on laying the foundation. It's going to be one of my more ambitious ventures, something I've been planning for months. The sounds of drills and hammers fill the air as I scan over the plans with Nico.

That's when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance at the screen and see Sienna's name flash across. I smile, thinking it's just her checking in. I swipe to answer.

"Hey, baby," I greet her, my voice casual.

There's a moment of silence on the other end, and then I hear it.

Her breathing—ragged, panicked.

"Dante..." Her voice is barely a whisper, and every muscle in my body tenses immediately. "My dad... He's here."

"What?" I bark out, my heart lurching into my throat as her words register. "What do you mean he's there?"

"He found me," she chokes out, her voice trembling. "He's in the house. I can hear him—he's looking for me. Dante, there are others. I don't know how many."

Cold panic rushes through me. "Fuck." I'm already moving, grabbing my keys and nodding sharply to Nico, who sees the urgency on my face. "Stay where you are, Sienna. I'm coming. I'll be there as fast as I can."

But I'm hours away.

My stomach twists painfully at the thought as I race toward my car, my mind running a thousand miles an hour. I slam the door shut and start the engine, peeling out of the parking lot, my tires screeching as I tear down the road. "Stay on the phone with me," I order, trying to keep my voice calm, but I can't stop the edge of fear creeping in.

"I'm scared," she whispers.

"I know, baby, I know. Just stay quiet. Don't let him hear you." I press the gas pedal harder, my heart racing in sync with the speed of the car. I'm praying—fuck—I'm praying I get there in time.

She's silent for a few moments, and all I can hear is her shaky breathing. Then there's a noise in the background—a door opening, heavy footsteps. I hear her gasp softly.

"He's close, Dante. He's right outside the room."

Fuck. I tighten my grip on the steering wheel until my knuckles turn white, adrenaline pumping through me like wildfire. "Stay calm. Don't move."

She lets out a soft whimper, and then I hear a crash—a door being kicked open.

"Sienna!" her father bellows. "There you are."

There's a sound of scuffling over the phone—a struggle—and my heart stops. "Sienna!" I shout into the phone, but there's no response. Just the sound of something hitting the ground. And then silence.

"Sienna!"

I wait, holding my breath. Nothing. Fuck!

A voice cuts through the silence, cold and detached. Luca.

"Well, well, Dante Costa," he sneers. "I figured you'd pick up."

My blood boils instantly, but I force my voice to stay calm, even though rage is bubbling under the surface. "Where is she?" I growl.

"She's here," Luca says, but his voice lacks any real emotion. There's no warmth, no concern. It's like Sienna doesn't matter to him at all, except as a pawn. "But let's not pretend this is about her, Costa. This is about you. You've been keeping something that belongs to me."

"She doesn't belong to you," I snap. "She's not some possession you can control."

There's a pause, and then Luca lets out a low, almost bored laugh. "You really think this is about her? She's nothing more than a means to an end, Dante. You took what's mine. You made a fool of me. That's the only reason I want her back—because no one takes from Luca without paying for it."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I've known Luca was cold, cruel, but hearing him talk about his own daughter like she's an afterthought—like she's nothing—it makes my blood run cold.

"If you lay one hand on her, Luca—"

He cuts me off, his voice smooth, almost amused. "You really don't get it, do you? She's not important in this. I'll take her back because I can, because it shows I'm still in control. But if she gets hurt along the way..." He trails off, as if he doesn't even care to finish the thought.

"I'll kill you," I growl, my voice low and deadly. "If you hurt her, I swear to God, Luca, I'll tear you apart."

"Big words from a man who's miles away," Luca says, his tone still infuriatingly calm. "But sure, Costa. Let's see if you make it here in time. Maybe we'll even have a little chat when you do."

Before I can respond, the line goes dead.

I slam my fist against the steering wheel, fury coursing through my veins. Fuck!

I speed down the highway, but all I can think about is her—Sienna—and how I'll tear the world apart to get her back.