CASSANDRA'S POV~
My heart was hammering in my chest, and I had never been so relieved to see a person in my life. Adriano burst through the doorway, a fierce, protective energy radiating from him like a storm cloud. The glint in his eyes was sharp as a blade, the muscles of his body tense as a coiled spring, and there was no mistaking his intent - he had come to mete out justice.
Behind him, his men moved like shadows, swift and silent, pinning down the old man who had held me captive.
My knees gave out as Adriano's powerful arms pulled me into his embrace. I buried my face in his chest and wept, my entire body shaking with sobs. I could feel the heat of his body against mine, his heart pounding, his breath ragged. I clung to him as if he were the only solid thing in the world.
Adriano
