24. Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Isabella Bianchi

M y head is spinning, and I'm nauseous. For a moment after I wake up, I can't feel my legs. Panic sets in, but no sound escapes me.

Where am I?

This doesn't feel like my comfy bed at the hotel; the mattress is cold and stiff against my back. The last thing I remember was heading back to my room from the hotel lobby after picking up something Gabo had sent me. For some reason, the hotel staff wasn't allowed to let the delivery person upstairs. I didn't think anything of it. I just thought I'd get the package and go back to my suite to finish getting ready.

After I signed the tablet the nice young man gave me, I went to press the button to call the elevator. I can't remember a single thing after that.

Slowly, I try to open my eyes, but my eyelids feel heavy, as if weighed shut. When I try to move, the cut of metal digs into my wrists.

What the heck?

I move my arms, but they seem to be tied to something. My wrists ache, chafed and raw from rubbing against something for a while. My skin feels irritated, burning painfully.

Am I chained?

A cold sense of dread takes over.

"Easy, Isabella," a familiar voice says.

I stop moving, trying to figure out where the voice is coming from. When the person doesn't speak anymore, I try to ask, "Who are you? Where am I?" My voice is a whisper; it even hurts to swallow.

"There will be time for that later. Rest for now." The voice draws closer, and I feel a pinch. Then, my brain goes blank.

I have no clue how long I've been out, but at least now, I can open my eyes. When they adjust to the light, I notice I'm in a cabin; everything is made out of wood. And I am indeed chained to a bed.

What the actual fuck ?

There are trees outside, too many to see beyond them.

Who would have wanted to hurt me this way? Why did someone target me? Maybe they got the wrong person? Or am I here because I'm involved with Gabo? He has never told me why he is so adamant about me having a security detail, but maybe there was a threat I wasn't aware of?

Ugh, this is so frustrating. I wonder if Gabo has noticed I never made it to the gala. And what happened to Aldo and Rocco? Maybe they got captured, too?

"Aldo, Rocco. Are you guys there?" I shout as loud as I can, but all I hear is silence. I won't let my mind spin to the worst possible scenario; they need to be okay. I've grown fond of them. I love how they are so careful and respectful with me, like a set of older brothers.

"Hey, I need to use the restroom. Let me out."

More silence. I start rattling the chains, but they don't budge. My wrists are bruised— how long have I been here? Suddenly, the door opens, and a man enters the room. I assume it's a man because the figure is tall with defined muscles. He wears a mask that covers his entire face except for the eyes. Slowly, he removes the locks on each of the chains, pinning me to the bed— first my feet, then my hands.

"Do not try to escape. There's nowhere to run," he warns me.

The thought crosses my mind, but I'm too weak and disoriented to try to run. I need to find out what's going on before I do anything.

Once I'm free of the chains, the man helps me to my feet. My legs are wobbly, and it takes me a couple of minutes to start walking. Once I do, I start to scan my surroundings. The room is simple; it only has a bed, and the chains are attached to the floor. Has this man held someone captive here before? The mere thought gives me goosebumps.

Once outside the room, I notice the rest of the cabin is a large open space with a small kitchen and a living area. On the opposite side of the room, there's another door. The man points toward it, and I walk, assuming it's the bathroom. When I open the door, it's pitch black. I touch the wall, looking for a light switch. When I finally find it, I turn on the light. The bathroom is very small: a sink, a toilet, and a one-person shower. There are no windows, which explains the complete darkness. I do my business, and while washing my hands, I try to think of ways to escape. Then, there's a knock on the door.

"Time's up, Isabella. Come out now," the man says, and I sigh deeply. I need to find a way to let Gabo know that I'm okay.

Once I'm out of the bathroom, I scan the living space, looking for anything to use as a weapon, but so far, there's nothing. Everything is made of wood; there are no pillows, no blankets, no decor. Nothing. The man grabs me by my arm and guides me to the breakfast bar by the kitchen. I try to pull my arm away, but he only tightens his grip until I wince.

"Why are you doing this? Do you want money? I have plenty. Let me make you a wire transfer, and you can let me go."

The evil cackle that comes out of his mouth is frightening.

"You're more naive than I thought. You are here to pay for the sins of your family. I couldn't care less about your money."

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out; I think my brain is still foggy from whatever drug he used to sedate me.

What on earth is he talking about? Is this about my parents? Maybe they owe this guy money? But their social circle is in Argentina .

Nothing makes sense.

"There are many things you don't know about your brother."

I bring my eyebrows together in confusion.

"The one you think the world of."

I'm still confused; I love both of my brothers. When I don't say anything, he continues talking.

"Luca ruined my life. I've waited patiently to get my revenge. Never in a million years did I think his little sister would cross paths with me, but here we are."

My head starts spinning. What is this guy talking about? The moment he takes off his mask, my eyes grow as big as saucers, and my hands fly to cover my mouth. I can't believe this.

"Hi, Isabella. Do you know who I am?"

When I don't answer, he says, "I'm the last person you'll see before you die."