Once in the car, Bastien accelerated, followed by Joel’s SUV. Kate smiled as she looked at the scenery. They arrived at a park near an ice cream shop; the children ran toward the swings while Kate walked hand in hand with Bastien, watching them play. They sat under a tree, the kids climbing the slide and playing hide-and-seek. Bastien leaned back against the trunk, and Kate settled in front of him, resting against his chest. Bastien’s arms lay across her abdomen, his head on her shoulder.—The kids are happy.—Yes, and they’ll be even happier once they get ice cream.—That little Addy is a mischievous one, always making Lucien protect and support her.—Bastien, Lucien reminds me so much of you. He’s very protective of Addy. If one day we’re not here, he’ll take care of her with his life.—I still don’t like the idea, but Lucien has already shown me he’s capable of standing up even to his own father for Addy.—He looks more like you than Lucca.—Hahaha, that’s only because you haven’t

At midnight, Bastien got out of bed to look out at the street. He checked every corner to make sure nothing was out of place. He saw his men walking on guard duty and felt reassured. When he returned to the room, Kate was awake, leaning against the door.—Kitty.—What are you doing?—Making sure no one is out there, but my men are all around, so you can rest easy.Kate stretched out her arms, and Bastien pulled her against his body.—Let’s go back to bed. —Bastien cupped her cheek and lifted her face—. I won’t let anything bad happen to you, Kate. You are the most precious thing I have. Nothing will ever happen to you. All right?Kate nodded, and Bastien sealed that promise with a kiss. He began to take off her blouse, letting it fall to the floor.—Bastien…—You’re wearing too many clothes; you won’t be able to sleep comfortably.Kate smiled.—Yes, I’m sure you’re worried about my comfort.—Always, darling. —Bastien kissed her neck as his hands unhooked her bra and slid down her skir

A few minutes later, gunfire erupted. Bastien looked through the bars and saw his men storming in, shooting and killing everyone inside the warehouse.—Luccaaaaa!!! —he screamed.Lucca ran to him.—Step back.Bastien obeyed, and Lucca shot the lock, breaking it open.—Kate, Kate, that bastard took Kate!—Let’s go.Lucca grabbed the tracker, and they jumped into the car.—They’re headed to the airport. Step on it, Bastien.Bastien drove at full speed, followed by the convoy of trucks. He overtook car after car until they reached the airport and burst into the private hangar.—Where is she?!—The signal is moving. There!!Bastien saw a plane taking off. He ran toward it, only to be intercepted by Nick’s men. Gunfire broke out. Bastien and his men fought fiercely. After pushing through, Bastien sprinted with everything he had, but he couldn’t reach the plane. He collapsed to his knees, sobbing in despair. Lucca and Joel rushed to his side.—Sir, we did everything we could. We have two ho