“What are you saying?” She shot back in retort and cracked the gun. “This is the perfect time to be a hard ass. It's either now or never.”
The rush of adrenaline in my body made me feel like running to her so I could raise her up until she lay on my shoulders. I know she'd resist, but I wouldn’t mind. I would then walk outside with Yuri, and we'd kill every Italian we set our eyes on, but that wouldn't be a smart move. My jaw pressed tight, and I wanted to tell her not to be stubborn. But before I could utter another word, the door opened, and a group of Italians walked in with guns akimbo.
The first two that walked in had their eyes on Yuri and Isabella. Yuri was just about to raise his gun when I shot the first two bullets that passed through their skull. Isabella ducked down, and Yuri shot the next two bullets, yet my eyes landed on Isabella. I watched her fire the gun. It hit an unlucky Italian whojust walked in. Yuri shot two bullets in his chest until he was sure he was dead.
“Come on. We should leave.” We turned and walked outside the bedroom. The damage was severe. I never had the urge to kill in a wild rampage the way I did now. The smell of dust and gunfire clouded the atmosphere. Dead bodies lay on the floor, and it frustrated me that we had to walk over the very people who swore to protect me.
“I'll show them not to ever mess with a Lobanov,” I muttered beneath my breath and ran across the hallway.
I recalled that I hid a rifle underneath the counter in the kitchen, so I went in search of it. I heard more gunshots upstairs, and my heart jumped in thought of Isabella. Thankfully, I found the rifle, and it was fully loaded.
Both Yuri and Isabella walked in, and I raised my index finger to my lips, telling them to hush. My steps were slow and my ears sharp. The first shot was aimed at me, and I heard it pass by my ear. Then it followed an endless spray. I hid with Isabella behind the counter and aimed my rifle at the bloody Italians.
Yuri shot toward the left of the living room. I shot toward the right. The Italians were many, but that wasn't a problem. All I wanted was Isabella's safety, and I would stop at nothing to ensure it.
“Lay low,” I said to her, and the flesh on her forehead creased.
“Where are you going?” She asked, and I replied almost immediately.
“To war with these bloody men. If anyone comes close, pull the trigger, you hear me? Aim for the head. I'm about to bring hell to these bastards.”
I was amazed to see Isabella stay back in obedience. This time, all I could smell was blood. The blood that I was willing to shed for the cause of protecting my wife. I shot my rifle with precision and walked out of the living room. Yuri backed me up, and we fired back at them without hesitation. We were winning, at least. Some of the Italians took cover, yet I kept on shooting until I heard my rifle click.
“Shit!” I hissed. It was empty.
I ran back, hid behind the sofa, and removed the pistol that hung between my waist belt.
Gunshots sprayed towards me, and the foam of the sofa flew out of its place. I turned to my right and saw that the bullets shattered the TV screen and the chandelier, which crashed onto the marble floor.
“Enough of this shit.” I took a quick inhale of the smoky air. My hands held tight to the gun. I stood up to see the Italians flee. I was confused for a moment. So I walked outside and saw Viktor and Roman bring in the reinforcements. I ran towards the retreating Italians and shot one of them in the leg. He screamed, but no one would dare save him, now that he was alone.
Out of hopelessness, he looked at me, and I shot him in both of his arms.
“Kill me if you want,” he spat out. “Caruso has promised to come for his bride. This is only the begin…” I pulled the trigger on his forehead before he could finish the sentence.
I turned back, and Viktor looked disgusted at the damage that was done to my mansion. Yuri stood beside me, and I sighed.
“I need you to clean up and ensure that you refurbish this place.”
“Sure thing,” he answered and walked back into the building.
Isabella walked out and ran towards me. We held each other in a warm embrace, and I kissed her forehead.
“Are you alright?” I asked, patting her mussed-up hair
“Yeah.” She nodded, catching her breath.
“Go back inside. Have a nice shower and a change of clothes. I'll be with you soon. I have business to attend to.”
I knew she understood that business only meant a meeting with my brothers. She left without hesitation, and I walked towards Viktor and Roman, who stood side by side.
No one said anything for a while.
“Thanks for the backup.” I began after releasing a sigh.
“Family comes first, right?” Viktor said. His voice had a solid rhythmic tone that commanded order and respect.
“Yeah.” I combed my hair to the side with my fingers.
