The sun was setting, casting a golden glow through the large windows of the Romano mansion, but I felt none of its warmth. The house was still, like a beast lying in wait. Tristan had not yet returned, and the silence gnawed at me.
My mind was restless, replaying the events of the morning over and over. The gunshot. The cold steel in my hands. Carlo's terrified eyes. I wanted to feel remorse, guilt, anything to remind me I was still human-but all I felt was a growing numbness. A quiet, steady darkness. The quiet didn't last.
A sudden knock at the door snapped me out of my trance. I stood from the chaise by the window, smoothing my dress before walking to open it. A man stood there, someone unfamiliar. His face was sharp, and his eyes lingered too long on mine, making my skin prickle.
"Mrs. Romano," he greeted, a polite smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Tristan sent me. He's delayed in his meeting with the Don and asked me to bring you to him." I hesitated, the weight of the man's gaze unnerving. "He didn't mention anything to me."
"He wouldn't," the man replied, the smile never leaving his face. "Business changes quickly, and Tristan didn't want to waste any time. I've been tasked with escorting you personally."
The unease in my chest tightened. Something felt off, the man's words carefully chosen, his posture too relaxed for someone dealing with the Romanos. I glanced behind him, seeing a sleek black car waiting just outside the gates.
"I wasn't aware Tristan trusted anyone outside his inner circle," I said, my voice sharp, testing. The man's smile widened, but it was more a baring of teeth. "Trust is earned quickly in our line of work. You'd know that by now, Mrs. Romano."
My stomach twisted, the implication in his words clear. This was no friendly invitation. Whoever he was, Tristan had not sent him. I had to think quickly. "Tell Tristan I'll be out in a moment," I said, my tone clipped as I closed the door in his face.
My mind raced. If I refused to leave, it would raise suspicion. But if I went with this stranger, I knew it would be a mistake-one that might cost me everything. The mafia world thrived on trust, loyalty, and betrayal. One wrong move, and you were a pawn, a piece to be used and discarded.
I glanced around the room, searching for anything I could use. My phone lay on the table beside the bed, but there wasn't time to call for help. I moved to the closet, retrieving a thin blade I had hidden among my shoes-a habit born of necessity in a life filled with enemies lurking in the shadows. I tucked it into my dress, the cold metal reassuring against my skin. A few minutes later, I opened the door, my face carefully composed. "I'm ready."
The man's eyes scanned me, but he gave no sign of suspicion. He led me down the stairs and out of the mansion, opening the car door with a flourish. I slid into the backseat, my pulse racing as the door closed behind me.
The car pulled away from the mansion, the city lights flashing past as the car sped through the streets. I kept my gaze on the window, my heart pounding as I tried to plan my next move. I had no idea where they were taking me, but it was clear this was no meeting with Tristan.
After what felt like hours, the car slowed and pulled into an alleyway, the dim light casting long shadows over the cracked pavement. The man in the front seat turned to face me, his smile gone, replaced with something darker, more menacing.
"You've been quiet," he said, his voice low and threatening. "I suppose you understand what's happening now." My blood ran cold, but I forced myself to remain calm, my hand brushing against the hidden blade beneath my dress. "You're making a mistake. Tristan will-"
"Tristan isn't coming," the man interrupted, his eyes narrowing. "You're not as untouchable as you think, Mrs. Romano. Not everyone in the family believes this marriage should've happened."
My heart pounded in my chest. This was more than a power play-it was a betrayal from within. I had known there would be factions within the Romano family that opposed the union, but I hadn't realized how deep that opposition ran.
Before I could respond, the man reached for the door handle, but I moved faster. I lunged at him, the blade flashing in my hand as I slashed across his arm. He cursed, recoiling, and I took the momentary distraction to scramble out of the car.
My heels hit the pavement hard as I bolted down the alley, my pulse thundering in my ears. The sound of footsteps behind me grew louder, but I didn't dare look back. I had no idea where I was going-all I knew was that I had to get away.
The alley twisted and turned, each corner bringing more darkness, more danger.
My lungs burned, but I kept running, the fear driving me forward. But the footsteps were closing in, the man's voice shouting after me.
"You can't run from this, Selena!" he yelled. "You're as good as dead!"
I rounded another corner, but my foot slipped on the slick pavement, and I crashed to the ground, my knee hitting hard. Pain shot through my leg, but I forced myself to stand, ignoring the searing ache as I stumbled forward.
A hand grabbed me from behind, pulling me back, and I screamed, the sound echoing through the narrow alley. I fought, kicking and clawing, but the man's grip was ironclad, dragging me back toward the car.
"Enough of this," he growled, his breath hot against my neck. "You're going to-"
A gunshot rang out, the sound deafening in the narrow alley.
The man's grip slackened, and he fell to the ground, his blood pooling beneath him.
I spun around, my breath ragged, and saw Tristan standing at the entrance of the alley, his gun still raised, the barrel smoking.
His eyes met mine, dark and furious, as he strode toward me. He didn't speak as he reached me, his gaze sweeping over me to make sure I was unharmed. Then, without a word, he pulled me into his arms, the tension in his body palpable.
"You're safe," he whispered, his voice rough, as though the words cost him more than he was willing to admit.
I clung to him, my body shaking from the adrenaline, from the fear, from the realization that I had come so close to losing everything.
But as Tristan held me, his arms strong and unyielding, I knew one thing for certain: in this world, the only safety was by his side.
And I would do whatever it took to stay there.
WOAHHHH!!! THIS IS BEAUTIFUL....hehehehehe don't mind me. To be continued... loviessssss ❤️