22 hours since Sophia's disappearance
Sophia struggled as she tried to free herself from the bonds. Atticus had tied her to the bed.
"Let go of me!" Sophia screamed.
Atticus raised his head, he was sitting on the sofa close to the bed. He sighed.
"Sophia". He whispered.
"Atticus, let me go". She screamed as she used her feet to hit the bed as she glared at him.
"Sophia, I can't let you go, those men are after your life and secondly I may need to renew my existence anytime," Atticus replied.
"You're insane, Atticus. You can't force me to stay here". Sophia snapped.
"Sophia, understand please, I need to protect you." Atticus said.
"I don't need your protection, let me go".
Atticus frowned in frustration. "No". He shouted.
"I hate you—"
Atticus quickly pinned her down and covered her mouth with his palms. His body was pressing against hers. He locked eyes with hers as he felt her racing heartbeat.
"Don't ever say that." He shouted. "Don't you ever say that."
"Or what? will you kill me?" Sophia dared.
Atticus gnashed his teeth. As he pressed his body closer. Sophia's heart raced as she felt his warmness.
Atticus needed to shut her up. He smirked as he teased her with his hands. Sophia's body tensed up, she bit her lower lip. Atticus smirked deepened, his hands caressing her lips.
"Why are you so stubborn," he said biting his lower lip, and he caressed her neck. Sophia felt an unfamiliar warmth run through her. She held her breath.
"Why don't you listen". Atticus said in a husky voice. Atticus moved his lips closer to hers.
"Sir". Thomas ran into the room. Atticus and Sophia looked at him.
"Oh sorry". He turned immediately. Atticus frowned.
"What?" Atticus snapped.
"He is here". Thomas said in a panicked voice.
"What?" Atticus said in shock.
"He is here and he demands to see you." Thomas replied.
Atticus looked at Sophia, he frowned and stood up.
"Don't go anywhere". He told her and strode out of the room.
Sophia heaved a sigh in relief as she tried to untangle herself.
######
Jasper stood in the open space, several men surrounding him, all holding guns. They were ready for battle.
Atticus walked towards them, dozens of men behind him. His eyes burned with anger. He stopped a few feet opposite Jasper, giving him some distance.
"I must say, being a mafia lord fits you," Atticus said, smiling.
Jasper frowned. "I must say, I wasn't expecting you to live in such luxury... But I'll give you two minutes to bring her to me, or this whole place burns to the ground." He said shaking his head.
Atticus's smile faltered. "I have another idea, get out of my territory. Now," he said authoritatively.
Jasper scoffed. "Your territory? I won't banter words with you. Give her to me, now."
Atticus's frown deepened. "How many times will I tell you to stop telling me what to do!" he shouted.
Jasper smiled wickedly. "It seems you've grown some balls, but I'll burst those balls with my bare hands. Give her to me—" Jasper shouted.
"She is mine!" Atticus roared. " I won't let you take her!"
"No, she's mine!" Jasper shouted, raising his gun and so did his men.
Atticus smiled and raised his own gun, and his men followed.They both glared at each other.
"Let the best man win," he said with a cold smile.
The two men pointed their guns at each other. The tension was palpable, it could cut through ice. This was war.
Meanwhile, Sophia freed herself from the rope and ran out of the room. She needed to escape before Atticus returned. She quickly made her way down the stairs, glancing around to make sure no one was behind her. She ran to the door, swung it open, and sprinted outside.
As she ran past the fountain, she smiled, her escape was clear. But then she froze.
She stood rooted to the spot, staring at the scene before her: two groups of men pointing guns at each other. At the front of each group stood Jasper and Atticus, both aiming straight at one another. She widened her eyes in shock.
The scene was terrifying.