Chapter: 66: Long gone
Damien
The hum of the car engine was the only sound in the quiet night. I turned to look into the car to see Lily asleep in the back seat, her small hands curled up into fists and her tiny face peaceful, unaware of how far she had crept her way into my heart. Her sleep was so peaceful, a contrast to the gnawing unease I was feeling.
Elena had gone to relieve herself a few minutes ago. And she should have been back. I was starting to get restless.
I turned my head toward the dimly lit gas station, my fingers drumming against the steering wheel. Turning my head toward Priest, who stood a few feet away, his stance relaxed but his gaze vigilant. He was good at his job, yet even he hadn't moved—meaning he hadn't sensed a threat. The man missed nothing— that should have reassured me but it didn't.
My gut told me something was off.
Something just wasn't right.
"Priest."
"yes."
"Go check on Elena," I ordered. I couldn't sit still waiting any longer.
Just a minute after Priest's departure I heard a commotion. Coming from the side of the building.
My blood ran cold— something must have gone wrong. I trusted Priest but I wasn't going to stand on the sidelines.
I decided to approach from the outside of the building, keeping my steps light. My heart hammered against my ribs and that's when I saw her.
Elena.
A masked man had her pressed against his body, one arm locked around her waist, the other gripping a knife—pressed close to her throat.
I could hear him growling threats, his grip tightening on her.
"Stay still, Elena, unless you want me to ruin that pretty neck of yours," the bastard sneered.
Elena was shaking in fear but she didn't struggle. Priest was now in front of them his hands held up high.
"Make one wrong move and I won't hesitate to slit her throat where she stands," the bastard's voice rough and edged with panic.
My fingers dug into my skin. My rage almost caused me to make a rash decision but I couldn't, I couldn't put Elena in any more danger.
Priest was motionless, looking right at them calculating, waiting for an opening. His face was unreadable, but I knew him well enough to see he had noticed my presence.
Priest tried engaging the man in conversation to distract him. "You don't want to do this. If it's money you want I can get you any amount you want,"
He laughed. " you think I'm stupid. You're just going to capture me the moment I let my guard down."
Luckily for us, the bastard was stupid and oblivious to the fact that I was now standing behind him with a mace I found in my hands.
And with one swing I knocked him out, grabbing his collar I yanked him off her, throwing his body violently on the hard ground. I wanted to kill him but couldn't let things get messy in front of Elena.
"Damien." Elena's sobs diverted my attention from the man who now lay sprawled on the ground.
"Hey, hey. I'm here now, you're safe," I said trying to comfort her in my arms.
Looking up at Priest, he already knew what to do. He went ahead to immobilize the man.
"Did he hurt you?"
She answered nodding negatively. "I thought I'd never see Lily again," tears fell from her eyes. "I thought I wouldn't see you again," she added holding me tightly.
"I won't let anyone take you away from me," I reassured her.
Lifting her in my arms I heard a loud grunt. I turned my head to see Priest grabbing his arm and the knocked out bastard sprinting for the nearby forest.
"What the hell, Priest?" I barked. Till he turned around and I saw he had been stabbed in the arm.
How he escaped needed no explanation. My eyes trailed to the mask Priest was holding. "Did you at least get a good look at his face?"
"Yes, I should be able to track him down."
"He called Elena's name which could only mean he knew who she was. This wasn't a random attack.
"I want him caught. No mistakes Priest." My voice was stern.
"Yes."
"Good. Go get that treated. I'll handle the rest," I ordered. I wasn't heartless to keep him on duty in that state.
I took Elena back to the car. She was still shaking up. I placed her in the passenger seat and fastened her seat belt when I saw the faint red line where the blade had pressed against her skin.
My jaw tightened at the sight. "You and Lily are coming home with me."
She looked at me disapprovingly. "No negotiations Elena," my words firm.
"What about Jenna?"
"I'll send my men there."
"So can't I——" I cut her off " No Elena, I'm not letting you out my sight." My voice left no room for argument.
"I'm sorry," I said placing a kiss on her forehead. "I won't risk leaving you by yourself… so just trust me." I closed the door and got into the driver's seat