He seemed more uncomfortable than I'd ever seen him, a soldier with a heart. I could tell just how much he cared about Lorenzo. "That's something Lorenzo should tell you."
"His wife? A girlfriend? Maybe they couldn't handle his profession."
He gave me a single hard look. "He's never been involved, at least since he was very young."
"How do you know?"
"Because I went to school with him, Sierra."
I hadn't expected the words. "Oh."
"You are very special to him and I'm glad to finally see him happy."
Happy. The word seemed almost foreign to me, but the truth was, I'd never been happier. Even through the danger and the fear, the worry and the... secrets. I slumped against the door, resting my head on the glass, trying to hold onto the good memories.
"Don't worry about last night. Boss knew exactly what he was doing. He always does." Dante's remarks were filled with admiration and respect. While I might never understand the life within the mafia, I was able to comprehend how close the soldiers were, betrayal an ugliness that would divide the organization.
As we pulled into the city limits, I knew what I was attempting to do was a long shot at best, but if I was right, I would find a place to hide until I figured out what to do.
Or if I could trust Lorenzo.
Everything in my mind was muddled, fear that Lorenzo had actually been the one to get Lucas killed weighing heavily on my mind. I'd assumed Axel wasn't on Lorenzo's payroll. What if the monster was a Francesco soldier? Then why had Lorenzo protected me? Was it all a ploy?
Nothing was making any sense, but I'd started this freefall and I planned on ending it.
"Dante, can you stop by the same store so I can purchase a few additional clothes? It won't take ten minutes." He had no way of knowing I'd ordered off the internet. Any other excuse would seem implausible at best.
Dante shifted in his seat, peering into the rearview mirror. "I don't know, Sierra. Boss told me to take you straight home."
"I promise. Ten minutes. Maybe less. I've worn the same clothes for two days and have nothing else." I allowed my voice to have a singsong quality, offering him a huge smile.
He sighed. "All right, but only ten minutes. I'll wait directly outside. If you see anything suspicious, find me immediately."
"I promise you." I tried to figure out a plan of how to get to the senator. I knew where the man lived. I'd researched both Lucas and his father after Lucas' first contact. Although there was no indication of wrongdoing on the senator's part, especially since Senator Spalding had been on a vendetta against the Francesco family, I was uncertain of the truth.
Everyone could be lying.
Just like you are.
I hissed, angry with the little voice, trying my best not to fidget. When he pulled into the crowded lot, I waited until he'd parked to even consider opening the door. I was trying to build courage in order to be able to strike out on my own. This was so damn risky, but I had to know the truth or the nagging thoughts would never end.
I felt responsible for Lucas' death. If I hadn't insisted he provide evidence, perhaps he'd still be alive. Someone had to pay for the shitty hand that had been dealt and there was little Lorenzo could do without inciting violence. Too many people had already died, Lorenzo's poor brother still in the hospital. I didn't want to think about the passion we'd shared, or the lightness I'd felt in being with him in the shower. I refused to fall into that trap.
You can do this. You have the strength.
I almost laughed at the thought. I was no martyr and even with my father's tutelage, I wasn't prepared for what I was about to do. My stomach churned and I remained lightheaded, but this was something I had to do.
For both of us.
"Wait here." Dante gave me a hard look, as if expecting I was going to run before opening the door. By the time he walked around the side of the SUV, I was able to see his weapon in plain view. Whatever call Lorenzo had received meant things were escalating. Even Dante seemed nervous. Maybe confronting the situation would help in some small manner.
And maybe you're dreaming.
I bit back a moan, more determined than ever.
He ushered me out of the passenger side, taking my arm and leading me toward the entrance, his eyes scanning the parking lot. "I'll just be a few minutes," I assured him before walking into the store. I took several deep breaths, walking slowly until I was out of sight.
And directly to the back, the emergency exit leading to a street where I knew I could catch a cab. It wouldn't be the first time I ran off on a fare. I'd do what had to be done.
I raced out the back door, weaving my way through several parked cars until I made it to the street. I had only a few minutes before Dante would hunt me down. My entire body was shaking from the heavy rush of adrenaline. While there were no televisions or computers at the cabin, I had to think my 'death' was now public information, especially given who my father was. This had to remain quiet.
I pulled the collar of my jacket around my ears, shoving my long hair underneath. With no makeup on, I certainly didn't look like whatever stock pictures would be used announcing my death. Perhaps that was an advantage.
Although at this point, there'd been no luck shifting in my favor.
I jogged along the road until I believed I was far enough away, praying a taxi would come. My prayers were answered less than three minutes later, the taxi jerking to a halt. I jumped inside, trying to formulate a story if necessary.
"Where to, lady?"
"14 Shepherd Street." The senator's house.
He barely gave me another glance in the rearview mirror as he sped away. I slunk down in the seat as low as possible, my nerves on edge. As the driver passed by the store, I dared take a look to see if Dante was already in rescue mode. Seeing nothing, including his truck, I took several shallow breaths. This had to work.
Only when we were a few blocks away did I exhale. Still, I remained shaking, knowing that no amount of heat would make me feel any better. I was a lost girl, torn between the life I'd led before and the man I so loved.
God. This was crazy.
I loved him. I did. I adored everything about the man, even though I didn't think I could feel safe again. But he was so handsome.