Page 41 of Velvet Chains

I hugged her back, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, Sarah. We’re safe now."

Vincenzo's expression was grim. "Don Antonio's men were trying to kidnap you."

I felt a chill run down my spine. I was in grave danger, and Vincenzo was the only one who could protect me.

"We need to get out of here," Vincenzo said, his voice firm. "Now."

I nodded, still trying to process everything. Sarah took my hand, and we followed Vincenzo's bodyguards as they led us away.

As we walked, Sarah kept glancing back at me, her eyes filled with concern. "Isabelle, are you sure you're okay?"

I nodded, trying to reassure her. "I'm fine, Sarah. Really."

But deep down, I knew I was lying to her and to myself. I wasn't fine. I was shaken. I was a target, and I needed Vincenzo's protection to stay alive. I was in shock, trembling uncontrollably as Vincenzo held me tightly. I could feel the rapid beating of his heart against my own, and his voice had been thick with emotion.

My mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions - relief that I was alive, horror at the violence I had witnessed. I knew that Vincenzo's actions had saved my life, but the cost of that safety weighed heavily on me. I was not sure I could handle the side of Vincenzo that I had seen today - the ruthless protector.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

VINCENZO

Icouldn't believe it had come to this. I had promised to protect her, to keep her safe from harm. But today, I had almost lost her. The thought sent a chill down my spine.

I walked through the garden, trying to clear my head. But every step seemed to echo with the sound of gunfire, every shadow seemed to hide a potential threat.

I had made a promise to protect Isabelle, and I would do whatever it took to keep her safe. Even if it meant putting myself in harm's way.

I knew Isabelle was scared. I had seen the fear in her eyes today, and it had torn me apart.

I wanted to go to her, to hold her and tell her everything would be okay. But I knew I couldn't. Not yet. I had to make sure she was safe first.

After the attack, we had returned to the estate in tense silence, the car ride filled with a palpable sense of shock and fear. Isabelle had sat next to me, her hands trembling in her lap, her eyes staring blankly ahead. I had glanced at her frequently, my heart aching with regret and determination.

I had reached out once to touch her hand, but she had recoiled slightly, the horror of what she had witnessed still fresh in her mind. I didn't blame her. I couldn't imagine what she must have been going through.

The bodyguards, grim and silent, kept watch as we drove through the winding roads back to the safety of the estate. I knew they were doing their job, but I couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility. I had promised to protect her, and I had almost failed.

As soon as we arrived at the estate, Isabelle had gotten out of the car and disappeared into the garden. I had let her go, knowing she needed space. But I couldn't stay away for long. I went to find her, to make sure she was okay.

I walked through the winding paths of the garden, my footsteps almost silent on the gravel. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the lawn. I spotted her near a cluster of rose bushes, her figure silhouetted against the fading light.

She was sitting on a bench, her posture rigid, her face buried in her hands. My chest tightened at the sight of her distress. I wanted to tell her everything would be okay. But I hesitated, unsure if she was ready to see me.

I stood there for a moment, watching her, my heart aching with regret and determination. I knew I had to make things right, to find a way to keep her safe and happy. I took a deep breath and approached her, my footsteps quiet on the gravel.

I spoke cautiously, not wanting to startle her. "Isabelle," I said softly, my voice breaking the silence. She looked up, her eyes red and swollen from crying. The pain in her gaze pierced me deeply. For a moment, neither of us spoke.

"I can't do this, Vincenzo," she finally said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I can't keep this farce up." Her words struck me like a blow. I could see the fear and exhaustion etched on her face, and it tore at my heart. I had hoped to protect her, to keep her safe, but instead, I had brought her into the very heart of the danger I wanted to shield her from.

"I'm trying to protect you," I replied, my voice filled with anguish. I stepped closer, desperate to make her understand, but she pulled back slightly, her eyes flashing with anger and fear. "You killed that man." she snapped, her voice breaking. "This isn't protection, Vincenzo. This is a nightmare."

Her words were like daggers, cutting through my defenses. I reached out, my hand trembling, my fingers barely grazing her arm. "I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice heavy with a vulnerability I rarely showed. "I don't know how to be anything else."

I felt a deep sense of helplessness, knowing that my world, my way of life, was something she could never fully accept or escape from. Isabelle looked at me, her heart clearly torn. She stepped closer, our faces inches apart, her resolve wavering.

"Then we're both doomed," she said softly, her voice filled with sorrow. She turned to leave, and the distance between us felt insurmountable.

I stood there, rooted to the spot, as I watched her walk back inside. I will find a way to make things right, to find a way to keep her safe and happy.

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