Emerald

46. The strong lead

( Nicholas POV )    

'' I told you to be gentle with that bandage for the third time! '' I growled at Sebastian who tightly tied a wrap around my arm.

'' Don't be a big baby it's just a muscle pull.'' He replied.

It has been three days since I've last seen jade; every fibre in my body is worried about her safety. My sure guess is that Alejandro must have taken her into hiding, but my concern still stands. Even though Alejandro has experienced the mafia much better than me. 

'' Lucien any track? Why don't we check the hotels? '' Sebastian questions holding a plate of rice with chicken gravy towards him.

'' I don't think a mafia leader would choose to keep jade in a hotel seb,'' Lucien answered taking the plate from Sebastian as he thanked him.

'' They need a place to be on the low, a motel? '' Marco popped up as he looked at the map of new york; there were different markings on the map which showed us our areas that we have covered.

'' Motels are a risky place, they are far off towards the forest side and the need for basic things like food and drinks are quite far off,'' I said walking towards Marco.

'' We need a stronger lead. Alejandro won't keep jade in a motel, he won't keep her in a hotel either... check for rented rooms! '' Sebastian spoke

'' rented rooms? '' Marco questioned as he raised his eyebrow a small smirk rising on his lips.

'' don't think dirty. I used to rent rooms for myself when I was abroad and working a family was kind enough to give me some sort of shelter.'' Sebastian replied gruffing in response.

'' It's been ages since I wanted to rent a room,'' Marco exclaimed leaned against the table.

'' yeah obviously nothing good can come out of you other than your sperm,'' Sebastian said as Lucien chuckled.

'' Damn brother when was the last time you got your tool wet? '' Lucien asked in between laughs.

''Three months back. '' Marco replied nonchalantly as he groaned.

'' Sounds like a situation which a committed man would say,'' Sebastian added.

'' Found a girl Marco? '' Lucien teased his eyes not leaving the computer screen.

'' More like a blood-sucking journalist. '' Marco mumbled

'' Shit, that sounds painful. '' Sebastian responded

'' Should I be worried? '' I asked looking at Marco.

'' When it comes to Marco I think we all should be worried. Fratello here probably has fifty-plus kids running around.'' Lucien said as he chuckled.

'' Shut the fuck up before I shove my gun up to your ass,'' Marco growled

'' Can we all just focus! '' I growled slightly irritated at where the conversation was going.

'' I found her! '' Lucien said, the minute those words left his lips I jumped out of my place and lunged forward towards the screen.

'' Where? '' I asked as I felt some sort of peace flow through my chest.

'' I don't know where this place is but I spotted her entering a grocery store just half an hour ago,'' Lucien continued

'' the owner is... Sebastian? '' He finished as he passed a suspicious look at him

'' you have a grocery store? '' Marco asked amused looking at the hidden secret our brother kept from us.

'' We need to leave.'' I declared

'' Athena forced me to! '' He mumbled looking at me.

'' Let's go before they change their location,'' I started picking up my shirt from the sofa and grabbed my gun.

'' There's no need for that.'' A voice reverberated through my office.

He walked in carrying a gun in his grasp as he took forceful strides towards me. The minute he was with my reach he smirked and placed the gun on my head. Marco hoisted his gun on his headline; I placed my hand on his arm and motioned him to set his gun down. He was hesitant at first but when I firmly called out his name he back off.

'' You laid a gun on her head! Is that what Guiseppe taught you!'' Alejandro said as he punched me on my jaw.

'' You haven't lost your strength...'' I croaked out in pain.

'' But you have lost your manners! '' He yelled and punched my abdomen.

'' I'm sorry,'' I said adhering my head down as I adjudicated not to let all the prevented feelings stream out in presence of him. But it was so arduous especially because he reminded me more of father.

'' I'm sorry for not giving you a chance to speak, for not trusting you. I've made you suffer a lot by sending assassins and trained killers to kill you. I put your life in danger and didn't let you breathe peacefully. I'm sorry for accepting what others had to say about you; I never recognised that I was losing personally and trusting their actions but not your words. The day I shot you... I thought I killed you, I thought finally justice was served to Madre and padre, But ever since that day there hasn't even been once that I haven't missed you.'' I stopped as I breathed for some time. ( mother and father.)

'' When I heard that you survived no matter how angry and frustrated my mind was; my heart had found a silent peace knowing that you were still alive. But I couldn't bring myself to terms with what happened that night, every time I thought about hearing you out my brain would always win the rational thought against my heart. I'd have no choice but to crave your blood on my fingers. '' I continued.

'' And in this bargain... I dangered someone who meant the world to me, I lost someone who did nothing but support and love me. No matter how much I apologise I know that I am wrong and saying sorry is the best I can do to make things better.'' I finished as few tears strayed down my cheeks.

I anticipated a slap on my face and more blows, but I was coincided by a warm hug and enfolded in a man's arm's who poured out his fatherly affection towards me.

'' Stupido Ragazzo! Quante volte ti ho detto di controllare la tua rabbia.'' He mumbled holding tightly onto me. ( Stupid boy! How many times have I told you to control your anger.)

I pulled back and watched as Alejandro wiped his tears and placed his gun back in his coat pocket. He laid his hands on my shoulders as he looked at me with a smile.

'' So you were the one who sprayed all the red paint on the wall and taped a CD to it,'' Sebastian asked

'' Who else would know mama's worlds better than Alejandro,'' Lucien said as he came forward and hugged him.

'' I've waited so long for this moment and finally, I have my boy's back.'' He said as he pulled out a blue phone case, I was quick to remember that colour.

'' They have taken her. '' He said

'' What did they say? '' I questioned as the blood rushed through my veins I felt myself become instantly protective of my woman.

'' Come to the place where you played as a child.

Under the moonlight, your reflection will shine like art.

Come soon my darling or your beloved jade will be ripped apart.'' he finished