Chapter 22 A blindfold slipped from my eyes , and pain lanced through my temple . Something warm trickled down the side of my face blood from where the crash had thrown me against the window . My vision swam , doubling and trebling before settling into focus . Valentina ! Val , look at me . Lorenzos voice cut through the fog in my head . I tried to reach up to touch my bleeding temple , but my hands wouldnt move . Rough rope bit into my wrists , binding them behind the hard wooden chair I sat on . My shoulders ached from the awkward position . Im here , I managed , my voice raw . My eyes found Lorenzo across the room , tied to a chair like mine . His suit was torn , blood staining the collar of his white shirt . A bruise darkened his jaw . Weak light filtered through broken windows high above us . The abandoned building smelled of rust and decay , metal beams stretching up into shadows . Water dripped somewhere in the darkness , each drop echoing through the empty space . Are you hurt ? Lorenzos eyes scanned me , checking for injuries . Even bound and bleeding , he radiated that fierce protective energy that made me feel safer just being near him . Just my head . I tested the ropes , but they only dug deeper into my skin . The crash- Was planned . Lorenzos voice dropped low , dangerous . They had a team . Professional . I should have seen it coming . My stomach twisted as I remembered Dominics smile through the windshield . The messages from Camilla . This wasnt random theyd orchestrated every moment . A door creaked somewhere behind me . Footsteps echoed off concrete , getting closer . Lorenzos expression hardened , his eyes fixed on something or someone I couldnt see . Well , well . Camillas heels clicked against the floor as she circled into view . Look who finally decided to join us . Dominic strode in behind Camilla , pulling her into a deep kiss that made my stomach turn . She melted against him , shooting me a triumphant smirk ¥ : 95 % : 58 Sun , 2 Mar over his shoulder . Dark figures emerged from the shadows at least six men in tactical gear , weapons strapped to their sides . Professional hitmen , just like the ones whod run us off the road . My heart hammered against my ribs . Excellent work with the intel . Dominic nodded to the men . Right where you said theyd be . He crossed the room toward me , each step deliberate . My muscles tensed as he leaned down , his cologne choking me . That familiar cruel smile spread across his face the one Id seen so many times before hed hurt me . Remember what I promised you , Val ? His fingers gripped my chin , forcing me to look at him . About making sure youd meet the same end as your parents ? Ice flooded my veins . Dont you dare touch her . Lorenzos voice was pure steel . Dominics grip tightened painfully . Ive been planning this for a long time . Watching . Did you really think you could just walk away from me ? The police will- I started . The police ? Camillas laugh echoed through the warehouse . Theyre already writing this off as another tragic car accident . No ones coming to save you . Pain exploded across my cheek as Dominics hand struck me . The force snapped my head to the side , making my vision blur again . The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth . Lorenzos roar of rage echoed through the warehouse . The ropes creaked as he strained against them , his face transformed by fury . Dominic threw his head back and laughed , the sound bouncing off the walls . Look at him the mighty Lorenzo Constantine , reduced to this . His fingers dug into my jaw again , forcing me to face him . Did you really think running to a mafia boss would keep you safe from me ? I tried to jerk away from his grip , but he held tight enough to bruise . You have no idea how long Ive been building this network . He leaned closer , his breath hot against my face . Every crime family , every underground connection I have my fingers in all of them . Thats how we managed to unite them against your precious Lorenzo . 11:58 Sup 2 Mar O His knuckles cracked across my cheekbone . Stars burst behind my eyes . Ill kill you ! Lorenzos voice was raw with rage . I swear on my life , Ricci , I will tear you apart piece by piece- Youll do nothing . Dominic grabbed a fistful of my hair , yanking my head back . Youre going to watch while I finish what I started with her . Then youll get to join her parents- another tragic accident . Such a shame . Touch her again and there wont be a place on earth where you can hide from me , Lorenzo snarled . Ill hunt you to the ends of the earth . Everything youve built , everyone you love Ill destroy it all . Dominics grip tightened in my hair . Big words from a man in ropes . Should we show him how powerless he really is ? Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!