Dante POV
The night air felt so stiff as I watched Isla's running figure till she went out of sight.
I stood rigid staring at nothing, my hands were glued in my pocket as series of emotions were rushing in, I was torn between anger, guilt, and duty.
I know her gentle heart will be in so much pain right now and I feel for her. The feeling of being betrayed by a loved one is excruciating.
I flipped the light switch on and sat slowly on the couch.
Rubbing my hands together, I knew I have to put an end to Lucas's menace soon.
This chase is getting unreasonably long, I pulled my mobile phone out of my pocket and dialled Lucas's number. He picked almost immediately.
I heard his rugged voice at the other side of the line.
"Let's meet up, let us put an end to this" I said in a low tone.
I heard him let out a brief laugh as he answered "With all pleasure"
We both conclude on the abandoned warehouse at the end of the city as the location, a place where the eyes of justice couldn't reach. But I believe I still held the upper hand as I have more men than him.
I muttered the rest of the details and I ended the call.
Lucas's increased arrogance made me realize there must be more to his recent behaviours, even though he was fearless but not as this. It feels differently as if he is being fuelled by something or someone else.
I stood up and left the study, making sure I locked it this time. I got to my room and laid straight on the bed trying to get some sleep against tomorrow but I couldn't, the anger I felt made me twist and turn through the night as sleep eluded me.
The morning came, I clipped my wristwatch around my wrist as I have been fully dressed way before daybreak. I got to the dining awaiting Isla's presence. Few minutes after waiting, she showed up with swollen face and red eyes which I'm sure it's a result of crying herself awake or maybe she didn't get to sleep as well. It was obvious she beat herself up pretty bad last night and I made an inward promise to make it right.
Just like most times, we had our breakfast in silence and she managed to swallowed few bites before excusing herself from the table.
I checked my watch for time and gathered my men around, I prepped them and told them to be vigilant in case Lucas decides to pull some stunts.
I made way inside one of my luxurious car and my loyal subject Darren started the engine. Four extra vehicles followed behind mine and moved as a convoy. After almost an hour of being driven, the ride finally comes to an end. I stepped out of the car and pulled my black sun shade on, concealing my eyes and emotions. I noticed I was here earlier and walked towards the ruined warehouse entrance.
One of my men already provided me with a chair, but I couldn't sit as my emotions was running deep. I saw Lucas arrive with tons of his men obviously preparing for the worst also.
I stood with my hands in my pocket while keeping my gaze cool as he walked towards me. We both gave each other a distrustful look and didn't bother to exchange any form of greeting and went straight to business.
I started the conversation and stating
"Isla is mine now, I think its best you stop your obsession over her and leave her be"
"And this time I have a more generous offer" I continued.
I gave him a cheque that housed a huge sum of money of a hundred million dollars.
I know the amount isn't easy to come by and I knew Lucas should not be stupid enough to decline it.
I watched him as he read the content of the paper, his reactions were plain at first but then suddenly, he started laughing, a loud laughter that echoed through the silent warehouse.
I saw Darren from the corner of my eyes shifting uncomfortably and knew he was angry. I raised my hand to stop whatever act he had in mind and he settled back.
"This is your last chance, Lucas, No more games" I said coolly.
"I don't need chances, Dante" he replied in a low serious voice.
"Isla is mine, whether married to you or not, I want her back, this has nothing to do with your money" Lucas said and continues "I bought her, I own her" he finished.
My anger was already at it peak but I managed to control it for all our sake, I tried to be civil and reason with him once more.
I took few steps towards him.
"It's the reason I'm giving you ten times the amount you paid, for your troubles" I said.
But he remained unmoved and said, "Either her or nothing"
Being angry is an understatement of my emotion at the moment, I was furious. I watched him walked out of the warehouse with his men. I felt insulted but then I calmed, it wasn't the best time to start a fight.
I told my men to also gather and leave the area.
Throughout the journey home, I couldn't get over Lucas's arrogance, even with the air conditioner on full blast, I felt suffocated and released the first two buttons on my shirt.
The vehicle came to a stop in the garage and I walked out.
With each stride I took, I felt more angry. Out of nowhere, I threw a punch into the wall frustrated. It scared the maid cleaning the area, she saw my face and left hurriedly.
I felt a renewed surge of anger, I knew I could have put an end to him at the spot but I had to calmly think and avoid all the reserved war to protect the life of my men.
I held the wall as my breath keeps on coming out in pants, I knew there is no more reasoning with Lucas any more, he has made up his mind and I know there is only one more solution now.
WAR! And I promise it will be bloody!