Chapter 255 Samantha
Samantha's P.O.V.
I look at Dakota in awe after she takes down the man so quickly, before I barely have time to process what is happening. I hadn't even noticed the knife on her thigh until I saw her pull it out. She is so different from how I imagined. I know I sound like a fan girl right now, but I feel like giggling until I see more men coming from the kitchen. I pull Addy onto my lap just as two men not dressed like ninjas come through my back door. When I see them pull out guns, I hug Addy tight and cover her ears. I jump as they begin shooting while Dakota and Sarah fight two men with their bare hands. I can't stop staring at them, even as men fall to the ground, dying around me. I watch the two women fight men who are bigger and stronger than they are, as if it's nothing. When my dad said I needed to go with Dakota, I never dreamt it would be Dakota Kondrati.
"What took you so long?" Dakota asks the two men with guns. They slide their guns into holsters, but I know by looking at them that they are not police. They have to be mafia.
"Sorry, sweetheart. We were searching the grounds when we saw them going through the back door. We'll clean up the mess; just give us a few minutes," the man with thick black hair says. I feel my face getting hot when he kisses Dakota's forehead. She looks like an innocent young woman in love, not like someone who just killed a couple of men.
"That was Ari Buccheri, my fiancé, and the man with him was Xavier. He's my head of security and Sarah's boyfriend. While they take out the trash, we'll get the two of you in the SUV. Can I push you so you can keep holding Addison?" Dakota asks with a smile.
"Yes, thank you. I guess my dad wasn't kidding about us being in danger. I always thought he was a little overdramatic. I know he's been in trouble and hangs around some bad people, so I only let him come over on Addy's birthday, but we still love him. Is he staying with you, too?" Addy looks up at Dakota as she pushes us outside and over to a black SUV. I should ask what Ari and Xavier are doing with the men, but I prefer not to think about it.
"He's at my house right now. I'm not sure how long he will be there. I'm sorry we woke you up." Dakota pats Addy's head, and my little girl beams at her.
"Can you show me how to be like you?" Addy asks softly.
"What do you mean?" Dakota asks. Addy gets off my lap and stands in front of Dakota before spinning and kicking clumsily.
"Can I do the neat stuff you did?" Dakota smiles and squats down so she's at Addy's height.
"I'll tell you what: If it's okay with your mommy, I'll teach you some neat things you can do to protect yourself. There's a little boy named Enzo who is staying with us, too. He can be your sparring partner." Addy looks at me, her eyes as wide as saucers.
"Can I please, Mommy? Pretty please?" I look at Dakota. I would love her to show Addy how to protect herself, but I'm sure she has more important things to do.
"Are you sure you have time? We don't want to be a nuisance." Dakota stands and shakes her head.
"I have plenty of time. I'm also teaching a few women defense techniques. I believe everyone should be able to defend themselves, no matter how big or small they are. Is it okay if I lift Addison to put her into the SUV?" Dakota asks.
"Sure." My daughter lunges for her, and as soon as Dakota picks her up, she wraps her arms around her neck.
"You can call her Addy and me Sam," I say as I lock my wheelchair wheels, move the footrests, and stand.
"Can I help you?" Dakota asks after she puts Addy into the SUV. I take her hand, carefully step into the vehicle, and sit down.
"Thank you," I tell her how to fold my wheelchair, and she puts it in the back just as Ari and Xavier come outside carrying our suitcases.