Fist

Chapter 12:

As Antonio strode into the room, Kristen felt a shiver run down her spine. His eyes were blazing with anger, and his jaw was clenched in a tight line.

"Antonio, what happened?" Kristen asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Antonio's gaze flicked to hers, and for a moment, Kristen thought she saw a glimmer of something else in his eyes. But then his expression hardened, and he turned away.

"Marco's been taken care of," Antonio said curtly. "He won't be causing any more trouble."

Kristen felt a surge of fear at Antonio's words. What did he mean by "taken care of"? Had he hurt Marco?

As she watched, Antonio began to pace back and forth across the room, his eyes fixed on some point in the distance. Kristen could sense the tension building inside him, and she knew that she had to be careful.

"Antonio, maybe you should sit down," Kristen said, trying to sound calm. "You seem a bit...upset."

Antonio's gaze snapped back to hers, and Kristen felt a jolt of fear. But then, to her surprise, Antonio nodded, his expression softening slightly.

"Yeah, maybe you're right," he said, his voice a little softer.

Antonio walked over to the couch and sat down, his eyes fixed on Kristen. She felt a shiver run down her spine as he looked at her, his gaze intense.

As they sat there in silence, Kristen couldn't help but wonder what was going on inside Antonio's head. What was he thinking? And what did he plan to do next?

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Victor poked his head in, looking worried.

"Antonio, we have a problem," Victor said, his voice low.

Antonio's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. "What is it?" he growled.

Victor hesitated before speaking. "It's about Marco's brother, Leo. He's been making threats against you."

Antonio's expression turned icy, and Kristen felt a surge of fear. What would happen next?

As Antonio's gaze flicked to hers, Kristen felt a jolt of electricity. For a moment, she thought she saw something in his eyes, something that looked almost like...concern.

But then Antonio's expression hardened, and he turned away. "I'll take care of Leo," he said, his voice cold.

Kristen felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized the implications. Antonio was going to deal with Leo, and she had no idea what that meant.

As the tension in the room continued to build, Kristen knew that she had to be careful. She was trapped in Antonio's world, and she had no idea how to escape.

But as she looked at Antonio, Kristen felt a spark of determination. She was going to survive this, no matter what.

As Antonio stood up, his eyes fixed on Victor. "I want you to find out more about Leo's threats," he said, his voice cold.

Victor nodded, his expression serious. "I'll get right on it," he said.

Antonio turned to Kristen, his gaze piercing. "You're going to stay here, in this room," he said. "I don't want you leaving until I say it's safe."

Kristen felt a surge of fear at Antonio's words. What was going on? And why was he being so protective?

But before she could ask any questions, Antonio turned and walked out of the room, leaving Kristen alone with her thoughts.

As she sat there, trying to make sense of what was happening, Kristen heard the sound of footsteps outside her door. She got up and walked over to the door, listening carefully.

The footsteps stopped outside her room, and Kristen heard the sound of a key being inserted into the lock. The door creaked open, and Victor slipped inside.

"Kristen, I need to tell you something," Victor said, his voice low and urgent.

Kristen's heart skipped a beat as she looked at Victor. What was going on?

"What is it?" Kristen asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Victor hesitated before speaking. "Antonio's in danger," he said. "Leo's threats are real, and we don't know what he's capable of."

Kristen felt a surge of fear at Victor's words. What did this mean for Antonio? And for her?

As she looked at Victor, Kristen knew that she had to do something. She couldn't just sit back and wait for something to happen.

Victor's eyes locked onto Kristen's, his expression serious. "We need to make sure Antonio is protected," he said. "But we also need to be careful. Leo's not someone to be underestimated."

Kristen nodded, her mind racing. She knew that Antonio was a powerful man, but she also knew that he had enemies. And now, it seemed, one of those enemies was threatening him.

"What can I do to help?" Kristen asked, her voice firm.

Victor's expression softened slightly. "Just stay safe, Kristen," he said. "And let us handle it."

But Kristen knew that she couldn't just sit back and do nothing. She had to do something to help Antonio.

As Victor turned to leave, Kristen called out to him. "Victor, wait!" she said.

Victor turned back to her, his eyes questioning. "What is it, Kristen?" he asked.

Kristen took a deep breath. "I want to help protect Antonio," she said. "Tell me what I can do."

Victor's expression changed, and for a moment, Kristen thought she saw a glimmer of surprise. But then his face hardened, and he nodded.

"Okay, Kristen," he said. "I'll tell you what you can do. But you have to promise me one thing."

"What's that?" Kristen asked.

Victor's eyes locked onto hers. "You have to promise me that you'll stay safe," he said. "No matter what happens."

Kristen nodded, her heart pounding. She knew that she was taking a risk, but she also knew that she had to do something.

"I promise," she said.

Victor nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good," he said. "Now, let's get to work."

As Victor turned to leave, Kristen felt a surge of determination. She was going to help protect Antonio, no matter what it took.

But as she watched Victor walk away, Kristen couldn't shake the feeling that she was in over her head.

What happens next?