Luca
It has been three nights now that Amaris has been gone. I know the Russians have her, but where would they be keeping her at exactly? The possibilities are endless. Just as we do, they have multiple clans and multiple properties. It's difficult to find exactly which clan has her and what property they are at, but it isn't impossible. The longer she's gone though, our chances at getting her back - in one piece - become more slim.
Discussing possible hideouts with the twins and our clan has only led us all to conclude that they won't be hiding her anywhere obvious. A floor mat could have figured that shit out.
It's frustrating to say the least. All those years we pushed her away... they've been for nothing.
I'd punch something if it would do anything other than make my shoulder scream and piss Shelley off if I put a hole in the wall. Or injure my hand.
Anyway. Nothing is going to stop my guts from churning with guilt and despair. I fucking failed to protect my baby sister and the only way to fix this is to get her back and kill the pieces of shit that have her, especially whoever the fucker was that kidnapped her that she seemed to know. Who the fuck is he?
Damon has been lying low while recovering from his wound and that is only on account of the fact he fears his mother. Kind of amusing to consider when she's been nothing short of a sweet woman but apparently she can be quite finicky over her baby boy. He glared at me while tossing out threats each time I called him baby boy today. At least it proves to me that he hasn't shut down and gone numb.
My shoulder hurts like a son of a bitch but I am managing. My barely contained anger is helping stave off the pain. Shelley is taking care of Madison mostly since my arm has to remain in this damn sling and it breaks my heart being unable to play with her like I could before nursing a goddamn GSW.
And Dominic. He's in a dark place. He walks around scowling and huffing all day long. His lips are set in a permanent snarl. A snarl so impressive that I'd bet a pack of wolves would tuck tail and run.
Sometimes he just glares out the window for hours, ignoring the rest of us. Nobody tries to bother him unless it's necessary. Not a single one of us wants to experience his feral outbursts again.
My parents are past the upset stage and moved on to determination. They are certain we will find my sister.
Alive.
I hope they are right...
Rapidly approaching footsteps knock me out of my thoughts and I turn my head to see Dominic. His face is less scowl-ly I guess. Tread lightly Luca. "Any new ideas?" I ask timidly. Don't want to poke the bear.
Both his brows rise briefly before a deep line takes up residence between them. "Well, I know they won't have her near any of the docks. So all of those are at the bottom of my list. However," he continues with a small spark of hope in his eyes, "Word has it that one of their auctions are happening tonight." His face contorts in disgust. My stomach sours at the thought. Sure, it could be the break we are looking for, but even thinking about my sister being sold into sex slavery turns my veins into ice. I'd prefer her being dead instead of that. "She's more than beautiful, I guarantee they are going to try and auction her off to one of the elite bidders." He looks more sick than angry now. I'm not sure which to feel more of.
It's completely fucked.
Sick fucking perverts. We need to start picking each and every single one of them off.
Shit. No way any of us could casually stroll into their auction anyway. We'd need to go in, guns blazing. "How are any of us supposed to try and ... buy my sister?" I hesitate, but ask anyway, the question leaving an ashy taste on my tongue. "They will recognize us. All of us." Maybe Dom has a better plan than the one I do, with lots of gunfire and explosives. Too many innocent people would die. My sister could die before we get inside to rescue her.
Dom sucks his teeth then snaps his fingers, pointing at me. "Then it won't be any of us." He shrugs.
He just fucking shrugged!
He better have someone reliable in mind if he can suddenly be so casual.
I blow out a breath of frustration. "Then who?" I raise both hands.
"It has to be someone they won't suspect. These auctions attract new men into the trade all the time. Sex sells unfortunately. Do we know of anybody that can be smooth enough to not raise suspicions?"
The light clicks on and I'm fairly certain that the right person pops into my mind. I shoot forward quickly, wincing at the jolt of pain assaulting my shoulder. Eagerly I say, "I have an idea."
•••
"I'm sorry, you want me to what?" Adrian squawks, eyes impossibly wide and his hands on his hips.
Yes. He squawked.
Yes. I might've chuckled.
He always was one of Amaris' more dramatic friends. Every time I asked if he was gay, she swore he wasn't. Wouldn't have bothered me any. His mannerisms keeps things interesting. I've seen him eyeballing Miranda but I swear he was also eyeing up the twins.
He is also very secretive and disappears for weeks at a time without a word, worrying his mom and grandma when they can't get a hold of him after a few days. He's a mama's boy and his grandma thinks he is the most precious thing on earth.
I guide Adrian to a seat. He doesn't seem to be too keen on this idea. I repeat, "We need you to go undercover to the auction that will be held by one of the Bratva clans. There is always new men arriving at their auctions to buy the women they kidnap, so you should be fine." He's afraid. Shit. This isn't looking good.
I study the alarmed look on Adrian's face for a moment longer before turning to Dominic. I raise a brow and tilt my head toward Adrian, hinting for some help in convincing him. He is the best option. He doesn't live in or near town since they graduated and they also didn't keep in touch much. He shouldn't be familiar at all to them. He hasn't visited or come to any events over the last four years until he showed up to the pool party. Courtesy of Cole or Jace for an invite.
He picks up on my attempt at subtlety, always the observant one. Before Dom gets a chance to persuade, well threaten him, Adrian sighs, a resigned look on his face. "I swear to God I am going to die and when I do... I will haunt both of you." Adrian murmurs, glancing between Dominic and I. "But I'll risk my life for Amaris."
A slow smile forms on my lips as relief flows through. I was beginning to think he wouldn't help us but deep down, I knew he wouldn't puss out. Especially when it concerns my sister. I feel like an asshole banking on their friendship like this but it's our only option right now.
"Okay so we can't put a wire on you or anything. That shit will definitely get you killed." Dominic takes a seat as he begins laying out the plan to Adrian.
Adrian sighs loudly, "Yeah.. I vote for not getting me killed." He continues a mumbled conversation between himself and maybe another personality of his for a few moments as Dominic and I sit silently, witnessing his quick trip to crazyville.
He stands up and starts pacing. "I've never even been in love before! And kids! The world can't be deprived of little Adrians roaming around!" He slumps back down in his chair.
I lean forward and place a hand on his shoulder. "Adrian. Look at me." He does. "Are you sure you're not a woman?" I chuckle, only half kidding.
He snorts. "Sometimes I just might be. Remember my coconut bra?"
Dominic and I look at each other before looking back at Adrian.
I shake my head trying to rid myself of the memory but it is still funny nonetheless. Small bubbles of laughter escape me. "Please don't remind me bro." The coconut bra was great. His choice to go commando under the grass skirt wasn't so great.
After about a solid hour, we have a strong plan set forth. Adrian has calmed down and stopped being a diva for the time being. His fear isn't misplaced. I admire his bravery to agree to go head first into the unknown for Amaris. He's a great friend. I'm feeling a bit better about our chances now. He's a smooth talker that has a great poker face when necessary and won't give jack shit away around strangers. Eventually I'll figure out what he does in his free time. Now isn't the time to ponder on that though.
Finding Amaris is my -our- priority.
Deciphering Adrian fully can come after.
I silently plea with God. I want to bargain with Him but I know that isn't how it works. I will trust in my faith and hope all of my transgressions can be overlooked for the time being.
We're coming for you little sister. Just hang in there.