“Oh, it’s not about what I want,” he said, chuckling. “It’s about what I need. You see, I have a little vendetta with your dear Keaton. He’s wronged me, and I need to settle the scores. And you, my dear, are the perfect bait.”
I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. “I won’t call him. I won’t get him involved.”
Viktor’s smile faded, and he leaned closer. “You will, or things might get unpleasant for you, Mrs. Gebbert. Let me explain something—Keaton is not just a businessman. He’s the Don of one of the most powerful Mafia groups in this city. He’s ruthless, and he knows how to handle problems. But even he can’t ignore a call from his wife, especially when her life is on the line.”
My hands trembled as I clutched my phone which he handed to me. I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want Keaton to be in danger because of me, but Viktor’s cold, unforgiving eyes told me I had no choice. I dialed Keaton’s number, praying he would understand the urgency.
He answered on the second ring. “Lissa, what is it?”
“Keaton,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady. “I need you to come here. I’ve been taken… they want to—”
“Lissa, I’m with Lacey right now,” he said, cutting me off. “She’s pretty shaken up, and I need to be here for her.”
I felt like my heart stopped. “Keaton, my life is in danger! I’m telling you—”
He sighed. “Look, I’ll check on you later, okay? I’m sure you can handle whatever’s going on.”
The line went dead. I stared at the phone, disbelief washing over me. My husband, my protector, the man I thought would move heaven and earth for me, had just told me that he was too busy keeping Lacey company to care that I was in danger.
I looked up, my hands shaking, and saw Viktor smirking at me. “Well, well, Mrs. Gebbert,” he said, his voice dripping with mockery. “It seems your beloved husband doesn’t care as much as you thought.”
I felt something break inside me, a searing pain that cut deeper than any wound. Keaton was choosing her over me.
Viktor’s men started closing in, their laughter echoing around the dimly lit room. “Maybe we should teach this one a lesson,” one of them sneered, his grin revealing a row of yellowed teeth. “Make sure Keaton learns not to mess with boss Viktor again.”