Chapter 30

CHAPTER 30

AURORA

I slowly open my eyes, groaning softly. I'm in an unfamiliar room. It's pretty big. There's an unfamiliar window behind me. I'm shocked to find that I'm not tied up. I hurriedly rise to my feet, wincing softly at the pain coming to life in the side of my head from the crash.

The last thing I remember was the sound of a loud bang as we were hit from behind by another car. We were heading home to the compound. And then suddenly, there were two cars following us, trying to run us off the road. Danny and I swerved to the right, and he managed to stop the car right before we slammed into a tree. Then there were these men who knocked Danny out and I'm guessing they knocked me out as well.

This all feels very much like déjà vu. I walk toward the only window in the room, my heart leaping in my throat when I look outside to find that I'm several floors up in the building. I release a soft breath, trying not to panic, but I can't help it. When I place my hand on my forehead to check, there's some blood on it. I don't think it's a serious injury, but I'm terrified. What if the baby got hurt in the crash?

I hold my stomach as I stand still, my gaze stuck on the door as I wait for my captor to appear. I have to remain calm and assess the situation. I'm not dead yet, so that has to count for something. Whoever it is needs me alive.

The doorknob turns suddenly, and I freeze as it opens. My kidnapper walks inside. It's a man I don't recognize. He looks to be in his early thirties with dark hair, with a cruel smirk playing over his face.

"Hello, Mrs. Nicolas Ramirez!" he greets me enthusiastically.

He gestures for the door to be shut, and the two men standing guard outside do so immediately.

I stiffen slightly at that but manage to ask, "Who are you?"

"Your husband never told you about me?" he asks. "My name's Santiago. Ring any bells?"

My jaw clenches. Nico mentioned that he'd been searching for this man for a while. I'm guessing he found us first.

"Ah, so he's told you about me. Good. It would interest you to know that your husband and I were good friends. At least until he put a bullet in my stomach, that is."

I stay silent, trying to gauge his angle. There's an unhinged quality to him and anger in his blue eyes, despite the pleasantness in his voice.

"You don't believe me?" he asks, pouting. "I can show you."

I flinch backward as he approaches, lifting his black shirt to show me an ugly-looking scar.

"The other bullet went through my thigh," he continues. "You can see that one too."

My mouth drops open when he reaches for the buckle of his jeans.

"No! I don't need to see it, thanks," I hurriedly say.

"You sure?"

It's become increasingly clear to me that the man standing in front of me is certifiably insane.

"What do you want from me?" I venture.

He shrugs, running a hand through his hair. "Not much, if I'm being honest. You're just here to lure that husband of yours. I already called him, actually. I told him to come alone if he didn't want you dead. Do you think he'll listen?"

My heart pounds in my chest with a mix of fear and hope. Nico's already on his way. But I'm terrified that something will happen to him.

"I hope he doesn't," I say before I can stop myself.

Santiago grins. "We'll see, then. Do you want to play a game while we wait?"

I shake my head, maintaining my position against the wall and as far away from him as possible.

"No thanks," I whisper.

"But I know so many good ones."

The minutes stretch into an eternity before I hear footsteps echoing in the hallway. The door swings open, and Nico steps inside. His eyes find mine immediately, a mixture of determination and concern in them. He studies me from head to toe, and I see when he takes note of the blood on my face.

"Nico," I breathe, relief flooding through me.

He offers me a quick, encouraging smile before his gaze shifts to Santiago.

"Let her go," he orders.

Santiago chuckles, shaking his head. "I know you're Don now, Ramirez. But I don't take orders from you."

"Where's Sebastian?" Nico grits out.

My heart races at the sound of my godfather's name. Sebastian's involved in this?

"He went to meet up with some man called Marco. Said he needed insurance if things went wrong," Santiago replies easily. "Where's my money?"

"I've already made preparations to wire a million dollars into your account as soon as I walk out of this building with my wife," he adds, barely restrained anger in his tone.

Santiago smiles. "Do you really think I'm going to let you go? Just like that? I'm assuming you saw the number of men currently in this building. They'll kill you as soon as I give the order. Your pretty wife as well. Wire the money now. Time's ticking. When Sebastian gets here, this whole situation leaves my control."

Nico glares at him before reaching inside his jacket to pull out his phone. After a couple of seconds, he shows Santiago the screen.

"There. I've sent your fucking money."

My jaw drops. Did he seriously just give in to this lunatic's demands? Nico always has a plan, so I refuse to believe he's here without one, but right now it seems like Santiago's holding all the cards. Right now, the man's grinning like he knows that.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Nicolas. Now let's talk about the last time we saw each other."

Nico tilts his head to the side. "You mean when I shot you twice and then killed all your men? Sure, what about it?"

"Like I told you over the phone, I forgive you for that. You and I were played. I lost and I'm trying to be the better man here."

"I applaud your effort," Nico drawls, clearly growing tired of the conversation.

"But I also hate winning so easily, so how about we have another match?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

Santiago steps toward Nico, squaring his shoulders.

"You and I have a fight. No guns, no weapons. If you win, I'll let you and your wife walk out of here, no problem. But if I win, I get to cut up your face and throw your wife out the window. How loud do you think she'll scream as she falls down to the ground?"

My stomach heaves. Nico's eyes darken at the threat.

"You really want to fight me?"

"Sure," Santiago shrugs, pulling a gun from under his shirt. He gestures for Nico to do the same. I'm surprised he was allowed to walk in here with his weapon. It shows how cocky Santiago is.

Both men place their guns on the floor a few feet away. I continue to watch the insanity with bated breath.

"Let's see if you're as tough as you think you are, big guy," Santiago taunts.

Without warning, he lunges at Nico. They collide, fists flying, grunts and the sound of flesh hitting flesh filling the room. I watch in horror, my heart in my throat as they grapple, each trying to gain the upper hand.

Nico is winning, his strength and skill evident as he lands blow after blow. But then, suddenly Santiago pulls out a knife, the blade glinting ominously in the dim light. My breath catches in my throat, fear surging through me.

Nico's eyes narrow. "Fuck you, bastard. You said no weapons."

"And you believed me? That's cute."

Santiago slashes at Nico, who narrowly avoids the blade. The fight becomes more desperate, the stakes higher. I glance around the room, my eyes landing on one of their guns. My heart stops when the knife lands on Nico's arm, slashing his skin. Blood drips down onto the floor of the room.

"No," I breathe, fear gripping me.

I have to do something. I reach for the gun, my fingers closing around the cold metal. I can't believe I've found myself in the same position I was in so many years ago. Surprisingly, my hands don't shake as I hold the gun this time.

I already saved him once and I'd do it again and again and again.

"Nico!" I call, needing him to move out of the way as I take aim.

Both men look at me and Nico's eyes flash with anger when he notices the gun in my hand.

"No! Drop the fucking gun, Aurora," he growls.

His command is sharp, punctuated by rage. Before I can react or do anything, he turns back to Santiago who has an amused expression on his face. With a powerful punch, he knocks the knife out of Santiago's hand, sending it clattering to the floor.

Nico tackles him without hesitation, pinning him to the ground. He lands a final, devastating blow, and Santiago goes limp, unconscious.

Nico stands, breathing heavily, his eyes still fierce. He rushes to me and rips the gun from my hand.

"You're not fucking doing that again!" he yells. "Do you understand?!"

"I was…I was just trying to save you," I breathe, my heart racing in my chest as I'm filled with the overwhelming need to touch him.

"I don't need you to save me, Aurora. I'll take all of the darkness upon myself. I'll be the monster if it means you get to keep your soul. Okay?" he asks softly, placing his hand on my cheek.

I nod and he doesn't hesitate before lowering his head and kissing me. The kiss is passionate, longing personified, and I respond in kind. We're still not out of danger, but I grip the front of his shirt, holding him tight and leaning in to the way my body goes alight at his touch.

Nico pulls away too soon, his hand going up to my head. He touches the bleeding cut and I wince softly. His eyes darken with rage.

"I'm going to kill every single person responsible for this. I'll make them regret ever doing this to you."

"You're hurt too," I point out, my gaze going down to his arm, which is still bleeding.

I rip off the sleeve of my dress before quickly fashioning a makeshift bandage to stop the bleeding. He lets me, watching quietly as I work.

"Where's Vlad?" I ask quietly, because according to Santiago, this building is filled with men and we're not going to be able to get out without backup.

Nico's lips thin. "Not here. But he should be in a couple of minutes. Don't worry, baby."

I watch as he pulls a small headphone from his pocket and puts it in his ear.

"Dominic, are you in position?" Nico asks.

I'm guessing whoever can hear him answers in the affirmative because he nods once, his eyes moving outside the window. "All right. Wait for my signal."

I arch an eyebrow.

"Your uncle's here," is all Nico says before his expression becomes closed off.

He grabs one of the guns on the floor, his posture lined with tension. I realize that this would be the moment to tell him the truth that I'm pregnant, but before I can get a word out, the door is slammed open. Sebastian walks in with two bulky men behind him, their guns raised. Nico slowly moves to stand in front of me.

"Idiot," Sebastian curses in Italian as he takes note of Santiago lying unconscious on the floor.

"I would have killed him, but you know I've always enjoyed torturing the people that cross me," Nico says to him, his voice devoid of emotion. "Stop this now, Seb. And maybe you'll get to live."

"Bold words from a man who's all alone in a building filled with my men. You are not walking out of here alive, Nicolas. Kill him," he says to one of his guards.

They aim their guns at Nico's chest.

"No!" I shout, rushing out from behind Nico to stand in front of him.

He tries to pull me back, but I don't budge. The men hesitate, looking to their boss for answers, which is what I was hoping for. I have to believe he wouldn't just kill me.

"What are you doing, Sebastian? Nico's your Don!"

I hate that a man who fought by my father's side for so long is betraying what the outfit stands for like this.

"Aurora," Sebastian drawls. "I'm sorry you had to be brought into this. Your father would be disappointed with who you chose to spend your life with. Now, be a smart girl and move."

"No," I say stubbornly. "If you want to kill him, you'll have to kill me first."

"Aurora!" Nico growls from behind me.

"Don't tempt me, cara . I loved your father like a brother, but Valerio was always too kind and unwilling to do what was necessary.'

"He would be rolling in his grave over this," I spit.

Sebastian glares. "If you're not going to move, I'll ask my men to shoot you."

And I can tell he means it. I panic at that, my body becoming rigid. But I still don't move.

"Do the right thing, zio," I plead.

"It's too late for that, cara ," he says, and he sounds genuinely regretful.

"Dominic," I hear Nico whisper behind me, right before he pushes me back. He takes aim and fires at the guard on Sebastian's right.

Two other shots are fired in quick succession after. For a second, I think it's Nico that got hit. But when I look forward, Sebastian's on the ground with a bullet wound in the middle of his forehead. The small window in the room has been shattered. Whoever Dominic is probably shot him. I struggle to find compassion and sadness within me as I stare at my uncle's dead body. He made his choices. The other guard is dead as well.

I breathe a little easier, glad that we're safe once again. Nico whirls around, fear in his expression.

"What the fuck were you thinking standing in front of me like that?"

"I was protecting you," I say, my eyesight getting blurry. "Nico, I need to tell you…."

The words never make it past my lips. I fall forward into Nico's arms, my vision going black.

When I open my eyes for the second time that day, I'm in a hospital room.

"Aurora?"

I blink, looking to the side and into Sabrina's green eyes.

"Oh, thank God, you're okay," she breathes. "I couldn't reach you all day. I kept calling your number. Nico only just told me you were here an hour ago."

I start to sit up, feeling an IV tube dig into my arm. Sabrina helps me, and I start to recall what happened.

"Where is he?" I ask.

"He's okay. He's getting his arm sewed up in the other room."

I release a long breath as a sense of relief takes hold of me. Then my eyes widen, and my hand goes down to my stomach.

"Is…I'm pregnant, Sabrina. Is the baby okay?"

"Yes, it's fine," she quickly assures me, clutching my hand. "The doctor said you were showing symptoms of dehydration and stress. That, coupled with the head wound, is why you passed out. But you and my little niece or nephew will be okay."

The fist around my heart relaxes, and tears fill my eyes. I'm so sorry, baby. I promise I'll take good care of you from now on.

"Does he know?" I ask in a soft voice.

"About the pregnancy?" Sabrina questions. "Yes, he does, darling. The doctor told him. I'm sorry."

I hate he had to find out that way. I really wanted to tell him on my own.

"How did he take it?"

Sabrina shakes her head. "I'm not sure. He just seemed more worried about you and how you were. He didn't really react much to the news."

Doubt starts to niggle at my insides. Maybe he's angry, and he's really opposed to having a child. My stomach churns at that. Because everything that happened today has proven to me that I want him in my life more than I've ever wanted anything else.

I've been such an idiot. I've wasted weeks second-guessing myself and him as well. He's only ever done all he could to protect me. And I should have seen that from the start.

"Sabrina, I need to talk to him."

"Okay," my friend says, helping me out of bed.

I wheel the IV stand in front of me as I follow Sabrina to the room Nico is in. I suck in a small breath before I open the door. Nico is seated on a chair. There's a bandage around his arm, but otherwise, he's okay. His gaze zeroes in on me, and I'm unable to discern what he's feeling.

I walk into the room, and he stands, walking toward me. When he stops in front of me, it's like he's gained a few inches of height. I swallow softly as I look up at him.

"What are you doing up? You should be resting," he states.

"I'm really sorry, Nico," I apologize, needing to get that off my chest.

He doesn't react, except for the clenching of his jaw.

"Get back into bed. Now."

"No. We need to talk," I say stubbornly.

His eyes blaze.

"Oh, so now you want to talk? When were you planning on telling me you were pregnant? Or were you not going to tell me at all?"

My heart lurches in my chest. "Of course I was going to tell you."

"Are you sure, Aurora? Or were you coming home to tell me that it's over? That could have been your plan. To run away again without even telling me you were pregnant."

Okay, I deserved that.

"I was going to tell you," I say in a hard voice. "I just didn't know how you'd react. I don't know if you truly want this baby."

"Aurora, you have my child growing inside of you. Of course I want that. And before you argue that I'm only saying that because I know you want the baby, that's not what's happening. I might love you more than life itself, but that doesn't mean I'm incapable of loving our child as well."

My heart clenches and I'm blown away by his admission.

"You just said you love me," I say in awe.

His brows furrow. "Why do you look so surprised? Of course I love you. I've loved you since I was a kid. You consume my every waking moment, Aurora. And I'd do anything for you. Even if it means letting you go."

My eyes widen. "I'm sorry, what?"

Nico's expression is hard as he speaks.

"Our time is up, Aurora. Four months, and then we part ways. isn't that what you wanted?"

"What? No. I don't want that anymore."

He looks away at that. "Aurora, I'm not going to let you continue to stay with me because of the baby."

Oh God. Emotions clog my throat. This is all my fault. I slowly take his hand in mine, holding him closer.

"Hey, I want you to look at me," I prompt, and he does so slowly. "I love you, Nicolas. I know it's hard to believe me, given my track record. And I know I haven't exactly made it easy for you to trust me, but Nico, I promise I'm not going anywhere. I want to be here with you. I'm tired of running. I'm tired of fighting it. I've loved you since I knew what loving someone entailed. I've felt everything for you for so long, and I just…I need you to believe that," I whisper softly.

He stares into my eyes for the longest moment and everything else falls away. Then he exhales a quick, relieved breath, shutting his eyes for a second. He reaches up to caress my hair in gentle strokes.

"Are you sure, mi vida ?"

I nod. "More than anything else in the world."

I spent weeks trying to think through a decision, but my heart decided in an instant.

"I'm nothing without you, Aurora. And if you asked me to give up my position as Don for you, I'd do it in a heartbeat."

My breath hitches, and I shake my head.

"I don't want that, Nico. You earned your position, and I'm going to stand by your side every step of the way. For the rest of our lives."

"The rest of our lives," he murmurs, lifting my hand and kissing my palm. "It sounds like something straight out of those romance movies you hate."

I smile, wrapping my arms around his waist and inhaling his scent, reveling in his closeness.

"Actually, I think they might be on to something," I say with a smile. "Happily ever afters do exist."

Nico lifts my chin up and his mouth clashes with mine, tender and raw, filled with boundless desire.

"I love you so much, mi vida ," he whispers.

"I love you, too, Nicolas."

There's still so much to look forward to. I have a lot of healing left to do, but I know without a doubt that I'll be okay as long as I have him by my side.

The End.