Ethan's POV
I knew that bastard had him. I could feel it in my gut, but I needed to be strategic. Especially now that I know Jacob was Anthony's son.
Anthony was dangerous. He was rumored to be a ruthless killer who'd take people and torture them in his den. Informing the police was useless as he had friends in the department. He'd find out I tried to snitch on him and then murder me. Thanks to my father, I was involved with a man like that. And now Corey was in trouble because of me. Despite being rich, I couldn't even hire someone to help me. Anthony's reach was far too bigger than mine. He probably owned most of the thugs in the city.
I had to do this on my own.
"Don't make that face. We'll figure something out. Jacob isn't as bad as our dad," Melissa said, breaking my trance.
"If he does anything to hurt Corey..."
"He won't," Melissa tried to reassure me.
"I hope you're right, or I will raise hell," I said grimly.
Melissa looked at me curiously. Before today, she had never seen me so angry. I've always been a laidback guy. Even when I was forced to be engaged to Melissa, I didn't object or get angry. I fully accepted my fate.
"What's your fascination with this guy? I've never seen you act like this about anyone. In fact, I have never seen you like anyone," Melissa commented.
"He is not just a guy. He used to be my best friend, and I lost him because I was selfish and stupid. He loved me, and I bullied him. So now he hates me," I said. Despair tore at my heart when I thought about the things I put him through.
"He doesn't hate you anymore, don't worry," Melissa patted me on the back.
"How would you know that?" I looked at her with confusion.
"I saw the way he looked at you at the party. I didn't see hatred," she said. I hoped she was right.
I called Ally to let her know that I was still looking for Corey. She was worried about him and was crying incessantly. I didn't blame her.
"I've decided. I'm going to break into Jacob's house and get Corey out of there," I announced.
Melissa's brows creased with worry. "Are you sure that's a good idea? Jacob has hired men guarding his house, I'm sure."
"I have no choice," I said determinedly. "Can you help me?" I gave her an expectant look.
Melissa nodded. "I don't know why I'm agreeing to this, but sure. I'll help you." she sighed.
I waited until it was late at night, then headed back to Jacob's house. I packed my gun this time, so I have something to defend myself, although I promised Melissa not to hurt Jacob. But push comes to shove. I'll shoot anyone who will get in the way.
I found the trap door that was hidden outside. It led to a tornado shelter underneath the house. From there, I should be able to go inside the house. The door was locked with a heavy padlock. I cursed under my breath. If I try to break it, it'd make a lot of noise and alert the guard.
But I had to risk it. I thought as I took a bold cutter out of my bag. I positioned the cutter in between the lock and pressed it slowly. The metal of the chain made a loud jingling noise, so I paused. I wonder if anyone heard it. I needed to do this as quickly as possible. I tried it again. This time, I put all of my body weight on it and pressed it as hard as possible. The metal of the lock broke.
I tossed the bolt cutter aside and removed the lock from the chain then opened the wooden door. I took the chain with me, thinking it might come in handy later. I saw a ladder going down. It was dark inside, so I pulled out my flashlight and headed inside.
The room was cold. There were a few shelves lined up against the wall, filled with bottles of expensive wine. I guess this was also a wine cellar. I looked around and spotted the main door to the house up the stairs. I twisted the knob, thinking it was locked, but the door opened, much to my surprise.
I entered a room that appeared to be a kitchen. I saw the guy who was supposed to be a guard. He was sitting on a chair, sleeping. Some security, I thought sarcastically. I quietly sneaked in behind him then suddenly wrapped the chain around his neck. It was coming in handy after all!
His eyes snapped open, and he stared at me with wide eyes but was unable to make any sound as I squeezed the chain on his neck. He made a choking sound and tried to struggle out of my grasp, but fortunately, I was bigger than him. Jacob needs to hire a better bodyguard in the future.
"Shh...go to sleep," I whispered in his ears as he flailed around. Eventually, his body started to lose strength, and he fell unconscious. I let go of him and checked his pulse. Still alive. I propped his back on the chair and tied the chain around him. No one came into the kitchen. I guess Jacob was a deep sleeper.
I truly hoped Corey was hidden in this house. Otherwise, I did all these for nothing.
I heard voices coming from one of the bedrooms. I cracked the door opened and peeked inside. I almost gasped out loud as I saw Corey chained to the bedpost.
I was right! The bastard did keep Corey here! I carefully opened the door a little more to look for Jacob. Then I saw him coming out of the bathroom. Jacob walked towards Corey and said something I couldn't hear. Corey smiled.
Jealousy sparked inside me. Why was Corey smiling at him? He kidnapped him, for fuck's sake! Jacob leaned over and pressed his lips on Corey's.
I was shocked, which quickly yielded to fury. He was kissing my Corey! OH HELL NO!