Reigning Love. (A Sequel To Boundless Love) (Christian Romance).

19 || THE TIDES TURN! (PART 2) 💜

As the men approached, a subtle nod passed between Joe and Mariana. One of the men stretched out his hand in an attempt to hold her. With blinding reflexes, she grabbed his arm and twisted it bringing it behind him. The burly man barely had a chance to fight back before he was being pushed to the ground, a knee pressed on his spine. A guttural cry escaped his lungs as he landed face first on the floor. Mariana looked up, smiling when she saw that Joe had managed to subdue the other guy in a firm headlock. Her joy was short lived however when a cold hard metal was pressed onto her temple.

"Let him go!" Mario said corking the revolver. Mariana froze, fear washing away the small sense of victory. She locked eyes with Joe who eased the choke hold.

They had a plan. One that required time, time to get Joe back to his full strength, time to alert the princess of her impostor husband and time to catch Mario red handed. But as that revolver pressed harder to Mariana's temple, the pair knew that time was up. An apologetic look passed between them as they both let go of their captors. Joe was all over a sudden on the receiving end of fast flying fists.

"Leave him alone," Mariana bellowed, trying to free herself out of her captors clutches.

"Mmmh, interesting!" Drawled Mario, watching the fire burning in her green orbs. "And here I was wondering why my intimacy with a particular princess wasn't having the desired effect, looks like you found yourself another source of affection Joe." He snickered, lifting his hand, the furious pummeling stopped. "Mariana's a tough one, I gotta hand it to you. Anyway, my princess awaits." He gave another signal and Mariana was led towards the door, shooting a sympathetic look towards Joe who lay on the floor, clutching his bleeding nose.

********

A couple of hundred meters away, on a hilly landscape lay Alexander in his camouflage watching the white mansion, just like he had been the past three days. He had watched all the movement around the compound and memorised the security personnel routine to a tee. He hadn't seen either the woman whose image, all he had to go by was a description sent to him via email; raven black hair, green eyes, lean frame. Or the princess's kidnapped fiancé. Today was supposed to be his last day of stake out before he came up with a plan to infiltrate the white mansion. His plans had however changed when a silver Range Rover pulled into the drive way and out came the easily recognisable Mario Moretti. The Italian was accompanied by two burly men as they hastily made their way into the mansion.

A few minutes had passed before they emerged again dragging a vicious woman with them. He clutched his binoculars closer and zeroed in on her. She was putting up the fight of her life but even from this distance he easily recognized her as Mariana. Her frantic movements to get away from Moretti's burly men bore no fruit as they continued dragging her. Suddenly, Mario who was walking a few paces ahead stopped, whirled back and swung his hand landing a resounding slap on her cheek. The hard hit took her out immediately. Satisfied, Mario continued matching ahead to his waiting Range. He signalled and the two men continued dragging the unconscious woman down the driveway. Mario then got into his car and drove off.

"They are going to kill her!" Murmured Alexander. According to the report he had received, Mariana was a wild card, Giovanni didn't know which side she played on. But having watched the little exchange between her and her supposed employer, he would assume she was an ally, for now. Besides, she was the only one who knew where Joe was. Alexander needed to save her from the clutches of Moretti's goons. He quickly emerged from his hide out, gun on the ready and made his way down the hill.

*******

Lifting himself from the floor, Joe winced in pain as his body remembered every blow. He looked around the room, in his furry, Mario had not remembered to search it. His smoothie still sat on the desk untouched, a bottle of water sat under the desk just as he had left it. His unmade cot spotted a few traces of blood, a reminder of the brawl. He quickly crossed to the bed and pushed aside the pillow. A black bound leather Bible stared back at him. A warm wave of peace washed over him. He reached for it and hugging it close, remembered how he had come to acquire it. After his deal with Mariana, all he asked for was a Bible, she had looked at him sceptically but he was unwavering. Remembering of the change he had witnessed in his best friend a couple of months ago, not to mention Halima's miraculous recovery, he knew this God they spoke of was real and if anyone was to get him out of here alive, it would be him.

*******************************

Mmmmhm. I know this is short...see you next weekend.
💞💞💞💞

Thank you for reading.

God bless you all.

June.