I never would have guessed that my life would become so complicated. Who would have thought that I would turn out to be the biological daughter of a mafioso who killed his wife in an act of jealousy? The Winchester family has been part of the dark underworld for generations, my father is currently in Hong Kong, protecting himself from punishment. Having the right back there, he is in no danger of anything for the murders of people he has on his record. So far, he has been hiding far away from Canada, only to return one day and finally unleash a war against Alexander once I am safe.
I am full of admiration for Luke's father, who was able to sacrifice himself for the Winchester family. He explained that this was his way of showing his gratitude when, as a child, he was taken in from the street by my grandfather and raised to be his man. Luke's father has belonged to the Mafia for forty, so he was trained accordingly. That's why he wasn't afraid to put his life at risk to help my father. To date, they are best friends, brothers who can sacrifice themselves to avenge the past.
Mafia relationships are too complicated for me to understand.
I don't know what day has just passed when I have to sit locked in this cave. I'm panicking about meeting the man who killed my mother and I know he's already on his way in his private helicopter to take me far away from here before he unleashes a war with Alexander.
- Don't even think about staying here - Luke says as he sits down next to me, pale as a corpse. I can see that he's feeling bad again. - I suspect you won't even have much to say when your father steps in here.
- Did you vomit? - I ask, watching him with caring eyes. - Your condition is getting worse by the minute.
- Don't exaggerate. I won't die right away - he replies coolly.
I turn my face away and close my eyelids, panicking about him. I know he's not telling me everything, but his look betrays that he's getting worse.
- I have no idea what kind of drugs Alexander gave you, but it was real poison. You need to get to the hospital as soon as possible.
- To the hospital? Alexander will get there right away. He is not stupid. I know he claimed to be my guardian if something happened to me. I can't take that kind of risk.
- Of course you can't, that's why your rescue will be a hospital in Hong Kong. You and Solar have no further say in the matter. Tonight you will leave here and disappear from Canada - the boy's father speaks up when he unexpectedly appears in the room. - You will be given adequate protection in Hong Kong.
Until now, I have insisted that I will stay here and be part of this war. But, looking at Luke's condition and the fact that he is getting worse every hour, every now, and then I change my mind about what I should do.
On the one hand, I want to stay and find out Alexander's true intentions, to find out if there is actually a desire for revenge hidden in his actions since he has not harmed me so far. Or if he is just waiting for the right moment to do it. On the other hand, I would like to forget all this, disappear from this place and take Luke with me to ensure our safety and get him to a doctor as soon as possible.
Looking at him... I definitely want to help him.
- Solar will fly. I stay to help you deal with Alexander - announces Luke.
- You won't help us much, being in such a state. After all, I can see that you are barely winded. - His father does not mince words. - First, you need to gain strength to be able to face Alexander's men. At this point, you would be the weakest link. You fly with Solar to Hong Kong and that's it.
- If you don't fly, I will also stay. I have decided that I will leave here on one condition, that I take you with me. My priority is to cure you. If you decide to die here, I will die with you - I claim.
I don't give a damn about Luke's murderous eyes piercing me at this point.
- I can't leave my dad alone. I can't run away like a coward and put him in danger.
- Son, do you hear what you are just talking about? Think about what I have done to you? I am so attached to the Winchester family that I was able to set your head to protect Solar. I staged my death, I left you to Alexander, I endangered your health and safety. You have no right to utter similar words now. You are the last person who can call yourself a coward.
His father is right. After all, he was completely out of his son's mind. Luke should not risk his life at this point. The man himself chose this path, so it is his duty to end it.
- Where should we meet my father? - I ask unexpectedly when there has been silence between us for several minutes.
- First we have to get to the car safely to get to the meeting with your father, Solar. This will not be at all as easy as it seems. Alexander's men are still roaming around looking for you. Francisco went out to bring the car as close to our shelter as possible.
- The Lord has been around the Mafia all his life, so we have nothing to fear, right? Will you get us out of here safely?
His tentative nod gives me slight cause for concern.
- I can't promise you that one hundred percent. I impersonated Alexander's man for many years, so I know how devious the bastard can be.
- Nevertheless, we must take the risk and get out of here. Alexander will get here eventually, too - declares Luke. - It won't be easy for us, but at this point every second counts. Sitting idly by will not make anything easier for us.
I think stress is starting to eat away at me because I'm dizzy. I glance at Luke as he lowers his head and takes a deep breath. He's in a bad way, and he's making me doubly stressed.
How will it all turn out? I have no idea, but I'm counting on Luke's father to know how to guide us well.
*
I have chills all over my body as we follow Francisco and Luke's father. I cling tightly to the boy's arm, even snuggling into him. At this point, I should be the one to support him, considering that he feels bad; however, I have to admit that all my courage has evaporated quickly, and I am acting like a coward.
This is inconceivable, especially since quite recently I wanted to participate in the gang war. What was I thinking? I guess my emotions were speaking through me because at this point I would not have been able to face Alexander.
It's the middle of the night, this dense forest and darkness cause a feeling of panic in me that shouldn't happen.
I've been a terrible bodied lately!
- Are you cold? You're shaking like a jelly - Luke turns to me, and my attention is drawn to the car, whose light is cast by the flashlight held by Francisco. - Or is it more from fear?
I don't know. I think the cold air and fear make me shiver all over, but I won't tell him the truth.
- It's cold as hell - I reply.
We walk up to a black SUV, and Francisco sits behind the wheel. I intended to take the seat behind him, but when I opened the door, Luke grabs my shoulders and turns me to face him. I watch him carefully as he takes off his unbuttoned sweatshirt and throws it over my shoulders.
- Now you won't be cold as hell - he announces, helping me get inside. I lift the corners of my mouth upward, covering myself more thoroughly with the sweatshirt that actually belongs to his father. Because of our situation, we had to borrow a few things from the man.
- I immediately feel warmer. - Out of the corner of my eye, I glance at the boy as he sits down next to me. - However, there is a caring nature in you.
Luke is confused as his father looks at us with a smile on his face.
- You don't have to say it out loud - he burbles under his breath.
I could swear that this is the first time I've seen him embarrassed. I have no idea if it's because of his father's presence, but I haven't yet been able to see such a sweet Luke since I met him. More often than not, the bastard spoke through him when he was under the influence of drugs. In this adorable appearance, I would like to see him more often.
- I hope this isn't the first and last time I see you like this, Luke - I announce, taking his hand. I feel his intense gaze on me, but I don't look away from the front window. - We've spent so much time together, but we still don't know each other very well. I hope we can make up for it in Hong Kong. You need to recover quickly.
- I don't know if this is the right time to flirt. Someone is undoubtedly following us - Francisco says as we pull out onto the main road.
Luke and I turn around and notice the lights of a car. When Francisco accelerates, the vehicle behind us does so as well. When the man slows down, the car doesn't overtake us, but is still behind.
- Do you think these are Alexander's men? - I ask with concern in my voice.
- Francisco, you have to do something to lose them. - The words of the boy sitting next to me make me clench his hand tighter. - Because it's a matter of time when Alexander's men will get in our way.
- No worries. He's a driver who won't get caught - claims Luke's father. - I put him behind the wheel for a reason.
A loud scream escapes my lips as Francisco unexpectedly takes a sharp turn, driving literally in front of the hood of the truck. He drives into a forest road full of potholes, making my body start to bruise.
Another turn puts my head on the shoulder of the boy sitting next to me. He looks back, wanting to make sure the people we are being followed by are not catching up with us.
- It was hardcore, but you made it, Francisco - Luke says with amusement in his voice. - You lost them.
- Hardcore? He made the turn actually in front of the hood of the truck! I thought it was my last seconds of life!
Luke grabs my chin and squeezes my cheeks with his fingers.
- Life in the mafia is full of risks. Be prepared that the road to your father will be full of dangerous obstacles. This is just the beginning.
- What is this road anyway? Will we leave it on the main street?
- We will definitely get somewhere - replies Francisco. - Your father will have to wait a little longer for us.
- I have a bad feeling. A terrible feeling - I announce. - My intuition never fails me.
- Solar, there is no way the road to your father will go smoothly, so be prepared for it to be difficult. - That bastard is scaring me again. - Nevertheless, your protection is our priority, so we'll do our best to fly you to Hong Kong.
- Together with you - I add.
- I don't know if together with me. I would rather not promise you anything because when it comes to facing Alexander, I will protect you with my body. If I survive, I'll get in the helicopter with you, if not, you'll have to do it yourself.
- But your dad said...!
- This is the assumption that I will do it with you, but he understands your protection is the most important thing. When Alexander appears, at that moment only you will start to count, right, Dad?
I pour a frightened look at the boy's father, waiting for his answer.
- Luke realizes this, so you need to prepare for it, Solar - the man turns to me. - Your safety is paramount. Winchester blood flows in you.
I only beg that this whole nightmare ends with a happy ending. If something happens to this moron while he is trying to protect me, I will never forgive myself.