Page 63 of The Don's Soulmate

The pulsing beat throbs through my body and I stand with my legs apart, a grip on Carlotta arm, protecting her from the pushing, writhing mass of bodies on the dance floor. Strobe lights flash erratically, disorienting me momentarily as I take in her radiant beauty, those emerald eyes that pierce my soul. I have to get her out of here now.

Grabbing her arm, I pull her towards the exit. She looks at me in confusion, ruby lips parting to speak. I cut her off urgently, "We need to leave. Now."

My senses are on high alert, attuned to any sign of danger in the chaotic club. That man could come for us any time now. I feel Carlotta's tension in the taut line of her arm linked with mine and I see her mouth something, but I can’t hear a word.

We're almost to the door when she digs her heels in. "Ettore, stop! I have to get my friend, Sofia. I came with her," Her voice strains over the music.

Clenching my jaw, I scan the club quickly. We're running out of time. I meet Carlotta's pleading gaze, the fear in her eyes cracking my hardened exterior. "Fine, we'll look around for her," I concede gruffly.

As we fight our way through grinding bodies, my impatience mounts. I want Carlotta out of here. Now. My hand tightens on her waist possessively, always on edge.

Finally we reach the bar. Carlotta's face lights up as she spots Sofia.

"Sofia!" Carlotta cries out, her voice laced with relief as she rushes towards her, with me at her side. Sofia looks over at us, her eyes relieved at the sight of Carlotta, and then confused by the sight of me.

“This is Ettore,” she explains, enveloping the blonde in a huge hug.

“I was so worried,” Sofia gushes, eyeing me curiously. “Where were you?”

No time for conversations now. I grab them both and start muscling towards the back exit. "Let's go, now!" I bark. Sofia looks at me warily but doesn't resist Carlotta’s lead as we stumble into the alley.

The cool night air is a relief after the sweltering club. I hustle the women towards the chauffeur car waiting in the shadows. "Get in," I order tersely, holding the door open. Sofia hesitates, eyeing me suspiciously.

Carlotta tugs her arm. "It's okay, trust me," she assures softly. Sofia relents with a nod, sliding into the backseat. I scan the alley once more before diving in the front and slamming the door.

"Go!" I snap at the driver. The tires squeal as we peel away into the night, leaving the chaotic club behind. The women sag against the seats, relief washing over Carlotta’s face with Sofia looks confused as hell. We're safe. For now.

“What the hell happened tonight?” Sofia asks Carlotta.

“I don’t know where to begin,” Carlotta says, after a beat. Then, she leans forward, her arm touching mine. “Could you please… drop us off at home?”

“I’ll drop her,” I nod in Sofia’s direction. “As for you. You’re coming with me,” I turn to look into Carlotta’s eyes.

She pales, freezing, her hand now on my shoulder.

“There’s no other way,” I plead. Danger found us tonight. By my side, she stays safe.

Carlotta whimpers, her green eyes conflicted. "Ettore, I...I can't go with you. Please, just drop me home."

My gut twists. Doesn't she understand the danger she's in? "You can't go back there, it's not safe. Come with me, I'll protect you." I take her hands in mine, imploring. “I’ll protect your family too, from Ugo.”

She shakes her head, avoiding my gaze. "I have to think of my duty. I can't just run away with you."

"You don't owe them anything!" I grit my teeth in frustration. Why can't she see? We belong together. The fates have made it clear. I offered to save her tonight, before she saved me. Without one another, we’re sitting ducks waiting for the grave. "Forget duty, forget your family and leave their care to me. It's you and me now, Carlotta."

I reach out and cup her cheek with my palm, turning her face towards me. Her skin is so soft, so warm. Our eyes lock, and in that moment, I see a flicker of longing in her gaze. But then it clouds over with doubt once more.

"Ettore, I...I can't. Please try to understand." Her voice wavers even as she pulls away.

I let my hand drop, clenching my jaw. No. I won't lose her again. There has to be a way. I just need to convince her. Make her see that we're destined for each other. I can't fail her this time, allowing her to be abused at Ugo’s hands.

"Enough, both of you!" Sofia's voice rings out sharply from the backseat, interrupting our tense conversation.

I turn to see her leaning forward, an icy glare fixed on me. "With all due respect, Signor Mancini, Carlotta is my dearest friend. I have to do right by her which is why I am about to say what I am."

“Sofia, no,” Carlotta whispers, her hand dropping from my shoulder as she sits back to give her friend a warning glance.

Sofia ignores Carlotta, her tone brooking no argument as she continues, "And that means she cannot marry Ugo Caputo. I'm sorry," Sofia reaches out and gives Carlotta's hand a supportive squeeze, before turning to look at me through the rear-view mirror. “Carlotta no longer speaks of duty to her family.”

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