From Aliya to Hafiz

Forty-eight.

Hafiz.

"Thank you for your investment," I shook the hands of the man opposite me. He was a Hispanic businessman who was interested in investing and he thought Elfain Jewellery had potential so he reached out.

"Happy cooperation," he nodded. "Excuse me, I still have another engagement."

I nodded, then watched him and his secretary walk down the hall to another private room. I was contemplating going back to the apartment to catch up on some sleep when my phone rang with an incoming call from Nikita.

"Sir! You need to come back now! Right now!"

"What's up Nikita? Miss me? You sound anxious," I entered the elevator and pressed the ground floor, then loosened my tie.

"Miss O'Conner—!"

A loud crash cut her off. I straightened in alarm, hand tightening on the phone. "Nikita, what's happening over there?"

"Miss O'Conner brought two men and dragged your wi—Aliya into the ballroom! The door is locked and I can't get in through the windows—!"

A cold chill ran down my spine.

"What the fuck do you mean!? Get the damn spare keys and open up the door goddamn it!" I furiously pressed the ground floor, willing the elevator to descend faster.

"I can't find any! I looked everywhere! I can't break the door down—!" A scream came from the speaker.

I trembled.

I knew that voice.

Aliya!

"What the fuck is happening!? Who did that bitch bring!?"

"Daniel Patterson and Usher Brown—!"

"Fuck! Shit! Nikita, listen to me, tell that slut if she touches even a strand of hair on my wife's head, I'll kill her! Tell her she'll regret it!"

"Yes, si—"

I cut off the call and dialled Nine. He picked up on the first ring.

I ran as I spoke, getting into my car and revving up the engine. "Go to the ballroom on the ground floor and restrain all the people in there! Secure my wife and make sure she's safe!"

He sounded as lazy and laidback as ever when he replied. "An assassin broke in?"

"Hurry up!" I barked. "Please."

He went quiet for a beat before answering. "Got it."

I cut the call.

"Please be okay," I whispered, stepping on the accelerator. "Please."

I dialled her number, it rang until the call cut with no answer. Cussing, I dialed Bailey next but she cut the call. When I called again, her line was switched off.

Oh, this bitch is dead.

The ride back to the estate had never felt longer, my tensed nerves only somewhat relaxed when Nine called to tell me it was done. When I arrived, I didn't even kill the engine before I sprinted to the ballroom. The doors to the hall were wide open, showing me the scene inside.

Bailey was screaming like a banshee as Nikita restrained her while the two fuckers Daniel and Usher sat on the ground with their hands tied. My eyes looked around the room in alarm, heart constricting when I saw her huddled in the corner, trembling.

Her hair was uncovered, clothes rumpled.

No...

I stalked towards her, reaching out to her. "Aliya!"