The tension in the room was palpable as Damien's team worked to finalize their plan. Blueprints, encrypted devices, and weapons were scattered across the table, a stark reminder of how high the stakes were. Elena sat in the corner, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. No matter how many times Damien assured her that this would work, the fear gnawing at her refused to subside.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked as Damien approached, his expression unreadable.
"Positive," he said, crouching in front of her. "We've run every possible scenario. We've accounted for everything."
Elena frowned. "And what if they figure it out? What if they hurt her before we even get there?"
"They won't," Damien said firmly, his hand resting on her knee. "These people are greedy, predictable. They'll want to draw it out, make a spectacle. That buys us time."
"Time," she echoed bitterly. "It doesn't feel like we have any."
"We have enough," Damien said, his voice softer now. "But you need to trust me."
She searched his eyes, desperate to believe him. "I do. I just... I can't lose her."
"You won't," he said, his hand brushing her cheek. "I promise."
The weight of his words, the sincerity in his gaze, made her heart ache. In this moment, he wasn't the ruthless billionaire or the man shrouded in mystery. He was someone who cared—deeply.
"Ready to go, boss," Marcus said, interrupting the moment.
Damien stood, his expression hardening. "Let's move."
The abandoned warehouse was dimly lit, its towering ceilings and rusted beams casting eerie shadows. It was the kind of place Elena had only seen in crime movies, and now she was at the center of her own real-life nightmare.
Damien's team spread out, each member taking their position with practiced precision. Elena stayed close to Damien, her heart pounding as they waited for the kidnappers to arrive.
"When they show up, stay behind me," Damien said, his voice low. "No matter what happens."
She nodded, clutching the tiny earpiece he had given her. "What if something goes wrong?"
"It won't," Damien said, his gaze piercing. "But if it does, Marcus will get you out."
The idea of being separated from Damien terrified her, but she didn't argue. There was no time.
Moments later, the sound of car engines echoed through the warehouse. Headlights cut through the darkness, and Elena's stomach twisted as three black SUVs pulled to a stop. Men in dark suits spilled out, their faces shadowed but their weapons visible.
The leader stepped forward, his swagger radiating arrogance. He was tall and lean, with sharp features and a predatory smile. He held a phone in one hand, and with the other, he gestured toward one of his men.
The back door of an SUV opened, and Elena's breath hitched as her mother was dragged out. Her wrists were bound, and her face was pale, but she was alive.
"Mom," Elena whispered, her voice trembling.
"Stay here," Damien said sharply, his hand tightening on her arm. "Let me handle this."
He stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate. The leader's smile widened as Damien approached.
"Blackwell," the man said, his voice dripping with mockery. "I have to admit, I didn't think you'd actually show up."
"You have something that belongs to her," Damien said, his tone cold. "Let her go."
The man laughed, a sound that grated against Elena's nerves. "Oh, I don't think so. See, we had to go through a lot of trouble to get her. I think I'll keep her for a while."
Damien's jaw tightened. "Name your price."
"My price?" The man tilted his head, feigning thoughtfulness. "How about her?"
He pointed at Elena, his smile turning cruel. "Hand her over, and I'll let Mommy dearest walk free."
Damien didn't flinch, his eyes locked on the man. "That's not going to happen."
The man's smile faltered, and his tone grew sharp. "Then you're wasting my time."
Before anyone could react, a deafening explosion shattered the silence. The kidnappers scrambled as smoke filled the warehouse, obscuring everything.
"Go!" Damien shouted, grabbing Elena's hand.
They ran toward her mother, who was coughing and disoriented. Damien's team moved with precision, neutralizing the kidnappers one by one. But as they reached her mother, a gunshot rang out, the sound echoing in Elena's ears.
She turned to see Damien collapse to the ground, blood spreading across his side.
"Damien!" she screamed, dropping to his side.
His face was pale, but his eyes were sharp as he gritted out, "Get her out of here. Now."
"No! I'm not leaving you!" she cried, her hands shaking as she tried to stop the bleeding.
"Elena, listen to me," Damien said, his voice firm despite the pain. "I'll be fine. Go."
Tears streamed down her face as Marcus appeared, grabbing her arm. "We have to move, Elena. Now!"
She looked between Damien and her mother, torn apart by the impossible choice. But as the chaos around them escalated, she realized she didn't have one.
"I'll come back for you," she whispered, her voice breaking.
And then she was running, her mother's hand in hers, as Marcus led them toward the exit. The last thing she saw before the doors closed was Damien, clutching his side as he prepared to face their enemies alone.