Under His Protection

Chapter 39: Unfinished Business

The compound was silent in the dead of night, save for the faint rustle of leaves outside and the hum of security systems standing guard. Travis sat at the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees and hands clasped together, staring at nothing in particular. The dim light from the hallway barely illuminated his face, but the tension in his posture said enough.

Taylor stirred behind him, her voice soft and sleepy. "Travis? What's wrong?"

He glanced over his shoulder, eyes dark and unreadable. "Nothing, Angel. Go back to sleep."

"Liar." Taylor pushed herself upright, pulling the sheets up to her chest. "You've got that look again."

Travis's lips twitched into something that might've been a smile if it weren't so sad. "What look?"

"The 'I'm plotting revenge, but I'm pretending everything's fine' look." She scooted to the edge of the bed, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Talk to me."

He let out a long breath, his hand reaching up to cover hers. "I can't shake this, Taylor. Santino's quiet. Too quiet. He lost you, but it doesn't feel like he's giving up. He's biding his time for something bigger."

Taylor frowned, pressing her cheek to his shoulder. "Then we stay ready. You've already made sure we're secure."

Travis turned to look at her, his thumb brushing across her cheek. "It's not just about us anymore. You're carrying our boys. I have to be ten steps ahead. I can't afford to screw this up."

"You won't." Taylor held his gaze, unwavering. "You're not alone, Travis. You've got Patrick, Ross, and even me. We're in this together."

He stared at her for a long moment, searching her face before nodding. "I just... I need to finish this. For you. For them." His voice dropped lower, more dangerous. "I want Santino to know he made the biggest mistake of his life coming for what's mine."

Taylor swallowed at the intensity in his tone but didn't shy away. "Then let's figure out the next step."

The next morning, Travis met Patrick and Ross in the study, his determination sharp as steel. They gathered around the large table, the surface scattered with files, photos, and blueprints.

Ross tapped a folder with his knuckle. "We got a lead on one of Santino's men—Enzo Caprio. He's been sniffing around a warehouse on the east side."

Patrick leaned back in his chair, rubbing his jaw. "Caprio's small-time, but if he's been spotted, it means Santino's men are regrouping. Probably trying to move resources while they think we're still in the dark."

Travis's eyes narrowed, his mind already working a dozen angles. "We need to hit them before they think they're untouchable again."

Ross smirked. "That's more like it. So, what's the plan?"

Travis dragged a folder across the table, flipping it open to reveal a detailed map of the warehouse and surrounding area. "We move fast, take out their legs from under them. No warning. If Santino's making moves, I want him to feel like the walls are closing in."

Patrick nodded in agreement. "What about Taylor? You can't leave her unprotected right now."

"I won't," Travis said firmly. "I've already got extra security on her and her mom. Taylor won't even know I'm gone."

Ross raised a brow. "She's gonna hate that."

Travis's mouth curved into a knowing smile. "Yeah, but she'll forgive me. Eventually."

Back at the main house, Taylor sat on the patio with her mom, a cup of tea cradled in her hands. The late morning breeze carried the faint smell of flowers from the garden, offering a rare moment of peace.

"How's Travis doing?" her mom asked gently, breaking the silence.

Taylor sighed, her gaze drifting toward the treeline. "He's holding everything on his shoulders, like he always does. He wants to protect us so badly, but I worry about what it's doing to him."

Her mom reached over, patting her knee. "You're good for him, Taylor. You remind him that he's not invincible—that he's allowed to lean on someone, too."

Taylor smiled faintly, though her worry still lingered. "I just wish this would all be over."

"It will be," her mom said softly. "And when it is, you'll have your family. A fresh start."

Before Taylor could respond, a sharp knock came at the front door, breaking the calm.

Taylor exchanged a glance with her mom before getting up to answer. Two of Travis's men stood on the doorstep, their expressions unreadable but serious.

"Everything okay?" she asked cautiously.

"Travis wanted us to let you know he's handling something. You're safe here, but we're keeping an extra eye on the property."

Taylor frowned, crossing her arms. "What's he 'handling,' exactly?"

The men hesitated before one of them replied, "It's best if you don't worry about that, ma'am."

Taylor's jaw tightened, but she knew pressing them for answers wouldn't get her anywhere. "Fine. Tell Travis I expect him back in one piece."

Meanwhile, Travis, Patrick, and Ross arrived at the warehouse under the cover of early afternoon shadows. Travis moved with deadly precision, his instincts sharp as they navigated the perimeter.

Ross motioned ahead. "There. Two guards."

Patrick smirked. "I'll take left."

Travis didn't hesitate. "I'll take right."

The takedown was swift, the guards collapsing silently before they could raise an alarm. The trio slipped inside the warehouse, weaving between crates and steel beams. The air was thick with dust and the faint hum of machinery.

They found Enzo Caprio in the back office, his feet kicked up on the desk like he didn't have a care in the world. That changed quickly when Travis kicked the door open, his gun raised and aimed.

"Hello, Enzo." Travis's voice was calm, but his presence was terrifying. "We need to have a little chat."

Enzo scrambled to his feet, his hands raising in surrender. "I-I don't know anything, Kelce. I swear—"

Travis stepped closer, his eyes cold. "You've been running errands for Santino. Where is he?"

Enzo stammered, sweat dripping down his forehead. "I don't know—he moves around too much! I just deliver the goods. That's all."

Patrick grabbed Enzo by the collar, slamming him against the wall. "Then tell us where you dropped them last."

Enzo's eyes darted nervously between them. "It was—" He hesitated, his lips trembling. "It was the old steel mill on the west side. That's all I know!"

Travis exchanged a look with Patrick and Ross before stepping back. "Let him go."

Ross frowned. "You sure?"

Travis's jaw twitched. "For now. He'll run back to Santino, and when he does, Santino will know I'm coming."

As they walked out of the warehouse, Travis's phone buzzed. He glanced down at the screen and froze.

It was a text message. A photo of Taylor—taken from outside the house.

"You should've stayed out of this, Kelce. Now it's too late."

Travis's grip tightened around the phone, his fury barely contained. Patrick noticed and swore under his breath.

"What is it?" Ross asked, alarmed.

Travis's voice was like ice. "Santino's not done. He's coming for her."

Without another word, Travis sprinted for the car, his mind racing. He couldn't lose her—not now, not ever.

And if Santino wanted to play, then Travis was ready to end this once and for all.