Ch. 356..360: Love Slave to the Mafia Boss's Passion Chapter 356-360

Chapter 356: Life of a Captive

Slowly, the old man stood up from his seat and approached Ethan. He reached a hand and placed it firmly on Ethan’s shoulder before leaning in to speak closer to Ethan.

"The price of her freedom might be expensive but I’m willing to pay it. Twice. From now on, let her choose what and who she wants to be…" the old man whispered before he nodded his head firmly.

Ethan’s eyes stared deeply into the Boss’s eyes, and he was forced to understand why this old man here was Jack’s best friend.

…

The growling sound of my stomach told me that a lot of time had passed since I last ate. It must have been around a day now since I’ve been thrown in here. It was cold, I was sleepy, and I was feeling very hungry. Am I going to die from starvation? My throat felt dry, and I was starting to feel dizzy. Maybe, I’m going to die from dehydration first.

Suddenly, there was a sound of metal rubbing or hitting against metal and I quickly realized that it came from right outside the door. Someone is here!

"Help please!" I screamed but my voice came out as a broken croak.

My throat was so dry that it hurts, and I couldn’t speak properly. I quickly scooted my body towards the door and began banging my fists against the door. It wasn’t long before the door slowly opened. The group of men that walked in wasn’t the help that I was eagerly waiting for but at least one of them was carrying a tray of food and water.

"Still alive and well?" one of the men asked although it sounded like he couldn’t care less how I was.

Well, it might be bad for them if I died. I mean, how much would Hayden pay to have my corpse back just so he could host a funeral for me?

Although I could still think, my body already felt quite weak, and I couldn’t speak too loudly. I decided not to reply to them.

"Just give her the food and let’s leave. I don’t want to get into trouble with the boss…" another man said with concern in his voice.

"Yeah, you’re right about that…" the man with the food tray approached me.

My body froze in fear as I tried to back away. The man looked at me with emotionless and empty eyes before he bent down and placed the tray of food on the floor right in front of me.

"That’s it. Let’s go…" the man turned to say to his fellow men.

Wait! How am I supposed to eat with my hands tied?

"Wait…" I managed to whisper.

The man turned around, thankfully he heard me.

"My…hands…" I managed to croak out.

"Oh…we’re not allowed to untie you so…just do your best, My Lady…" the man said before smiling a tight smile at me.

He can’t be serious…

I was too weak to beg or plead for any of their mercy and there was no guarantee that I would receive any from them either. I still had many questions on my mind that I wanted to ask them, but I doubt that I would get any answers. It would probably be better for me to save my energy.

The men were out of the warehouse just as suddenly as they had walked in and soon the door closed behind them and locked. I looked down at the poor excuse for food in front of me and decided to start by drinking first. This is going to be the first time that I eat without using my hands.

If dogs can do this, then I guess I can as well.

…

"Hello! I need to pee!" I yelled as loud as I could as I banged on the door with my hands.

Someone has to be outside or I’m going to pee right here. This is disaster, is there a toilet in here. They’re not supposed to torture the hostage, right?

Suddenly, the door opened and the same man who had given me food slowly walked in. His face was emotionless, but I decided to offer him a shy smile.

"Hi…Umm…can I go to the toilet, please?" I asked.

The man sighed before he approached me and yanked me to my feet. His grip on my upper arm was tight and it did hurt. I wasn’t in a position to launch any complaints, though. At least, he was willing to escort me to the toilet. Great.

…

Time passed by and help had not yet arrived. I wasn’t sure how much time had passed and because I couldn’t see the world outside, I had completely lost sense of time. The lights in the warehouse were always on so I had no idea if it was day or night. It remained cold without any change and that made me feel sleepy most of the time. It took all of my effort just to keep my optimism intact.

I had to believe that help was coming, and I had to believe that it was coming soon. The more time passed by with no signs of progress, the more impatient I became.

Hayden, where are you?

I slept on and off in short naps. Not knowing the time truly messed up my sleeping cycle. I probably spent most of the time drifting in and out of sleep. My eyelids felt heavy, and my mind felt like it was in a haze most of the time.

My eyes snapped opened and I instinctively moved away from the door when the door started opening with a loud sound. A larger group of men strode in the warehouse, and I could sense that something major was about to happen. Is help arriving soon?

I opened my mouth because I wanted to ask them what was going on but when I saw how heavily the men were armed, my mouth automatically clamped shut. The men resembled a mini army that were armed and ready to fight. I could see some men with really big guns so all of them were probably armed in some way. Suddenly, the situation that I was in started to feel too real for me to take.

I took in a deep breath and held it as I started feeling nauseous from fear and stress.

 

Chapter 357: Before the Storm

For a moment, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be rescued anymore. If whoever came to rescue me had to go through them, then…

"Grab the girl," the man who appeared to be the leader of the group instructed curtly.

"Come here, girl," one of the men approached me.

I yelped at the slight pain as his fingers dug into my arm before he basically yanked me up to my feet. It wasn’t easy for me to maintain my balance with my ankles bound together and I almost fell over. The man didn’t seem to care much for my welfare as he pulled on my arms and began dragging me to where the other men were gathered in the center of the warehouse.

A few steps from where we started, the man realized that I couldn’t walk in the state that I was in and decided to half carry and half drag me instead. I whimpered as my feet were dragged roughly across the floor until we reached out destination.

"Sit and stay still," the man said as he shoved me down onto a wooden chair.

"Tie her to the chair, quick. It’s almost time," their leader commanded.

Another man approached me, and I flinched when I saw the thick rope in his hands. The sudden development in the situation had truly started to frighten me. I stared in shock while my body trembled from fear as the man began looping the thick rope around my waist. He tied a large knot behind the chair and just like that, I was tied to the chair. I quickly found out that I could hardly move at all.

My heart beat loudly in my chest as panic gripped me.

After my initial shock had passed, I realized that the leader mentioned something about it being ’almost time’. Time for what? Is something supposed to happen?

"What are you doing?" I protested as another man approached me.

"No more speaking," he muttered.

My eyes widened and I cried out. After trying to struggle by turning my head to the side to no avail, the man succeeded in taping my mouth shut. Speaking was no longer an option.

"Don’t worry missy. We’ll be done with you as soon as we get our money," the leader said before he started laughing loudly.

As if that was supposed to bring me any sense of comfort.

It’s ’almost time’

I see, Hayden is going to come save me soon, right?

…

"Are you sure about this? I thought you always say that your back hurts…" Hayden asked as he shot Luka a teasing look.

"Shut up. I feel completely fine right now," Luka replied but his hand did go to his back.

"Let’s go," Ethan muttered before walking ahead.

Three teams of men followed their respective leader. All teams had received thorough briefing on the mission and what is expected of them. Despite the mission being a simple one of interchanging ransom money for a hostage, the importance and sensitivity of the situation had made calling for a comprehensive meeting necessary.

"Listen up all of you. This mission has various priorities which are to be taken care of in this order. First priority, secure Malissa as soon as possible and ensure that she is safe. Second, ensure Malissa’s and Hayden’s safe evacuation out of the site. Third, kill them all! Don’t let even a single soul escape.

I want them all dead. Shoot them, stab them, bomb them! Then, you will all check that none of them are still breathing at the end of the mission. I will not tolerate anyone escaping out of this alive!" the boss explained the mission before ending with his harsh and loud screaming.

"We will also help out on this," Ethan stated without backing down.

"I will not ensure your safety, Silva," the boss said before shooting Ethan a glare.

"We will take care of our own…and of Malissa," Ethan replied decisively.

"Do whatever you want," the boss said.

"I’ll take over the briefing now. Listen closely…" Hayden announced loudly so that everyone could hear.

When he made sure that he had everyone’s attention, Hayden began the real briefing of the mission while conscious that time was quickly running out. The appointment time was fast approaching and getting the men ready and armed was the priority. After having a short conversation with Ethan to strategize, the two had figured out a plan that comprises of using three separate teams of men.

Initially, Hayden did not want to get any help from Ethan, but he had to admit that having Ethan and his men’s help would help the operation run more smoothly. Ethan’s plans were also as calculating and detailed as ever.

"We will separate into three teams. I’m guessing your old man won’t join in the fun, but I know that Luka can’t let some fun pass him by. You, me, and Luka will each lead a team. Your team will go in first for the negotiation and to trade the ransom money for Malissa. The key here is to do whatever it takes to secure Malissa, I’m sure that you understand that.

The plan won’t proceed forward until she is safe by your side. I doubt that those men will do anything rash, but you never know. After they get their money and you get Malissa, we proceed to phase two. My team and I will surround the warehouse before entering and attacking," Ethan explained before he paused to see if Hayden was still following.

After a nod of Hayden’s head, Ethan decided to proceed with his explanation of the plan.

"Somehow during that, you need to get Malissa out. I doubt that those men will be willing to let Malissa go freely even after they get the money anyways. Violence will break out for sure. My men and I will kill as many of them and as fast as possible. You and your men just focus on guarding and getting Malissa out to safety.

Once you two are out, Luka and his team will come in and basically slaughter everyone as per the boss’s orders," Ethan concluded with a confident smile.

 

Chapter 358: His First Priority

"Seems simple enough…" Hayden mumbled.

Of course, he was worried about Malissa’s safety and nothing else. It would be enough for him if she would just make it out unharmed.

"Just do as I say, Doc. You’re a doctor and I’m the real gangster here. You just make sure that Malissa is safe, ok?" Ethan said after summarizing his plans.

"I will not thank you for this," Hayden snapped.

"I’m not doing this for you," Ethan said without a care.

…

Now that the appointment time was almost upon them, the three men exchanged a few words of alignment before preparing their teams to perform their duties as planned.

"Don’t die in there," Luka reminded Hayden sternly.

"I’ll get Malissa out," Hayden replied with certainty.

"I know that. I’m reminding you to get yourself out too," Luka reminded Hayden again.

Hayden just nodded his head a little, clearly his mind was focused on anything but his own safety. A frown formed on Luka’s brows before the older man reached out his hand and pulled on Hayden’s arm.

"Listen, it won’t make the little missy very happy if she makes it out, but you are harmed. You will do well to remember that you are not alone anymore," Luka warned as he stared into Hayden’s light blue eyes.

"Taking relationship advice from a single man is just…" Hayden teased with a dry laugh.

"Hayden…" Luka muttered scornfully.

"I hear you. If something happens, the boss will want to save me first but you know what I want you to do, right?" Hayden asked as he turned to face Luka straight on.

Luka couldn’t meet Hayden’s gaze. He knew that Hayden wanted to save Malissa first no matter the cost.

"Hayden…you’re the only one left…" Luka replied with desperation in his voice.

"Promise me that you will get her out. No matter what happens. Even if no one helps you, promise me that you will personally get her out," Hayden pressed without backing down.

"Fuck…I promise…but you better make sure that it doesn’t come down to that. She’s your girl, you save her yourself!" Luka was forced to agree.

"Thanks. Well, if I die you can take over…that would be perfect…" Hayden replied with a grin.

"Don’t joke around with me about that! Hayden!" Luka called loudly after Hayden.

Hayden did not turn back. The three men separated to deal with their own men. The preliminary negotiation was going to be essential to securing Malissa’s safety and Hayden wanted to focus on preparing for that.

…

Although the men mentioned something about the time approaching soon, it felt like forever had gone by while I was sitting anxiously on the chair. Having the tape over my mouth scared me more than anything. I couldn’t speak and the muffled sounds that I could make were incomprehensible.

After a while of making protesting sounds that no one including myself could understand, I decided to remain silent.

I turned my neck to look all around as my eyes darted to random places all around the very empty warehouse. The atmosphere was tense, and I could feel the tension in all the men that stood all around me. I closed my eyes and wished so hard that this was just a bad dream but the pain of the tape around my wrist and ankles told me that it was reality.

The men were completely silent and all I could hear was the loud beating of my own heart in my chest and the distant sound of a ticking clock.

"They’re here…" a man reported in a whisper.

Who’s here?

Don’t tell me…

My neck snapped in the direction that the men’s leader was standing next to the messenger who had just delivered the news. The two men were talking in low voices now and I couldn’t make out what they were saying from where I was seated; however, I knew that whoever they were expecting had already arrived.

Hayden…

Slowly, the door began sliding open and the tension in the warehouse skyrocketed. I couldn’t make a sound and I couldn’t breathe as I kept my eyes glued to the opening door. The men all around reacted swiftly by pulling out their guns. A large man approached me and spun my chair around with ease before he stood close to me to guard me. My face felt numb from fear and my body wouldn’t stop trembling.

Whatever was about to happen is about to happen…

When the door fully opened, around ten men dressed in black entered the room. A short moment later, a tall man dressed in a white suit entered and my breath caught in my throat.

Hayden! He’s here.

I wanted to scream but I couldn’t. I felt tears sting the back of my eyes and realized that I was about to cry. Relief flooded by body just at the sight of him. I hadn’t truly realized how terrified and hopeless I had been feeling until I saw him. If this wasn’t the feeling, that people referred to as salvation then it had to be something very close.

My eyes widened when I realized immediately that Hayden was also in danger. Why didn’t he bring more men?

"Wow. I have to say that I never thought that the next Torex boss would turn up himself," the leader said with a small laugh.

"You did request for me. Here’s the money that you asked for," Hayden replied flatly.

They requested for Hayden to bring the ransom money?

Hayden’s blue eyes shifted towards me, and for brief moment our eyes met. His eyes were as cold and as emotionless as ever but just feeling them on me gave me so much courage. Hayden, I am so sorry. Once again, I’ve brought him so much trouble.

"Men…" the leader said before gesturing with a nod of his head for his men to approach.

Two men slowly approached Hayden and his men to fetch the suitcase filled with cash. I was shocked at seeing that much money in cash. How are they supposed to go out with that?

"Hold on. The girl, first…" Hayden said sternly as he put up his hand to halt the approaching men.

 

Chapter 359: Rescue

"The money first," the leader countered.

"Fine. But you untie her from the chair, and I get to check that she’s unharmed first," Hayden negotiated.

"Fine. But just you, and you can untie her yourself. None of you move…" the leader agreed but with a lot of caution.

As if he already knew what was expected, Hayden slowly lifted his hands up above his head. The leader nodded and two men approached Hayden and began patting him down probably to check for hidden weapons. What is he thinking?

I’m fine, although I couldn’t tell him that. Sure, it was a struggle being tied up and left alone in the warehouse, but my life wasn’t in danger and none of my injuries were anything serious. I thought all of that, but I had no way to communicate any of that to Hayden. He must be so worried about me. I blinked my eyes rapidly to keep my tears at bay.

This isn’t the time for you to start crying like a mad woman, Malissa!

Hayden’s eyes met mine and to my utmost surprised he smiled at me as the men continued patting him down. Although I knew that he was probably smiling to reassure me that everything was fine, his smile ended up making me feel more guilty for dragging him into this mess. Why wasn’t I more cautious and careful?

If I hadn’t drank that glass of water, we wouldn’t have ended up here in this extremely dangerous situation.

The men were done and with his hands still held up, Hayden took slow yet steady steps towards me. I could feel all eyes on Hayden along with my own. It was just a short distance, but it felt like forever before Hayden was anywhere near my side.

…

"Alright boys, your boss has just made a very stupid move. Be prepared for that scenario that I mentioned…" Ethan hissed through the microphone as his eyes stayed glued on the footage of what was happening inside the warehouse.

After muting the microphone, Ethan proceeded to swear long and fast under his breath. His green eyes narrowed dangerously at the monitor as he wondered what on earth Hayden was doing walking straight into the enemy’s territory alone and unarmed.

With how things were, without anyone to protect him, Hayden can’t get Malissa out alone and if things headed for the worst, they could capture him in exchange for Malissa.

Now, Hayden’s and Malissa’s life was worth only 500 million dollars. A price that wasn’t too expensive to sacrifice if enough personal grudges were involved.

Either that or if Hayden is too worried about Malissa’s safety, then…

"Negotiations are likely to break down. Be on standby for some action…on my signal…" Ethan spoke calmly through the small microphone attached to the collar of his shirt.

This is going to be wild shit show, Ethan thought before he closed his eyes and breathed a depressed sigh.

…

Hayden…

I screamed his name in my mind. The only sounds that I could make here unintelligible muffled cries against the tape on my mouth.

Hayden approached me with a little smile on his lips. His blue eyes as clear as the sky as he smiled down at me. If I wasn’t tied to the chair, I would have thought that I was simply waiting for him on a bench in the garden of the mansion. He would come to see me after he had finished with his work, and we would go for a little stroll in the garden together with Little Hayden yapping at his heels.

Time seemed to have stopped and he was all that I could see. It just all seemed so unreal. Everything from the fact that I had been kidnapped to the fact that he was right here in front of me to save me. One look into his face told me that everything was somehow going to be fine. He seemed that confident and so I had to trust him.

"Sorry that I’m late. Hopefully you didn’t wait for too long…" Hayden said as he crouched down until his face was at my level.

He smiled brightly as his blue eyes held mine. How can be so at ease in a situation like this?

Hayden still held his hand up to show that he didn’t intend to do anything funny. He was still very cautious and aware of the precarious situation that we were in.

"I’m going to untie her from the chair…" Hayden stated clearly.

Hayden was behind the chair and slowly he bent down and I felt the rope around my waist being tugged and pulled as he worked to untie the knot. The tall man standing next to my chair immediately pointed his gun at Hayden and I flinched before looking away.

"Are you, ok? They didn’t hurt you, did they?" Hayden spoke to me softly and calmly.

His voice was so soothing, and it reminded me of that time when we were at the amusement park, and he was trying to comfort the girl that he was helping. I had no idea how Hayden could act so calm with a gun pointed to his head like that. Whatever it was that he was doing, it seemed to work. All I could do was focus on him and what he was saying. Before I knew it, my fear had subsided.

Whatever he asked, I responded to by nodding my head. Slowly, the rope around my waist loosened before Hayden removed it completely from me.

When he was done, he slowly lifted his hand up again. Now that my body was freed, I turned to face him as I tried my best to speak to him. Hayden smiled down at me before he laughed a little at the weird sounds that I was making. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem like Hayden could remove the tape from my mouth or unbind my hands and feet.

"We didn’t do anything to her. We just tied her up. We fed her food and water. She also got to go to the toilet and all that. Are you all good now?" the leader asked with clear annoyance.

 

Chapter 360: Me Before Him

"Yes, she seems fine. We will proceed with the exchange now," Hayden stated flatly as he waved his hand slowly for his men to approach with the money.

What happens now?

"Can you stand?" Hayden asked softly.

I didn’t think that I could, so I shook my head at him helplessly. The truth was, even if I could stand up, I couldn’t walk which made me a huge burden. My freedom was just on the other side where Hayden’s men were, but it seemed so far away and impossible to reach with my feet taped together like this.

"Move away from her, Torex," the leader commanded coldly.

Suddenly, all guns were drawn and pointed in Hayden’s direction. My head felt light, and I truly thought that I was going to faint just from the sight. This can’t be happening. One sign of aggression only led automatically to another as all of Hayden’s men drew their guns and pointed it at the enemies.

I started praying and I didn’t even know what exactly I was praying for. Please…don’t shoot?

"I propose a hostage exchange," Hayden spoke up calmly yet very clearly.

Everyone seemed to freeze at his unexpected proposal, and I was among one of them. A hostage exchange? What does that even mean? Who is he going to exchange me for?

My eyes widened when I realized that in this entire place, there was probably only one more person who would be considered more valuable to this group of men than me. My relationship with him was probably the only reason why they thought that I was of any value in the very first place.

It can’t be. This can’t be happening!

I began struggling as I tried to stand up while making desperate protesting sound against the tape over my mouth. Hayden must have realized my panic before he turned to smile reassuringly at me. The smile wasn’t enough to calm me down and I knew that nothing could ease my fears. This is just plain crazy!

"A hostage exchange?" the leader questioned with unfeigned surprise.

"Correct. I propose that you take me instead of her as hostage. As you can see, I’m completely unarmed. All you have to do if you agree is escort her over there to my men and I’ll let you tie me up as hostage. It’s that simple," Hayden explained calmly.

"And if we disagree?" the leader asked.

Even I could tell that he was interested. Who wouldn’t be interested in taking the next boss of Torex as a hostage?

"Why would you disagree? Are you saying that woman is more valuable than I am?" Hayden asked as if the question was a dumb one.

Hayden’s offer made sense. In fact, the terms were too favorable for it to be true. He was right, why would they hesitate to take Hayden instead of me.

"I hope you’re not playing games with me Torex," the leader warned suspiciously.

"There are no games. You can take me, and you can check your money over there. If all is well, we do the exchange. You get your money and I get to go home," Hayden explained casually.

A nagging feeling at the back of my mind told me that it wasn’t going to be as easy and simple like how Hayden had put it. Something told me that it wasn’t going to be easy for Hayden to go home. A large knot formed in the pit of my stomach along with a sickening feeling that I couldn’t explain.

It was like something terrifying yet unstoppable was about to happen and I would be forced to just sit by and watch.

"Get up…" the tall man close to me urged as his hands pulled me to my feet by pulling on my arms.

"Be gentle with her…please…" Hayden hissed before shaking his head in disapproval.

"Sorry…" the tall man muttered an apology.

I turned my head towards Hayden as I tried to plead to him with my eyes for him to change his mind. Can’t he see that it’s so dangerous? Why is he doing this!? Does he honestly think that these men will just let him walk free after they’ve got their money?

Hayden…please stop this!

I cried out to him so loudly in my mind. Despite all my efforts, Hayden didn’t seem to pay my worry any mind at all. When our eyes met, he only nodded once at me and smiled as if to tell me that this was definitely the right thing to do. He looked like a sweet angel even in this situation and it was wrenching my heart out.

This isn’t right!

I began struggling against the hold that the man hand on my arms, but he only held me tighter while whispering to me to keep still. His fingers dug into my arms, and it hurts as he pulled and dragged me across the floor towards where Hayden’s men were waiting with their luggage full of money.

Just as I was making my way slowly across the floor, Hayden’s men slowly dragged the luggage filled with money over to start the exchange.

The man who was holding me managed to drag me to where Hayden’s men were waiting. I could feel Hayden’s eyes on me although I didn’t dare to turn around to see him. One of Hayden’s men quickly came to my side and with an approving nod from the enemy, the man removed the tape that was covering my mouth.

I gasped for breath and then I felt hands on my wrists and ankles and knew that they were undoing the tape there as well.

I didn’t care about that at all, I turned my head back to stare at Hayden.

"Hayden!" I called his name loudly.

My voice came out so broken and so choked up and I realized that I had started crying and sobbing.

"Don’t cry and get out now!" Hayden yelled from the other end of the floor.

"This way Miss. We have to get you out…" one of the men said politely as he reached his hand out towards me as if to receive me from the tall man.

"No, please…Hayden…" I protested in between my sobs.