Chapter 218: Surviving the chaos
A low voice rang out. "You look like hell, brother."
Augustine let out a sharp breath of relief.
"Lucien," he rasped.
Lucien stepped forward, flanked by his men, dressed in tactical gear, their weapons ready. His dark eyes flicked over Augustine, then Anne, his jaw tightening.
"I’ve never been so damn happy to see you alive," he growled as he drew Augustine into his arms. "I am sorry. I was late." He scrunched up his face as he pulled back. "Those bastards won’t live to regret it. I’ll handle them."
Anne stayed close to Augustine, her fingers still curled around the fabric of his shirt. She was still trembling, the chaos fresh in her mind.
Lucien turned to her. "You are safe now," he assured her, then gestured toward a black SUV waiting nearby, hidden under a camouflage net by the cliffside. "We’ll take you both somewhere secure. This island isn’t safe anymore."
Lucien’s men moved quickly, spreading out, ensuring the perimeter was clear. As the doors slammed shut and the car sped away into the jungle road, Anne leaned against Augustine’s chest, finally letting out a shaky breath.
After a long, tense ride, they arrived at a hidden villa nestled deep in the hills. Built from dark red stone and surrounded by thick jungle, the place was fortified. They were escorted inside by one of Lucien’s guards.
The guard ushered them into a room. As the guard nodded and left, Augustine closed the door behind them and exhaled, his body sagging for the first time since the attack. The adrenaline was fading, and in its place came pain.
He winced, glancing down at his arms, where the fire had left its mark. He peeled off his shirt, his back hurting as well.