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We slid into the car, and I took the front passenger seat.
The drive to the airport was uneventful. Soon, we boarded the plane and took off.
I felt exhausted but couldn’t bring myself to sleep. There was no way I’d let my guard down with a stranger sitting beside me—especially when I didn’t even have so much as a pocketknife for comfort.
“Get some rest, Bambina. You look like you need it,” he said softly. I shook my head in response.
I glanced at my phone, noticing several missed calls from Enzo. I’ll deal with him later, I thought, tucking the device away.
Hours passed, and the plane finally landed. We disembarked and walked to a sleek black SUV. One look at the vehicle was enough to confirm how wealthy these people were.
As we got into the car, Emilio turned to me. “Are you hungry?”
My stomach churned at the question, and my eyes widened. I hadn’t eaten properly in nearly a week. Apart from the apple I’d thrown away before heading to school, there had been nothing—thanks to Marco.
“You’re definitely our sister,” Emilio chuckled, an amused smile playing on his lips.
“What’s your name?” I asked hesitantly.
A flicker of pain crossed his face.
“I’m Emilio, your fourth eldest brother.”
Fourth? I blinked. “How many brothers do I have?”
“You have nine—including me.”
Nine brothers? My head spun at the revelation.
A little while later, Emilio pulled into the parking lot of a KFC. I ordered a milkshake, a Zinger Burger Meal, and a chicken meal. Hunger dictated my every move.
Halfway through devouring my food, I noticed a flash of light. My head snapped up, only to see Emilio grinning, his phone aimed at me.
“What? I don’t like people watching me eat,” I growled, narrowing my eyes.
“You’re adorable when you’re mad—and while eating,” he teased with a chuckle.
“Delete the photo. Now,” I demanded, my tone sharp.
“No.”
His playful smile vanished in an instant. His gaze locked onto something—or someone—behind me, and his posture stiffened.
“Don’t turn around. We need to leave. Now,” he said urgently.
Panic set in as I followed his lead. Then, the sound of gunshots echoed, freezing my blood.
“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.
“Shit,” Emilio cursed, yanking me into the car as we scrambled to escape.
“Emilio, they’re chasing us!” I shouted as I glanced behind us.
“Here, call Antonio.” He tossed me his phone, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.
I scrolled through his contacts and dialed the number. After five rings, Antonio answered.
“Emilio, do you have her? Where are—”
“Shut the fuck up and listen! We’re being chased, and we need help—now. Get your men here before we’re Swiss cheese!” I snapped, adrenaline fueling my outburst.
Gunshots rang out again, and I yelped.
“Stay calm. I’m sending backup. They’ll handle it,” Antonio reassured.
“Just hurry!” I barked before hanging up.
“Let me drive,” I said firmly, locking eyes with Emilio.
“I don’t think—”
“Don’t argue. Just trust me!”
Reluctantly, Emilio slowed the car, allowing me to climb over him and take the wheel. I made a sharp left, followed by a right, and then two consecutive lefts, weaving through streets in a calculated pattern.
Finally, we lost our pursuers. Pulling into a parking lot, I climbed back into the passenger seat, breathless.
“Why the double left after the right?” Emilio asked, clearly impressed.
“It was a diversion. They expected us to take another right, so we broke the pattern,” I explained with a shrug.
“Smart... But where did you learn to drive like that?”
“I didn’t. It was instinct,” I lied, brushing off his curiosity.
The rest of the drive passed in silence, the weight of the situation settling over us. My mind raced with doubts.
How will they treat me? Will they hurt me like Marco did? Will they...
Emilio must have noticed my unease because he reached out and gently held my hand.
“They already love you. You’ll be fine, Bambina,” he said softly.
“Emilio…”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“It’s nothing. I’ll explain everything later,” I muttered, debating whether to reveal my real identity—or ask if they were part of the mafia.
“Take your time, my love. No pressure,” he reassured with a warm smile.
Eventually, we arrived at an estate that left me speechless. It was enormous—more like a palace than a home.
“Well, I’ll be damned. You guys live here?” I gawked.
Emilio smirked. “We don’t just live here. We own it. Actually, we own most of the city.”
He rang the doorbell and nudged me behind him. Moments later, the door opened, and after a brief exchange, he beckoned me inside.
The sight before me stole the air from my lungs. The grandeur of the estate was beyond anything I had ever seen.
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