A War on the Horizon
416 Words
The black SUV sped down the empty highway, the city lights a blur in the distance. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Serena could feel Damian’s warmth beside her, his breathing uneven but steady. She squeezed his hand, grounding herself in his presence.
Marcello kept one hand on the wheel, his other gripping the g*n in his lap. His jaw was tight, his usual cocky demeanor replaced by something colder.
“We need a safe house,” he muttered. “Somewhere Luca’s men won’t find us.”
Serena glanced at Damian. His face was pale, bruised, and smeared with blood, but his mind was still working. “We can’t go to my place,” he rasped. “Too obvious.”
Marcello snorted. “No kidding. Luca probably has people watching every damn street corner.”
Serena’s heart pounded. “Then where do we go?”
Damian hesitated, then sighed. “I know a place.”
Marcello raised a brow. “You sure?”
Damian gave a weak nod. “Trust me.”
Marcello didn’t question it. He just pressed the gas harder.
The Safe House
An hour later, they pulled into a secluded property on the outskirts of the city. The house was small, almost forgotten, hidden behind thick trees and an overgrown driveway.
Serena helped Damian out of the car, her arms wrapped around his waist as he limped toward the entrance. Marcello cleared the place first, checking every room before giving a short nod. “All clear.”
Serena eased Damian onto the couch, her hands shaking. She had never seen him this weak. The man who had once seemed untouchable was now battered, exhausted, and barely holding on.
“We need to clean your wounds,” she whispered.
Damian gave a tired smirk. “You a nurse now?”
Serena rolled her eyes but didn’t smile. “Shut up and let me help you.”
She found a first-aid kit under the sink, and as she dabbed antiseptic on his cuts, he barely flinched. His silence made her uneasy.
“This isn’t over, is it?” she murmured.
Damian’s jaw tightened. “No.”
Marcello leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “Luca Callisto won’t let this slide. He’ll want revenge.”
Serena swallowed hard. “What do we do?”
Damian met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “We prepare.”
A chill ran down her spine.
Because she knew what that meant.
This wasn’t just survival anymore.
This was war.
- Writer
