Debt to the Mafia Prince

Chapter 3

I was back in the same SUV that picked me up an hour ago. I was sitting next to Matteo who was uncomfortably close to me. The road was bumpy, which caused our thighs to rub. I could tell that Matteo was enjoying this a little too much by his smirk that remained on his face; it caused me to feel sick and fidgety.

Every dip and bump in the road made me think of Renzo and his wounds. He must be in a lot of pain in the SUV in front of us and the uneven roads are probably making him worse. I tried to protest against being put in a separate car, I wanted to keep an eye on him and tend to his injuries. However; Ezio wouldn’t allow it and I don’t know what else I should have expected from someone so cold.

I started to recognise the road we were driving along and I knew that Michele’s house was close. I had a pain in my chest at the thought of being so close to home but still imprisioned by Ezio. It was tormenting to think that I was a few feet from safety. We stopped in front of the main gate and one of the guys in the front spoke to the man guarding the gate. After a few seconds, the gate opened and we continued down the main drive. 

Pulling up in front of the house, the car in front opened its back door; my heart skipped when I saw Michele rush out. Panicked and worried, he charged towards the car and Renzo was thrown from. I sat up straight to see if I could get a better view of his condition. I saw him move slightly as Michele tried to pick him up. 

The door shut and we started move once again. Tears rolled down my face as I looked at Michele, he couldn’t see me in the car because of the tinted windows but I could see him. I wanted to run to him, hold him, kiss him... but instead I had to say my goodbyes from afar. Michele looked back at the car as we drove away; oblivious to the fact I was stuck inside. I faced the rear window, allowing my tears to soak my skin as he slowly disappeared in the distance. I turned back and wiped my face; I could feel Matteo’s eyes piercing at me but I ignored him. 

—MICHELE—

“It’s okay Renzo, we’ve got you” Nico said taking Renzo’s arm for support. 

I let go of him and lowered my eyes. I turned back to the car which was driving away and tensed my jaw. I nodded at the guys standing beside the house to give them an indication. They called the men I had hidden on the main road; my plan was to have someone follow them and then report back to me as to where Ezio has been hiding. 

I watched as my men carried Renzo up the stairs and I followed them up. When we entered his room, they placed him gently onto his bed. Nico discussed getting a hold of Karmelo with one of our guys and I walked closer to Renzo. He groaned in pain; I hardly recognised him from the swelling on his face. I scanned his body all the way down to his legs, that was when I noticed Amelia’s jumper tied around his thigh and my breath got caught in my chest. Renzo saw my reaction and he grabbed my arm. 

“She’s okay boss” he grumbled. My tensed expression relaxed slightly and I looked at Renzo. He could tell I was already thinking the worst and he smiled.

“She saved me boss. She came in the room I was kept in and demanded I was freed and brought back here” he explained. I smiled at the thought of Amelia’s stubbornness. 

“She insisted that she came with me to make sure I got back safety” he continued and my eyes widened. 

“She was in the car?!” I exploded. I was so concerned about what they had done to Renzo and where they were hiding that I didn’t even think for the cars to be searched for her. 

“She was in the car behind us, she promised not to do anything stupid” he said. 

“I’m sorry boss”

“Don’t be silly Renzo. There was nothing you could have done. I’m just glad that you’re okay” I forced a smile and then headed out of the room. 

I was fuming at the fact she was within reach of me and I was too distracted to think rationally. I needed to contain my guilt and rage, Renzo is already blaming himself and my anger will only make things worse. I took a few breaths and then headed to my office. 

Tapping the desk with the top of my pen, I stared into thin air as I allowed myself to fade into my thoughts. I was torturing myself, thinking about all of the horrific things Ezio was doing to Amelia. He always looked at her like she was a pot of gold, something to possess and spend how he likes. I know for a fact that he will be taking advantage of her and the more I think about it, the angrier I’m getting. Nico entered the office and called out my name to gain my attention. 

“What?!” I snapped and slammed the pen onto the desk. Nico narrowed his eyes at me and folded his arms. 

“Don’t take your anger out on me brother!” He retaliated. I slumped my shoulders as I let out a frustrated sigh.

“She was in the car Nico” I informed him, placing my hand to my forehead and rubbing slowly. Nico was silent for a second before he replied.

“Didn’t you search...”

“No Nico! I didn’t search the f*****g cars! I was too focused on getting Renzo to safety and having Ezio’s men followed to even think about what was in the other car! I didn’t think that Ezio would be that thick!” I barked at him. Nico took a step back and unfolded his arms. 

“Hidden in plain sight” he murmured. He could tell how much I blamed myself when he glanced at me; he walked over to the desk and perched on the edge. 

“We are going to get her back Michele. Try not to put so much pressure on yourself. We need you to stay strong and completely focused. I can’t do this on my own, we need our leader” he said gently. He was right, if I crumble now then Ezio has already won. I nodded at him and cleared my throat.

“You’re right” I exhaled in defeat.