Captured Chapter 1

Captured (Crosshairs book two) Chapter 1

Content Warning: This story contains depictions of violence, death, drug & alcohol use, explicit sex, and profane language. Reader has been advised.

Summary:

Ever since the shootout that nearly took their lives, Nico Spadaro is determined to ensure Rei’s safety by keeping the down-on-his-luck young man as far away from him and the club as possible. The same gentlemen’s club he’s failing to run since his former partner’s betrayal. However, things take a turn for the worse when Rei is abducted by Nico’s enemies as collateral. The demand: his life for Nico’s livelihood…

Just when Rei Evans thought things in his life couldn’t get any worse, he’s abducted and taken across the border by vengeful cartel members whose goal is to eliminate Nico and take over Sapphire.

With both of their lives on the line, will Nico risk everything he’d worked for to save Rei in time? Or will Rei throw a wrench in their plans by making the ultimate sacrifice?

Chapter 1

“Rei needs to go.”

Rei cracked open his eyes at the sound of Mark’s whining voice. Not that he was sleeping anyway, but the fact that his temporary landlord was complaining to Daniel over the phone right outside his temporary bedroom would make sleep impossible. Rei was convinced the guy was doing it on purpose. Bastard.

He patted around the air mattress for his cell phone, unable to see in the dark room. Lying in bed with his eyes closed and white noise streaming through his earbuds, he’d lost track of time.

“It’s been two weeks already,” Mark continued. “Are we charging him for half a month’s rent or what?”

Rei found his phone, wincing as the too-bright screen stung his tired eyes. It was just after four p.m. There was one text message from his bank notifying him that his account balance had dropped below a hundred dollars. Rei sighed. The last of his monthly bills had been processed and now he was officially broke.

He opened his email app and his heart sank. There were no responses from any of the jobs he’d submitted for. And he’d applied to so many in the past few weeks, researching positions and submitting applications like it was his actual full-time job. Nothing had been off the table, either. He’d sent resumes for everything from restaurants, fast food, retail, and even janitorial work. As desperate as he was, no job was menial.

And yet there was nothing.

Even if Mark decided to put the charge to him, not like he could afford to pay anyway.

Rubbing his eyes, Rei couldn’t help thinking about Nico’s last words to him. The day after the showdown, he’d inquired about getting his job back, but the Sicilian’s words had been disappointing.

“It’s better for you to stay away from the club. For your own good.”

Rei had pretended it was cool. He didn’t need Nico or Sapphire. He’d left that morning, declining offers of breakfast, feeling indignant. He’d even slammed the front door for good measure and hadn’t spoken to Nico since.

He’d had no plans to, but with very little money in the bank, no savings, no job prospects, and on the verge of being kicked out yet again, the idea of seeing him one more time to try to convince him was just too goddamn appealing.

He turned his phone back on.

“Don’t do it,” he whispered, but his voice was reedy.

His thumb hovered over Nico’s name in his contact list. If he tried to call him, it was likely his former boss wouldn’t answer. Instead, he scrolled up until he reached Elle, the French dancer he’d recently learned was engaging in high-class prostitution at Sapphire. He sent her a text.

Hey, I need your help. Could you meet me outside the church across from Sapphire?

Rei held his breath as he stared at the screen, waiting for a response. Nico was going to be pissed, but what other choice did he have?

A moment later, Elle responded with a thumbs up and kiss face emoji.

God, he loved her. Motivated, Rei hopped out of bed and exited the room. Mark was nowhere in sight, thank goodness, but he still hurriedly showered and dressed. It’d been nearly two weeks since he’d last seen Nico or heard his deep, accented voice, even. His stomach flipped at the thought of a reunion.

Ten minutes later, he slid into his mom’s Toyota Highlander, shaking his head in disbelief. His car had been completely totaled after the “accident,” and he still hadn’t received the insurance payout so he could put a down payment on another one. Yumiko was a saint for letting him borrow her car after all this time.

Daniel’s home was in midtown, so the drive to the gentlemen’s club in Crosstown was relatively short. Rei parked across the street at the vacant church, staring out at the looming Victorian mansion while he waited for Elle to pull up. Even though other workers had begun to arrive, Rei’s gaze landed on the structure’s third floor. Where Nico’s office was. He wondered if the Sicilian had arrived already, pulling off his jacket and draping it on the back of his chair. It was late March, and even though the sky was gray and cloudy, the temperature wasn’t too bad at sixty degrees and no wind chill. Nico wouldn’t be wearing a coat, though he did look sexy as hell in a long trench.

“Calm down,” Rei said aloud, rubbing his warm cheeks.

He tried—and failed—not to think about the night prior to the disappointing morning. His hands on Nico’s body. Stroking. That hungry kiss like Nico wanted to devour him. Rei begging to be fucked. Knowing that if Max hadn’t interrupted, Nico definitely would have, right there on the couch, bruised ribs and all.

Rei shifted in his seat, unzipping his jacket a few inches, suddenly too warm. If he’d known that would be the last opportunity he’d ever get, he would’ve let Nico take him to bed with no regrets.

Instead, he was left with only the possibilities. When he wasn’t worrying about running out of money or paying bills or his housing situation, his mind almost always took a dark, sensuous turn to that night.

What would it have felt like?

It didn’t help that Nico was a damn good kisser, either. That alone ripened Rei’s imagination with all kinds of other things Nico would be “good” at.

A knock on the window pulled him from his trance, almost startling him out of his seat.

Elle’s grinning face stared back at him, and she waved.

Rei placed a hand over his racing heart before he exited the car to greet her. “Hey, Elle, thanks for meeting me.”

The blue-eyed brunette threw her arms around his neck and gave him a long, tight hug. “My goodness, Rei! It’s so good to see you. It feels like it’s been ages.”

Rei was surprised at the warmth filling his chest as she held him. He wrapped his arms around her too, resting his head on her shoulder and closing his eyes while the sweet scent of vanilla wafted off her. “It’s been too long.”

When Elle finally pulled away, she appraised him, her vibrant eyes filled with concern. “How are you? Are you well? Eating and sleeping okay?”

Rei rubbed the back of his neck. She seemed worried enough, so he would spare her the details of just how shitty his life was, but experience taught him that pretending to be okay when he wasn’t was no good either. “Thanks for meeting me,” he repeated. “Truly. I appreciate it.”

“Of course. Anything for you. What did you need?”

“Well first I need you to know that I never stole that security box Gabriel accused me of. He framed me because he was hiding his own bullshit secrets, and I knew, and he wanted me to keep quiet.” Permanently, but he wouldn’t scare her like that. “I’m not a thief, I promise.”

Elle scoffed, her beautiful features twisting into a deep frown. “Of course, I never believed Gabriel for one second. It’s no coincidence that he’s no longer working here. It is as you said from the very beginning. Sac à merde.“

Rei smiled, appreciating the sentiment. He didn’t need a translator to know what that meant. The venom in her voice was indicative enough. “Listen, I’m kind of in a financial struggle right now. A bad one. I need you to help me get inside so I can talk to Nico. See if I can get my job back.”

Elle tensed, her expression filled with uncertainty.

Before she could say no, Rei pushed, “I don’t have anything with me. No weapons. Mace. Nothing. You can check me if you’re worried.”

“Don’t be silly, I trust you. Come on.” She headed for Sapphire, and Rei followed behind her. “Besides, it’s not really you I’m worried about.”

Rei frowned, wondering what she meant by that.

They reached the massive door a few moments later, but Elle didn’t immediately scan her badge. She turned to Rei, a look of exasperation etched into her features. “It’s Nico. He hasn’t been in the greatest mood lately. Fair warning.”

She held the door open for him, but Rei didn’t move. His heart was suddenly pounding. “Jesus, Elle, don’t freak me the fuck out before I’m supposed to go in there to see him.”

“I just thought you should be prepared. Are you coming in?”

Rei reluctantly entered, his footsteps leaden. “Now I feel like I’m about to face off with a fire-breathing dragon.”

Elle giggled as she led the way into the warm lobby. As he took in the red and gold tapestry wallpaper, the stained-glass windows peeking out from under heavy red felt drapes, and the beautiful silver and glass chandelier hanging from a gorgeous, stenciled ceiling, a sense of familiarity washed over Rei, momentarily making him forget Elle’s warning.

God, he missed the place.

Taking in the antique furnishings and settees, his chest fluttered with an awe resembling his initial walkthrough of the club. The only thing different was the receptionist.

Rose had been calm and composed the first time he’d met her. Standing behind her desk, she looked anything but. Her dark eyes were wide with panic as her gaze bounced between him and Elle. “What is he doing here?” she asked. “I can’t believe you let him in. Are you trying to get us fired?”

Before Elle could respond, Rei faced off with the approaching woman. “Gabriel was lying about me, Rose. You know he was. I need to see Nico.”

“Uh-uh. You need to go.”

As her manicured hands made contact with his arm, Rei bore down to stop her from pushing him out the door. “Please, Rose. If I don’t get my job back, I’m not gonna have a home to return to.”

That stopped the woman in her tracks. Even though Rei didn’t like the pity in her eyes, he would play the sympathy card if it meant she’d let him upstairs.

“I’ve applied to everything under the sun and have had no luck,” Rei continued. “You guys know I didn’t steal anything. I just need to convince Nico. Give me five minutes.”

Rose huffed in defeat. “Damn it, Rei.” Her hands returned to his arms, but this time she patted him down, making quick work of checking his arms, chest, and legs. “Hand me your phone.”

Rei didn’t argue as he took the device out of his back pocket and handed it to her.

“This stays down here until you’re done. Let’s go.” She shot one last glare at Elle before she led the way inside the club.

Rei mouthed a grateful “thank you” to the Frenchwoman before he followed Rose down the well-lit passage with its torch-like sconces and blend of Italianate and Romanesque style mirroring the lobby. Once they exited the hall, past the eponymous, velvet curtains, however, the modern splendor of Sapphire littered his body with chills. Past the marble statues and grand staircase, Rei took in the sleek, luxurious furnishings, all monochromatic with splashes of sapphire blue. The votive candleholders at each table gave off an intimate and elegant vibe, and, as they neared the elevator, that massive, glittering chandelier still took his breath away. As workers milled about prepping for the day, Rei wanted to be back there so badly he could taste it. Rose opened the elevator, and Rei let his resolve override whatever fear he might be feeling at Nico’s mood.

The steel doors dinged open on the third floor, and Rei stared down the dimly lit hallway. Nothing had changed since he’d left. Not the Botticelli-style mosaic console table or the vase sitting on top of it. Though the flowers inside looked fresh and in season, which made total sense. That ominous feeling remained, however. “I wonder if the floors still creak,” Rei said aloud.

“It hasn’t been that long since you were gone. Come on.”

“Really? Feels like it’s been forever,” Rei mumbled. So much had happened since then. How could it have only been less than a month since he was a regular employee there?

He followed Rose down the corridor, which in fact did squeak under their footsteps, his breaths growing shallow as they neared Nico’s office.

“Let me do the talking,” Rose whispered.

“By all means.” He had to remember how to breathe properly first.

Rose knocked once on the door and pushed it open slightly. She said some form of introduction, though Rei wasn’t entirely focused.

“Come in,” came the deep voice from the other side of the room.

Rei’s heart jolted.

That voice … Had it really been two weeks since they’d last spoken to each other?

“You’re up.”

Rei blinked, not realizing Rose had already gone inside and come back out.

“You can get your phone from my desk when you’re done.”

As she sauntered back down the creaky hall, Rei took a deep breath and prepared to face off with his fire-breathing dragon.

The first thing he noticed upon stepping into Nico’s office was the man himself. How could he not? Nico had a commanding presence. Elegantly dressed, tall, muscular, and gorgeous as sin with stylish raven black hair and a pair of unusually pale golden-brown eyes. While also possessing a deadly aura that Rei knew from firsthand experience was real.

Rei’s steps faltered, however, as he studied Nico’s features. Though most of his bruises and cuts were faded, barely noticeable, the dark circles under his eyes weren’t. He looked like he hadn’t slept in ages, and behind that shadow he was scowling. Obviously irritated. His desk was a mess, too, with papers, notebooks, his phone, and his laptop scattered all over it.

Rei stifled a nervous laugh, suddenly wishing he’d heeded Elle’s warning a little bit more. He cleared his throat. “It’s good to see—”

“Close the door behind you.”

Rei hesitated a brief second before he complied. He glanced around the warm space, noting the large bookshelf with all its tomes and novels and the unlit fireplace with the antique chairs sitting in front of it, as well as the heavy red drapes that were surprisingly hiding the beautiful stained-glass windows. Anything to keep from feeling scrutinized beneath Nico’s harsh gaze. “You look … tired,” Rei finally said.

“I thought I told you to stay away from the club.”

“You did, but—”

“So why are you here?”

“I wouldn’t be if it weren’t for good reason.”

“There’s no reason good enough, Rei. It’s not safe for you here. Not with Gabriel still out there somewhere.”

Rei rolled his eyes. “I can handle myself. You know that. Besides, if Gabriel does come back, and he didn’t die from his injuries, you’re probably at the very top of his shit list. We could look after each other.”

Nico’s eyes darkened. “No. Don’t try to get close to me. It’s too dangerous.”

Rei opened his mouth, wanting to counteract that statement, but nothing came out. Nico was dead serious. He didn’t want anything to do with Rei. Not colleagues or friends or potentially more. Nothing. Just two strangers passing each other by. Like they hadn’t shared a traumatic moment or saved each other. Rei gripped the hem of his jacket as his throat got tight. He didn’t really have any expectations when he’d stepped foot inside the place, but he hadn’t expected the door of finality to be slammed firmly shut in his face, either.

He’d been hopeful for something.

And it stung like hell.

“Look, I just want my job back. That’s all I came here for. I was wrongfully terminated, and you know that. And now I’m having a hard time lining up another one, and I’m literally about to be homeless if I don’t land something ASAP. We don’t have to be friends or anything else. I’ll stay out of your office if it makes you happy, so please just do this for me.”

Nico stared at him without saying a word for what felt like an unbearably long time. Just when Rei was about to tell him off, the Sicilian finally reached for a pen and one of the legal pads on his desk. “How much?” he asked.

“How much for what?”

“I’ll write you a check. How much will it cost to keep you away from me?”

Rei winced, his gut quivering. His heart felt like it’d been punctured by Nico’s cruelty. Was this really the same man who’d saved his life at the terminal? The same man he’d kissed and nearly given his body over to? Staring at him in total disbelief, Rei was glad he hadn’t made that mistake. “Wow, really?” he drawled, his voice cracking. “You’ve got me so fucked up. As if I need the blood money of some goddamn murderer.“ He filled his anger and hatred into that last word and spat it out.

Nico stood so fast that Rei flinched. He slammed his hands on the desk, sending loose papers flying. His amber eyes resembled a wildfire, burning with his rage, currently directed at Rei, who suddenly regretted his word choice. “Murderer? I’ve killed in self-defense. I’ve killed to defend my country. I’ve especially killed to protect my family.” He pointed a threatening finger at Rei. “But I have never, ever killed in cold blood for the mafia!”

Rei backed into the door, his left hand fumbling for the knob.

“Now get the fuck out of my office and don’t come back.”

Rei finally threw open the door and bolted, unshed tears stinging his eyes and blinding him as he ran down the hallway. When he finally entered the elevator, his throat was so tight he could barely breathe, but he didn’t dare stop. Not for former colleagues calling his name, waving him over, or giving him strange looks. He kept his head down and bypassed everyone, desperately needing to get out of there. At Rose’s desk, Rei snatched up his phone and exited the lobby before the receptionist could get a word out.

Outside, alone, Rei let out a choked sob. Tears flowed freely down his face, instantly chilled by the night air. He wanted to scream and hit something, preferably resembling Nico’s mug. That was not how he envisioned the conversation going. Not at all.

How could he have been so wrong?

“Rei?”

Rei spun around at the sound of the tentative voice, only to be met with Timothy’s freckled face, his brown eyes going wide as he took in the sobbing mess of Rei’s own mien.

“Are you, um, crying?”

“Fuck.” Rei scrubbed at his face, hating that he was caught like that. “As if this day couldn’t get any worse.”

“Why are you … what happened? Were you inside the club just now? Did you see Nico?”

Despite his stinging eyes and the lump lodged in his throat and shattered heart, Rei chuckled. “You should see your face right now.” The kid was almost as red as his hair. He couldn’t meet Rei’s eyes, either, his gaze darting everywhere but at him while he shuffled back and forth on his feet, his hands shoved into his pockets like he was afraid to have to comfort someone. Rei could tell Timothy was not used to consoling.

“Sorry. I never know what to do when people cry.”

Rei released a shaky breath and tried to regain his bearings. “I’m sorry you had to see me like this.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m just awkward. Everyone says so.”

Rei nodded, watching the younger male rub his nape, his expression like he’d rather be anywhere else. “Thanks. I’d better get going.”

“Will you, you know, be all right? I mean, not now, but like eventually?”

As Timothy’s voice trailed off, like he was unsure if he was asking the right questions, Rei felt that familiar dark cloud hover over him. The one that weighed him down with its near-constant slog of worries and barrage of intrusive thoughts.

Hello, Depression, my old friend …

“I don’t think so,” Rei answered honestly. “I couldn’t convince Nico to rehire me, and now I’m out of time. I’m about to be homeless, so …”

Timothy perked up, and he finally met Rei’s gaze head-on. “You need a place to stay?”

“Are you offering?”

Timothy nodded. “Me and my boyfriend, we’ve been looking for a roommate to help pay the mortgage on our condo for, like, a while now. If you want the room, it’s yours.”

Rei’s eyes stung for the second time as he stared at Timothy, his expression wavy and hard to decipher past the new batch of tears. “I don’t,” he started, not sure what he even wanted to say. He was completely at a loss for words.

“Don’t cry. It’s a good thing. Whenever you’re ready, you can text me and I’ll give you the address. Check it out before you agree to anything.”

Rei cleared his throat. “I can’t contribute much right now, but if you guys are willing to work with me, I’ll make up for it, promise.”

“We’ll discount the first month’s rent. Friends, right?”

Even though he knew it would embarrass him, Rei wrapped his arms around Timothy and gave him a tight hug. True enough, the younger male went completely stiff in Rei’s arms, but Rei didn’t let go as relief loosened his shoulders and filled his lungs, making him feel like he could breathe a little bit easier. “Thanks, Timothy. I really needed some good news today.”

He glanced up at the dark and cloudy sky, silently praying like hell that God, or the universe, was going to cut him some slack.

Finally.

* * *

Hope you enjoyed! Be on the look out for Chapter 2!

Until next time,

Jessamyn