Chapter 87 Rags and Ritches 28

Chapter 87 Rags and Ritches 28
Aria

I waited until they were both asleep before I slipped from the hotel room. Running was a risk, especially when I knew that Dante would hunt the world over for me. But I couldn’t bring trouble down on my brother's new family. He had grown so much in the years since he had taken over the Family. He had built a good life for him and his family and a war would rip all of that away from him.

I was selfish but I wasn’t that selfish.

And that meant the only option I had was to leave. 

I was half way down the hallway, the hotel slippers my only footwear when a familiar voice called my name.

Hiding a shudder I turned to watch the Judge stalking towards me. His face murderous.

Setting my feet apart, I met his gaze. “I’m not going back.” I said through clenched teeth.

Coming to a stop right in front of me, he sighed. “I know that’s not why I am here.” Reaching out he tucked my hair behind my ear. “You really have got yourself in a mess this time hey kid?”

I hated it when he called me that. I hadn’t been a kid for a very long time but I knew he meant it as a sign of endearment. 

“That’s why I have to leave. I can’t let my mistakes draw you and Gio into a war. You both have families to take care of.”

“You are our family as well Aria.”

“I know and that’s why I have to leave.”

“Where will you go?” He asked softly. “Have you even thought about that?”

I bristled. I’d disappeared and reinvented myself at least half a dozen times I wasn’t the amateur he thought I was.

“He will have your accounts and your aliases flagged Aria. You use any of them and he will be able to track you.”

Fuck. I hadn’t thought about that. But what he said made perfect sense.

“There’s bound to be one that he hasn’t found.” I whispered.

The judge shrugged. “Possibly but is that a risk you are willing to take?” Not waiting for my answer, he shook his head. “Cash? Do you have any cash?”

Ok maybe I was the amateur he thought I was. I glowered. “No. When they found me I was in Italy. I came here with nothing. Unless I can access my -“

“No money and no real plan. Damn Aria.”

It kind of hurt that he was disappointed in me but I didn’t let it show on my face. “I’ll work something out. I always do.” Holding up a hand I silenced him. “Don’t tell me to come back, don’t lie to me and say we will work it out as a family. I’m the one who messed up, I will be the one to sort it out. That’s not up for discussion.”

The corners of the Judges mouth twisted up in a smile. “I know you will but that doesn’t mean I can’t help”.”

“How?” My voice shook.

He didn’t answer at first, instead he reached into his pocket and pulled out a roll of notes, secured together with an elastic band. He held it out to me.

“It’s not a lot. Maybe twenty grand but it will get you out of town and somewhere where you can start over.”

I stared at him in shock. My mouth swinging open. “You just happened to have twenty thousand in your pocket?” My eyebrow lifted.

Chuckling he shook his head. “Of course not but I knew you would run and I made plans accordingly.” He grinned. “One of us had to have a plan Aria and you're too emotional to think clearly and that’s why I got you this.” For a second more he dug into his pockets.  This time when he held out his hand, a key swung from his finger.

“A key?”

“A car key. You can’t miss it. It’s outside. Beat up old truck. Nothing flashy, it will allow you to blend in.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Christian.” I used his real name. Something hardly anyone did. “I can’t thank you enough.” Tears welled up in my eyes.

“Kid.” He huffed. Pulling me into a hug. “You can thank me by getting the hell out of here. Drive sweet girl and then drive some more. Don’t stop.” Tenderly like he was my brother, he wiped his thumb under my eyes. “Take your freedom. I know it’s what you have always wanted.”

Mutely I nodded. He was right, I had always wanted that but part of me wanted family now as well. I had a nephew and if I left now I would never get to meet him.

If I ran I would have to run forever.

“Thank you.” I whispered.

Bending down Christian pressed his lips against my hair. “Go now kid, and don’t look back.”

Wiping away my tears angrily I nodded and walked away. Pushing open the door to the stairs because I couldn’t risk using the elevator.

“Aria?”

I half turned in the doorway.

“Be happy ok Kid. Just be happy.”

I nodded once curtly and let the door close behind me.