Taken By The Mafia Lord

Marcel realized that when the bullet pierced through his suit.

Truth be told, Big Joe being killed was the least surprise of the day. His death was the cataclysm that would push other events into motion and he saw that coming. Marcel had been expecting the man to be killed by his rival Kenith or yours truly Elijah.

But the smart ass Elijah kept his distance and like him used Kenith as pawns in this game. However, what Marcel didn’t expect was that the prawn would touch an inch of him. Because the instant Big Joe was killed, another shot was fired at him.

Never fail to trust your instincts, Marcel has lived by that notion for years now and it has never failed him. Neither did it fail him when one of Kenith’s underlings shot him in the chest. That asshole!

Luckily for Marcel, he wore a bulletproof vest beneath his suit and the bullet only stunned him without injuring him.

Earlier today, he had this feeling that Big Joe would get back at him because of what happened between him and Arianna. But then, who knew that Big Joe wouldn’t have the “life” left to command such and that sneaky bastard Kenith would take the advantage instead?

It was obvious that Kenith wanted him dead because that bullet was aimed at his heart. His sniper would have probably gone for a headshot if he had gotten one but his -Marcel’s- guards were professional and knew better to shield him from unseen attacks with their body.

After this was over, he and Kenith would have a “nice” conversation.

.....

However, Marcel didn’t have the time to dwell on his vengeance because he realized that this momentary distraction cost him something.

Arianna’s whereabouts.

“Damn it, where is she?!” Marcel cursed as soon as he was helped to his feet. The momentum of the bullet had knocked him out of his seat to the floor and now he rose, he was red in the face; he fell in front of his men.

That was embarrassing.

“I think we must have lost her,” Samuel answered, scratching the back of his head in shame.

Of course, they lost her because they focused their mind on protecting him, the boss.

“Spread the word, I want each and every one of you at the gate, do not leave this place unturned. Remember our opponent is smart and swift, contact me at every slightest suspicion,” He added immediately, “Also if the girl escapes here, you’re as good as dead,”

From the dreadful look on their faces, Marcel was pleased that his message was well received and they dispersed without even waiting for his order. Seconds might not seem like much but it’s a game-changer and they can’t waste it.

Marcel fixed the comms along the back of his ear, that way he would communicate with his men and receive updates on both Elijah and Arianna. With his gun in his hand, Marcel took off the safety, as of this moment, he is in a battle zone. He had to find Arianna.

If Elijah hasn’t found her already?

No, Marcel refused to believe that. So far, his men reported no sighting of Elijah – as if they knew his face – and Arianna was smart, she must be escaping on her own as of this moment. Elijah must be somewhere watching, waiting for the right moment to snatch her.

“Where are you, Arianna?” Marcel muttered to himself, looking around the surroundings. It was chaotic. Where could Arianna be in the middle of this mayhem?

Marcel searched for her, shooting and clearing the nuisances aka members of the Red Giant gang out of his way. He did for a while until his comms came alive with a report, “Boss, I’ve spoken with our men at the gate, none reported catching a glimpse of Arianna nor Elijah and they haven’t left their position ever since,”

Elijah frowned, “Are they sure about that? She could have camouflaged her identity and escaped without them noticing it was her,” He argued.

“Thanks to your ‘solid’ instruction, I bet you they can recognize Arianna at a glance even with closed eyes,”

Feeling a sudden throb, Marcel rubbed his forehead to relieve the headache. He asked, “If she’s not here, where is she? Did she just vanish in thin air?”

“What if she hasn’t left the house?” He heard Samuel’s voice this time.

“Hasn’t left the house?” Marcel frowned over those words. That wasn’t possible. Having studied Arianna from the short time they’ve spent together, he knew she valued her freedom and the first thing she would do in this scenario was to escape. Unless.....

At once, Marcel turned back to the altar, his eyes resting on Big Joe’s body. What if that shot at him – Marcel – was not only to kill him but to cause distraction. Kenith must have been insecure about his presence and thought he was here to rescue her?

Damn.

They took her.

Before Marcel could even issue orders to search the house, he received very interesting news.

“Boss, suspicious movements noticed. Found my way into their control room and I found your girl....”

At the mention of “your girl” Marcel’s face twitched, who said Arianna was his girl. His underlings were beginning to think rubbish. This was all to capture Elijah, nothing else.

“Where is she?” He growled impatiently. Yes, he needed Arianna but he had to make sure she was alive. Marcel needed her alive, not dead.

“I think she’s with him, Elijah. The suspect is wearing a mask and from the look of things, they’re trying to make their way out of the house. We should hurry now if we want to capture them.”

Good.

The hour has come.

At the mention of Elijah, it seemed as if every noise around him ceased, the world stood still and that piece of information was the only thing he could hear.

Everyone knew his beef with Elijah ran deep and it wasn’t something that could be settled with words of apology. Elijah had to be judged and would pay for his crimes with his own blood.

Finally, he had him where he wanted him, Marcel’s blood zinged with anticipation. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on him.

“Listen to me,” He began to issue instructions, “Block all entrances and make sure not even a mosquito escapes that house. The Elijah I know would likely take the backdoor to minimize exposure. Sadly, I’ll be the one waiting for him there,” Marcel said while staring at the witness hole of his pistol to inspect how many rounds there are in the magazine.

He went on, “You all are there as a secondary option in case I fail. Remember this, your enemy is quick and extremely skilled, do not hesitate to shoot,” He remembered, “And don’t be fooled, he’d never use the girl as a hostage.”

As soon as Marcel was done with his instruction, he went to the nearest backdoor. Thanks to his underlings tracking them through the camera, this was the closest backdoor from where they were.

There were two other back exits and Marcel knew that well because he had his people scout this house a week ago, giving him time to imprint the map in his head. He knew literally everywhere in this house.

The door was open and he hid behind it, positioning his body in an attacking stance, his gun at the ready. Elijah wouldn’t know what hit him. Even if he did know, it would be a fight to the death – Marcel forgot to mention that part to his men.

However, confusion wrinkled his brows the next minute when he heard, “They came through the front door!”

How was that possible? Why was Elijah facing them head-on when he had no support? Has he become suicidal? Unless....

Marcel didn’t have the time to think about the second option – he didn’t exactly like – because he heard, “She’s coming in your direction, boss. Be ready.”

Well, this was easier than he thought. The bunny delivered herself on a platter of gold for him.

So instead of his gun, Marcel switched it for the shot specifically brought for her. Marcel knew Arianna would never come peacefully with him, so to avoid unnecessary incidents, sending her to sleep was the best option.

Marcel kept watch and even before she stepped out of the house, he saw her reflection in the glass door. She was running with no care where she was heading – right into his arms.

Focus man!

As soon as she came out, he grabbed her before she could recognize who he was, not to think of fighting back, piercing the needle into her neck.

A little gasp came from her mouth probably from the sting of the injection, her eyes widening fearfully when she found out it was him.

Marcel pulled out the needle. He was done.

“No, no, no....” She choked, tears glittering in her eyes.

“Shh,” Marcel pressed his finger against her lips before he wiped the tears off her face.

“Sleep, you need it,”

He said the magic words as sleep took over her.