Page 103 of The Don's Soulmate

"Alright," she concedes, knowing there's no arguing with Sofia and I when we present a united front.

The two of us begin to dig, the rhythmic sound of shovels filling the air.

As we work, I can't help but steal glances at Carlotta, my mind running in every direction, thinking of all the things that could have gone wrong tonight. After generations of losing my soulmate, I found her and have her by my side long enough to know the connection we share. I haven’t told her yet, but if she succeeds in having our child, our generational curse could at last be broken.

It’s a heavy burden, a secret I carry alone, for I need Carlotta to have a strong mind to survive this pregnancy and birth without medical care from outside. And so, I must work extra hard to make sure she reaches the due date safely.

That’s our only chance at lasting joy.

"Almost done," Sofia says, sweat glistening on her brow. She wipes it away with the back of her hand. The three of us standaround the grave, looking down at the lifeless body of the attacker. It's a grotesque task, but there’s no way around it.

Before we start covering the body with sand, I take one last look at his face, and something clicks into place. He bears a striking resemblance to the first assassin who came for us – the same cold, dead eyes and a similar cruel sneer. It dawns on me that he must be one of the three assassins sent to hunt us down.

"Carlotta, Sofia," I say, keeping my voice steady despite the realization weighing heavily on me. "This man is one of the trio at our heels. We need to be even more vigilant now."

"Who are the other two?" Sofia asks, fear creeping into her voice.

"I only know their names and not their faces," I admit. "Vittorio. Leandro. Gianlo. We killed one at the grocery store, and now him."

“One more to go,” Carlotta says fiercely.

Sofia and I finish covering the body.

A cool breeze whispers through the trees, ruffling my hair as I look out at the silver light. My thoughts race with the urgency of our situation, and I know we cannot afford to linger any longer.

"Listen," I begin, my voice firm, "we can't stay here. It's too risky. There's a chance he warned someone and our location is compromised."

Sofia frowns, her sharp wit giving way to concern. "You may be right, Ettore. But where do we go from here?"

"Anywhere but here," I reply, my gaze flicking between the two women. "We'll find another place to hide, somewhere they won't expect us to be. Another motel, perhaps."

Carlotta clutches her pregnant belly, her mind only on the baby. She nods in agreement. "Tonight, we leave."

“I’ve got enough cash with me to cover two or three weeks’ stay somewhere cheap,” Sofia agrees. “I’ll check you in and then come back with more when the time is right.”

"Thank you. Let's pack up and leave as soon as possible," I say, my voice low and urgent. "The less time we waste, the better our chances of staying ahead."

Chapter 50

Sofia

I pull down my top to reveal my cleavage and let down my blonde hair, flipping it over my shoulder before striding up to the motel's front desk. My high heels click on the linoleum floor. The night manager looks up and his gaze lingers. "Can I help you?" he asks, eyeing me with interest.

"Hi," I say sweetly, my voice dripping with honey. "I need a room, but there's a small problem." I lean in closer, giving him a glimpse of my cleavage. "I lost my ID earlier today. Is there any way we can work around that?"

"Uh, well…" He fumbles with his words, clearly flustered by my advances. "I'm not really supposed to.”

“Oh, but my violent ex trashed all my things,” I cry out loud. “ He got jealous, saying I was eyeing other men. But can you blameme? He was nothing like old handsome you. Please, sir. There must be something you can do!”

“Oh well,” he looks flustered, coughing a little. “I might be able to make an exception for you."

"Thank you!" I exclaim, placing a hand on his arm. "You're really saving me here. You have no idea how much I appreciate it."

He grins like a schoolboy who's just been offered his first kiss. "No problem at all. Just give me a name for the reservation."

"Maria Adams," I lie smoothly. He doesn't question it as he types the fake name into the computer.

"Before you finish," I say, feigning shyness, "there's something else I should mention." I look around nervously, making sure nobody else is within earshot. "I'm running from that ex of mine. He had a way with his fists, and I'm worried he might find me. Is there a back entrance I could use to get in and out? Just in case he comes looking for me up front."

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