The chaos at the docks was relentless. Bullets whizzed through the air, sparks flying as they ricocheted off metal containers. Dominic moved with deadly precision, taking down anyone in his path. His men followed suit, pushing back Matteo's forces with sheer force.
Vincent, crouched behind cover, reloaded his gun and shot Dominic a look. "Matteo's not here."
Dominic gritted his teeth. Of course, that bastard wouldn't show up himself. This wasn't just about attacking his shipment—Matteo was distracting him.
Then, as if confirming his thoughts, his phone vibrated. He pulled it out, blood running cold at the message displayed.
Matteo: You left something unprotected. Such a shame.
Dominic's breath hitched. "Elijah."
Without hesitation, he turned to Vincent. "We're leaving. Now."
"But the fight—"
"I don't give a damn about this fight," Dominic snarled, shoving his gun into his holster. "Matteo's after Elijah."
Vincent didn't argue. He barked out orders for their men to hold the docks before sprinting after Dominic, who was already making his way to the car.
---
Back at the estate
Elijah's fingers hovered over his phone. He had debated calling Dominic, but he knew the man was handling business. Don't be paranoid, he told himself.
But then, the shadow outside moved again.
Elijah's breath hitched. He wasn't imagining it.
Heart pounding, he grabbed the nearest object—a glass bottle from the table—and stepped toward the window. Slowly, he pulled back the curtain, expecting to see nothing.
Instead, dark eyes stared right back at him.
Elijah barely had time to react before the window shattered, an arm reaching in to grab him. He swung the bottle instinctively, smashing it against his attacker's face.
"Shit!" the man growled, stumbling back. But before Elijah could bolt, two more men rushed in through the front door.
Elijah fought back, kicking one in the stomach and trying to make a run for it. But strong arms wrapped around him from behind, lifting him off the ground.
"Let me go, you piece of—!" Elijah thrashed wildly, but it was useless. A cloth was pressed against his mouth. A sharp, sickly-sweet scent filled his nose.
Chloroform.
His vision blurred, his body going limp. The last thing he heard before darkness swallowed him was the sound of a familiar voice.
"Tsk, tsk. Did you really think Dominic could protect you forever?"
Then, everything went black.
---