Finding Forgiveness

“Thank you so much.”

I entered the dingy, dark corridor and I counted four doors on my right.

There was a guard that unlocked the door for me and then just Leo, a table, some kind of recording device, a camera and a small, weak bulb.

“Ella!” he exclaimed standing up and breaking the handcuffs holding his hands behind his back and pulling me into a tight hug. “Please tell me the kids are safe.”

I shook my head as a tear ran down my cheek.

“They have Cato,” I whispered.

His jaw clenched as he looked at me.

“Cato,” he repeated almost inaudibly. “Has Blair closed the borders? Sent out men? What about Luca? What is he doing? And my Dad?”

“Blair is doing everything he can and last time I saw Luca, he was driving full speed after the car that took him. Antonio’s helping too and the police are on it too.”

“This was their plan. Get me out the picture and then strike,” he replied putting his head in his hands. “I need to get the fuck out of this place,” he hissed kicking the table so that it fell over and the recording thing smashed onto the floor.

At that point, my phone began to ring. It was the no caller ID again. Leo suddenly looked up and took my phone out of my hand.

“Is this Andrea?”

“Probably,” I said as he moved his thumb to swipe across. “Wait. Let me answer it,” I interjected.

Leo nodded and handed my phone back to me. He was practically shaking with fury so I took his hand and held it in mine as an attempt to calm him down.

“So by now, you should have somehow realised that my men have your precious son,” Andrea’s voice said. “The heir I believe?”

“Where are you taking him?” I growled.

“Oh relax, will you?” he said in a sadistic kind of tone. “If you do exactly as I say, I won’t lay a finger on him.”

I exchanged nervous looks with Leo.

“I’ll do anything. Just do not hurt him,” I begged. “Please.”

“Brilliant. Pop down to Mexico alone and we’ll deliver him straight back,” he replied in a cheerful tone.

“How do I know you’ll do it?”

“What choice do you have but to trust me? And if you try anything smart, Blanca. I’ll kill him without hesitation. You know that I ain’t fucking around here. I want you and only you. I’m not gonna settle for anything else.”

He then hung up leaving me rushing with anger, desperation and fear.

“I have to go,” I said looking up to Leo who had heard every word.

“No fucking way,” he replied grabbing my wrist.

“Then what do you suggest?” I asked looking down at his fingers wrapped tightly around my wrist. Not gonna lie, it kind of hurt. “They have our son, Leo. We are in no position to do anything but what he says.”

“There has to be another way,” he stated adamantly as he looked down at me with his big blue eyes.?”I am not going to allow you to sacrifice yourself when I have an entire army at my disposal.”

“You heard what he said. Trying could risk Cato’s life and that is not something I am willing to gamble with,” I said trying to break out of his grip.

“And your life is not something I’m just going to let slip away either,” he replied in a deeper tone.

“Leo,” I uttered. “Let me go or I will fight you.”

“So I’m supposed to just sit and watch my mate go off to her death? What makes you think they’ll give our son back anyway?” he asked. “Martinez cannot be trusted.”

“We don’t have a choice, Leo. I’d rather die than let Cato get hurt,” I hissed trying to break free again. “You can do everything you like to save me but only when Cato is safe.”

“There will be a better way,” he repeated.

I shook my head.

“No,” I whispered. “You have to let go of me.”

“I’m sorry, Ella, but I won’t do that,” he said? pulling me closer. “I can’t.”

“Can I remind you which one of us is currently in custody. You can’t stop me.”

He suddenly lurched forward and snatched my phone from my hand.

“Leo!”

He dialled a number and it only rang once before someone picked up.

“Dad, it’s Leo. Come to the police station, pick up Ella and do not let her out of your sight no matter what she says. That is an order,” he said before hanging up and handing my phone back to me.

“You are not going to Mexico alone. Understand? We are not giving in to them that easily,” he said in his Alpha tone.

I narrowed my eyes, refusing to break the stare first.

When I thought he wouldn’t be expecting it, I launched a kick towards his groin. He blocked it, grabbed my arms, twisted me around and pinned me to the table front down within milliseconds.

“You know that you can’t beat me, Ella. We’ve been through this so many times,” he said holding my wrists against my back. “And I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry that I couldn’t be there to protect him but at least let me be here to protect you. We will find another way, I promise.”

“Leo,” I growled. “I can’t let him get hurt.”

“You can’t trust Andrea. Throwing yourself in there too is only going to make things worse. I will get myself out of here and then we can get through this together.”

I took a deep breath in before letting out the loudest scream I could. Leo’s hand smacked over my mouth but it was too late, the footsteps of a guard were already heading for the door.

Leo pulled me to my feet and held my hand instead of my wrist moments before an officer burst into the room.

“What is the problem?” he asked gun in hand. “Are you okay, Miss?”

“He made me jump, sorry officer. It was all in good nature,” I said. “But I need to go now anyway,” I added.

“No,” Leo interrupted. “No, you don’t. Not yet. Honey, yoga was cancelled tonight, remember?”

The guard narrowed his eyes and looked between us.

“Yes but I’m meeting your mother for coffee,” I replied.

Leo squeezed my hand tightly and I could sense his rage rising again.