Chapter 4

Laura's POV

Nicholas took the lead, with his bodyguards spreading out around us, their torch lights illuminating the area, prepared for any potential threats. We followed closely behind, our footsteps muted in the darkness as we heightened our senses.

Upon entering the house, a chilling atmosphere filled the air, enveloping us in an eerie silence. The absence of any signs of life sent shivers down my spine, and the tension in the air was palpable as if the very walls held secrets.

We cleared the downstairs area and now needed to check the three rooms upstairs. Ascending the stairs, we diligently searched the first two rooms, only to find them empty. Finally, we reached the last room at the end of the hallway. The door was slightly ajar, allowing a sliver of light to filter through.

Holding our breath, we pushed the door open, revealing a scene that left us utterly stunned.

The room appeared as though it had been ransacked, with furniture overturned and belongings scattered haphazardly. It was evident that a violent struggle had taken place. Fear gripped my heart as I realized that Mark, Sonia's boyfriend, was nowhere to be found.

"Mark is not here! Mark has been taken" Sonia cried as she collapsed onto a nearby chair, tears streaming down her face. The weight of uncertainty and the possibility of harm befalling Mark crushed her spirit.

"He might have escaped", I said, holding her hand tightly, attempting to console her, even though I struggled to believe my own words.

Nicholas, his typically stern expression softening, placed a reassuring hand on Sonia's shoulder, offering silent support.

"We will do everything in our power to find him," he vowed, his voice infused with determination.

"First, we need to get both of you to the secret hideout and plan our next move from there."

"I'll quickly gather some essentials for us," I said, taking charge. Sonia was too stunned to speak, her gaze fixed on the open space, her mind undoubtedly filled with a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts.

I turned and left the room, with a bodyguard following me, to pack the necessary items we would need for the next few days.

A few minutes later, we were back on the road, heading towards the secret hideaway.

The car sped through the night, our thoughts consumed by worry and a sense of urgency.

Inside the vehicle, the occasional hum of the engine and the sound of our collective breaths disrupted the silence, each breath laden with its weight of apprehension.

As we approached the secret hideout, a flicker of relief coursed through us. This secluded sanctuary offered the promise of safety, at least for the time being. The headlights illuminated the entrance, and the gate swung open, revealing a fortified compound surrounded by dense foliage.

The car came to a halt, and we all disembarked. Nicholas cleared his throat and addressed us.

"We have arrived."

"You both will be safe here," he said, his gaze conveying reassurance.

"First, we all need to convene in the mob room now. I would like to ask you some questions before you retire for the night. Is that okay?" His voice filled with concern.

"Yes, of course," I replied, while Sonia, still unable to speak, nodded in agreement.

We were guided inside the house, where Nicholas' trusted staff welcomed us, a team of skilled individuals dedicated to his protection. Nicholas led us into the mob room, taking charge with his commanding presence, a testament to his years of experience.

He outlined a detailed plan, meticulously considering every aspect to ensure our safety. The bodyguards were strategically positioned, surveillance systems activated, and communication channels established.

"First, we need to apprehend Santos. He is our primary suspect for now," Nicholas stated with conviction.

"We also need any information you can provide that might assist our mission," he added, his gaze fixed on me, waiting for my response.

Clearing my throat, I began to share all the relevant information they requested, ensuring I left no detail unmentioned.

"Good!" Nicholas exclaimed, clearly satisfied with the information provided. He turned to three of his trusted men, Carlos, Jerry, and Antonio.

"Tomorrow, at first light, the three of you will head to the location and apprehend that bastard," Nicholas ordered, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.

"And once you have him, bring him to my basement. Is that clear?" he commanded, emphasizing the importance of the task.

"Yes, boss," the three men replied in unison, displaying their unwavering loyalty and commitment.

"Now, ladies, let me show you to your rooms," Nicholas said, gesturing for us to follow him. We entered the most exquisite rooms I had ever seen, fit for royalty.

"You will stay in one room, while Sonia will stay in the other," he explained.

"No, I want to stay with her tonight. I can't bear to be alone," Sonia interjected, her horror evident in her eyes as she clung to me. It was the first time she had spoken since we discovered Mark's disappearance.

"That's perfectly fine. You can stay together for the night," Nicholas agreed, understanding the emotional turmoil Sonia was going through.

"Now, please settle in quickly. A butler will bring your dinner soon," he added

Before I could voice my lack of appetite, Nicholas interjected, his tone filled with a compelling sincerity.

"You need to eat and rest tonight, please," he insisted, his words igniting a renewed sense of determination within me.

"We will," I affirmed, holding his gaze with gratitude and determination.

"Thank you for everything."

"I will check on both of you tomorrow morning," Nicholas assured us before taking his leave.

Sonia and I sought solace in each other's company, finding strength amidst the shared ordeal we faced. We stayed by each other's side, drawing comfort from the simple act of being together. The weight of everything that had transpired hung heavy upon us, but at that moment, we found a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

*********

A knock on the door startled us awake. I quickly rose from the bed and gently roused Sonia from her slumber. As we gathered our bearings, the reality of our unfamiliar surroundings rushed back to us, along with the memories of the previous day's events.

The knocking persisted, urging me to answer. Opening the door, I was met with the sight of Nicholas entering the room. He exuded an air of confidence and power, his physical presence commanding attention. His appearance was impeccable, his shirt accentuating his muscular frame. I couldn't help but take a moment to admire his striking features before he spoke.

"Good morning, ladies. I trust you slept well?" Nicholas greeted us, his voice carrying a tone of genuine concern.

"Yes, thank you. It was the best rest I've had in a while," I wanted to express my gratitude, but the circumstances held me back. I couldn't dismiss the weight of guilt, especially considering Sonia's boyfriend had been kidnapped because of me.

"How is your wound?" I asked, hoping to divert the conversation away from the distressing topic.

"It has been taken care of by my..." Nicholas's sentence was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He quickly retrieved it from his pocket and answered the call.

"What is it, Carlos?" he inquired, his attention focused on the person on the other end of the line.

"Good, take him to my basement immediately," Nicholas instructed, his voice filled with a mix of relief and urgency. He turned his attention back to us, a reassuring glance directed at Sonia.

"We have him. Santos has been apprehended," he informed us. Relief washed over me, grateful that at least one threat had been neutralized. Thank goodness he wasn't missing like Mark.

Nicholas noticed Sonia's silence and sought to provide comfort. "My men are doing everything they can to find your boyfriend," he assured her.

"Thank you," Sonia whispered, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and desperation.

"You're welcome. Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I have some interrogations to conduct," Nicholas said, preparing to leave. However, before he could make his exit, I halted him.

"Wait! Please, don't kill him," I blurted out, realizing the absurdity of my plea. I needed to explain myself.

"Santos can be intimidating and confrontational. He might attempt to provoke you. Please, don't let anger drive you to kill him," I pleaded, hoping my words would find understanding.

"I am not a monster, darling. I would never stoop to such levels," Nicholas assured me, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. He began to walk towards the door but turned back slightly, a mischievous smile playing at the corner of his lips.

"Unless there is a reason to," he added, leaving me with a mix of intrigue and uncertainty.

"Now, freshen up and go downstairs for breakfast. I will return as soon as I have dealt with business matters," Nicholas said, his tone transitioning back to a more composed demeanor. With those words, he exited the room, leaving Sonia and me to process the whirlwind of emotions that had accompanied his presence.

*********

Hours passed, and Sonia and I patiently awaited Nicholas's return. As the clock ticked past 6 p.m. The door to our room swung open, and there stood Nicholas, bloodstains marring his shirt. Concern etched across his face, he took purposeful strides towards us, the weight of his news palpable in the air.

"I have both good news and bad news," Nicholas began,  voice deep and grave. We exchanged anxious glances, bracing ourselves for the revelation that awaited us.

"Is Santos dead? Why do you have blood stains on your shirt?", I asked in fright.