Fugitive: Your Love Is Dangerous, #2

By Talia Ellison

I never thought I'd be on the run from a gang, but here I am. The Wolves and their leader Zack are coming for me, and they won't stop until I'm dead.

The only ones who might be able to help me are their biggest rivals, but I don't know if I can trust them, especially after I discover who their members are.

At least I have Seth and Chiara by my side. I only wish I knew what Seth is hiding from me. If I survive long enough, maybe I'll finally find out.

.

This is the second installment in the three-book Your Love Is Dangerous series.
.
Reading order:
MISTAKEN (Book 1)
FUGITIVE (Book 2)
STRONGER (Book 3)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Talia Ellison
• Release date: Oct 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386846147

Talia Ellison

Talia Ellison is the author of Hold Me, Unfold Me, the Loving Your Enemy series, the Your Love Is Dangerous series, Destroying the Billionaire, The Mafia Proposal series, the My Broken Hitman series, the Her Dark Mafia Heart duet, the Owned by the Mafia Queen series, the Never His duet, the Taking Revenge on Her Bully series, the Varano Mafia series, and Arranged: Cassaro Mafia. She loves to read and write all kinds of romance, and she has a thing for broken, tortured heroes and fierce heroines who aren't afraid to take what they want. When she’s not busy with a book, she likes to watch TV shows and listen to music. Never miss a new release! Sign up for Talia’s newsletter: https://taliaellison.weebly.com/newsletter.html

Book preview

Chapter 1

I STUMBLED DOWN THE street, searching for the best way to Alice’s house. Rubio’s men would be after me, and Zack would want revenge because I’d killed his brother. Everything had happened so quickly, but I hadn’t had a choice. I’d had to kill Rubio. There had been no other way.

And now, I didn’t even know if Seth was okay and what was going to happen next. I trusted Chiara would do everything in her power to protect everyone, but I had to see Seth and make sure everything was fine.

Maybe it was too risky for me to be anywhere near them, but I didn’t know where else to go. Besides, it would take Rubio’s brother some time to find me or even figure out what had happened. How could I even free myself from a gang?

I had to make sure my father was safe too. But I couldn’t do much about that while I was on the run. As I rounded the corner, peeking out into the darkness to make sure there weren’t any people or cars around, I glanced down at myself and the blood smeared on my boots. I padded over to a nearby bush and rubbed my boot against its leaves. My purple and black corset would draw too much attention as it was, and my guns—the one in my hand and the other at the back of my pants—weren’t invisible either. I couldn’t go like this among people.

Releasing my ponytail, I let my light brown hair fall around my shoulders and hide my corset a bit. Unfortunately, the guns I still carried with me would have to go, or people would be staring too much, so I ditched them in the bushes. My hand rested over my pocket with my phone. Shit. The Wolves would be able to track me if they figured out I had it. Grinding my teeth together, I tossed the phone too and stomped on it until it broke.

I’d become a killer tonight. Rubio had been a bad guy and the world was better off without him—of that I was sure—but I still felt like there was a black hole inside me that hadn’t been there before. Maybe that would change with time. I didn’t know.

I ran down an alley, my footsteps resounding in the silence. My heartbeat was racing and I could hear it in my head. Looking up at the buildings around me, I wondered if the Wolves or their spies were out there searching for me or just observing. The gang was everywhere in the city, especially in this area, which was under their control. Someone could easily spot me, and Zack wouldn’t waste a second to tell everyone what I’d done. Would his men shoot me on sight? Probably.

That was why I had to make sure no one saw me, which was easier said than done. A shiver ran down my spine when I looked up straight at a lady watching me from the window of her apartment. I ducked my head and hurried forward, hoping she was just a random person enjoying the view and not a spy. God, I was becoming really paranoid. But it was hard to stay calm and not to react at the slightest thing when you had the most powerful gang in the city after you.

I passed by a few people and turned my face away from them. Luckily, no one paid too much attention to me. They were just people going about their business or having fun. If I wasn’t wrong, Alice’s place wasn’t too far, but first I had to get out of the Wolves’ area.

Not that any other areas were safer, but I hoped that at least the Wolves would first look at the club or at the places I frequented such as... my home. Hopefully, my father’s guards would do their job and protect him. Shit. What if the Wolves went after my father with all they got? I didn’t have a phone any longer and I didn’t know where to find one. Actually, maybe I did.

I saw a small bar that was almost empty and in darkness, probably so that people could enjoy their drinks in an intimate atmosphere. And I really hoped they had a phone. I’d better not have missed any blood stains on my boots or pants, but I doubted anyone would see even if I had. It could as well be a mud stain. In the dark, no one could tell, and why would they assume that I had blood on me anyway?

Making sure no one was following me, I strode inside and headed toward the bar. Forcing a neutral expression on my face—I was sure I looked as if I’d seen a ghost—I took a seat on one of the high stools.

Hey, can I get you anything? the waitress asked. She had a bright smile on her face and her dark red hair was tied in a ponytail. Her body language didn’t show that she knew who I was or what I’d done. It was ridiculous that I expected she would know, but this was still the Wolves’ area and I had to be very, very quick and careful.

Can I borrow your phone? I asked, giving her the nicest smile I could muster.

Sure. She picked up the phone and handed it to me. Anything else?

Thanks. A soda, please. I was actually really thirsty and my throat was very dry, and I could definitely gulp down the soda in a few seconds. The waitress nodded and went to fetch a glass, and I squeezed the phone in my hand, carefully eying my surroundings, but no one seemed to be watching me.

Still, I had to hurry before that changed. I dialed my father’s number, and I was sure that if the Wolves figured out I’d been here, they’d check who I’d called, but everyone already knew where my father lived. The phone rang for some time and finally my father picked up.

Hey, it’s me. Victoria, I said.

Victoria? my father said in surprise. Is something the matter? Are you ready to come home? Did that stupid...?

No. That’s not why I’m calling. I’m fine, but there’s something you need to know. I got in trouble with some really bad people and I’m afraid they might come after you, so be very careful and make sure your trusted people are with you, okay?

What are you talking about? What people? If that boyfriend of yours... he sneered.

Listen, I just want you to know that I’m fine and that I’ll call you later. Just be really careful because these people are dangerous and they might come to hurt you. I’m serious and I can handle it, but I need some time. Just stay safe, okay?

But I don’t understand... he started to say.

I told you, I’ll explain everything, but right now I don’t have time. Don’t worry.

Should I call the police?

The cops probably wouldn’t help because they were under Zack’s control. No. I already did that, I lied. I’ll call once it’s all over, but promise me you’ll be careful. I didn’t let him say anything else and just hung up.

Even though I wanted to call Chiara too, I didn’t do it because I couldn’t risk the Wolves tracing the call. I was sure Chiara had taken all the precautions when she’d texted me to let me know where she and Seth were, but right now she wasn’t expecting my call or knew what was happening to me. I thanked the waitress when she put the soda in front of me. I picked up the glass and downed the soda in a few gulps. Putting some dollar bills on the bar, I flashed her a smile, then hurried outside.

It had taken me longer than I’d expected to reach Alice’s house. As I walked down a dark path, I couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened earlier tonight. I could see myself stabbing Rubio in the neck and him falling to the ground, blood spluttering everywhere. Then I’d shot and killed his guards.

I didn’t even know who they were. Would their families miss them? What if they had just been forced to work for Rubio? But then again, Rubio wouldn’t surround himself with men who weren’t exactly like him. He wouldn’t want unwilling people to protect him, because then it wouldn’t make sense for them to want to save his life.

I wiped my hand over my face and came away with sweat. I had to stop thinking about Rubio and the men I’d killed. Alice’s house was in the darkness just right ahead and I slowed down, my heart hammering in my chest. What if Zack had already gotten to Alice and the others? What if Chiara and Seth had been followed?

The house was silent, but so were the others. I couldn’t tell what was happening inside because the shutters were down. There was only one way to find out if my friends were really here. Inching closer, I eyed the bushes around the house, then made my way to the door.

I rang the bell and stepped a little aside, just in case Alice got spooked and came out with a gun pointed at me. I was sure she and Chiara would be on high alert. Unless they had moved somewhere else, in which case I wasn’t sure how I’d find them.

I didn’t want to be on my own, even though my presence might put others at risk. But if Zack’s men wanted to get to me, they would take people I love to try to lure me out, so maybe it was better that I found my friends and Seth first. At least I’d be able to talk to them, make sure they were alright, and come up with a plan on how to proceed. Besides, then Zack wouldn’t be able to trick me into thinking that he’d taken one of them.

No matter how hard I listened, I couldn’t hear anything move behind the thick dark brown door. I took a deep breath as I clenched my fists, ready to break into a run if anyone unfamiliar opened it. When the door finally moved, I flinched, but then Alice poked her dark head through it, waving at me. She must’ve seen me through the peephole. I dashed inside, and as soon as Alice closed the door behind me, I leaned against the wall, letting out a shuddery breath.

Vix, thank God! Chiara had her arms around me before I even saw her coming. I pulled her close to me, breathing in her vanilla perfume, as her black hair tickled my face. There was something so normal about this that I immediately felt safe. When I finally pulled away, I looked into Chiara’s dark brown eyes.

Where’s Seth? Is he...? I looked down the hallway, but only Alice and Chiara were here. The others who’d been with us at Rubio’s club had probably gone to their homes.

He’s going to be fine, Chiara said quickly, and I glanced at Alice’s guarded dark brown eyes. Alice didn’t say anything, so I assumed Seth’s life wasn’t at risk. What happened? Chiara’s gaze narrowed at me. Where’s Rubio? Did he let you go? Did you make another deal with him?

I ran my hand through my hair. He’s dead. I... He gave me no choice. I wasn’t about to be his slave, and I... His brother and the Wolves are probably already coming after me and... I clenched my fist because my fingers were still shaking. You need to... I... The world tilted around me for a moment, and Alice placed her hand on my shoulder, carefully studying my face.

Breathe, she said, giving me a gentle squeeze, and I took a deep breath.

My jittery nerves calmed a little a few moments later. The Wolves no doubt want me dead, and I don’t want any of you to get caught in the crossfire. I need to go somewhere... somewhere far away from here. I just don’t know...

Vix, hey, Chiara said. Did anyone follow you here?

I shook my head.

Good. She gave me what was supposed to be a reassuring smile, but her eyes were filled with worry. Let’s go to the living room and then we can plan what to do.

I don’t think it’s safe... I started to say, but Alice patted my arm.

Don’t worry. Eric and I already took all the necessary precautions as soon as Seth and Chiara got here, and he’s monitoring our street now. He’ll let us know if anyone approaches. I have a secret basement where we’ll go if anyone comes. Alice winked at me.

I nodded, letting them take me down the hallway. Everything still seemed surreal, and I hoped Alice and Chiara would help me figure something out, because we needed one hell of a good plan if we all wanted to come out of this alive.

Chapter 2

ONCE I DRANK A CUP of coffee, things around me finally began to slide back into place.

Vix, did anyone see you? Chiara asked as she was pacing up and down the room. Just because Rubio and his guards are dead and you’re gone doesn’t mean some gang wasn’t responsible. We could fake that you were kidnapped!

That’s not going to work. Why would any gang keep me alive? And how could anyone have gotten in there without triggering an alarm or being spotted from miles away by the Wolves who are all over the area? I lowered the cup onto the small table in front of me. No. They’ll know it was me. My blade’s in Rubio’s neck. I’m sure my prints are all over the place too. I didn’t exactly have time to get rid of the evidence. But even without that, it wouldn’t be hard to conclude who did it.

Right. Chiara stopped to look at me. Any chance Zack actually hated his brother and wanted him gone so he wouldn’t have to share or something? I mean, maybe he’ll be thanking you.

I don’t think so. Besides, he’d still want revenge, even if I somehow helped him. You don’t just kill one of the leaders of the Wolves and go unpunished. I brought my fist to my mouth and bit lightly into my skin.

Then there’s no other choice but to run. Go live somewhere else, maybe until some other gang takes care of the Wolves for you. Chiara sighed.

It won’t be easy to get out of the city, Alice said pensively. They’ll be watching every corner.

Chiara’s gaze traveled up and down my body. You need to dye your hair, change your hairstyle, get some colored contacts... If they can’t recognize you, they won’t be able to find you.

Exhaling loudly, I rubbed my hands over my face. I didn’t really want to be a fugitive for who knew how long. I need to see Seth, I said as I got to my feet. Is he...?

Alice took a quick glance at her wristwatch. He should still be asleep. I had to give him stronger sedatives because he insisted on going after you. He’s lucky to be alive.

My eyes widened. But if he’s asleep and someone...

Don’t worry, Alice said before I could finish. He’s on a gurney. We can wheel him out with us if we need to.

Right. Alice’s house served as a clinic, and not exactly a legal one, so of course she’d made sure her patients could get away quickly if they needed to. The tension seeped out of my shoulders a little. I still want to see him.

Okay. Alice rose from her armchair. I’ll take you to him.

SETH’S HEAD RESTED on a light blue pillow, his chest regularly rising and falling. His black hair was messy, still a bit bloody, and a few strands were falling over his forehead. His left eyelid was swollen and purple, and his face was full of small cuts and bruises.

I stopped next to the gurney and gently traced my fingers over his bare arm where I couldn’t see any injuries. My thoughts flew back to Rubio’s club, and I shuddered as I remembered Seth had almost died there. I would’ve never forgiven myself if that had happened.

Is he going to be fine? I turned to Alice who was leaning on the doorway.

She nodded. He’s going to have a few more scars, I’m afraid. Might have to get some new tattoos. Her lips quirked up.

I’m just glad he’s okay. Thanks for helping him. Again. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for everything...

You’re welcome, and you don’t need to repay me. I don’t do this because I expect something in return.

And I still hope I’ll find a way to repay you, and that I won’t bring more trouble to your door. I focused on Seth’s face again. When do you think he’s going to wake up? I should probably leave before he... I didn’t get to finish the sentence because Seth cracked his good eye open and tried to lift his hand toward me.

Alice rushed forward,