Page 114 of The Don's Soulmate

I gesture to the exits on each landing. Understanding dawns in Sofia's eyes, her quick wit shining through even in this chaos.

"Confuse them," she nods, her blonde hair whipping as she turns to the nearest door.

We work in tandem, locking random doors on different floors. The metallic click of each lock is oddly satisfying, like the sound of a plan coming together.

"This way," I growl, leading them back up a flight. The stairwell becomes our playground, a deadly game of cat and mouse where we're determined to be the cats.

Carlotta's breath comes in short gasps, and Sofia puts an arm around her waist, helping her forward. Her pregnancy is making moving fast difficult.

I pause, cupping her face in my hands. "I won't let anything happen to you," I promise, my voice low and fierce. "Either of you."

Sofia interjects, her tone sharp but trembling slightly, "Less romance, more escaping, please."

We continue our erratic path, up and down, zigzagging through the building. Each turn is calculated, each movement precise.

My mind races, thoughts colliding like bullets ricocheting off walls.

"Stay close," I growl, pulling them both behind me as we round another corner.

Sofia's voice cuts through the tension, sharp and breathless. "Any brilliant plans brewing in that criminal mastermind of yours, Ettore?"

I don't respond immediately, my eyes scanning for threats. The weight of the gun at my hip is a cold comfort.

"Working on it," I mutter, my jaw clenched.

A sudden bang echoes from above, making us all flinch. The assassin is getting closer.

"Move!" I bark, shoving them forward.

We sprint down another flight, our footsteps thundering in the enclosed space. The tension is alive, coiling around us like a python, squeezing tighter with each passing second.

"Ettore," Sofia pants, "we can't keep this up forever."

I know she's right, but admitting it feels like defeat. "We just need to stay ahead long enough to…"

Another gunshot, closer this time. Plaster dust rains down on us.

"Fuck," I snarl, my anger rising like a tidal wave. "This ends now."

I spot a door on the landing below us, my instincts screaming that this is our chance. Without hesitation, I charge towardsit, shoulder first. The wood splinters under my weight, and we tumble into an empty motel room.

"No, Ettore!" Sofia gasps, her eyes wide.

I scan the room quickly, my gaze landing on the fireplace. It's old, brick-lined, and large enough for a person to fit through. A surge of hope floods my chest.

"There," I point, already moving. "Our way out."

"Sofia, help me with this grate."

We wrestle with the heavy iron barrier, our movements frantic but purposeful. The sound of footsteps in the hallway spurs us on.

"It's clear," I announce, my voice low and urgent. "Carlotta, you first."

She hesitates, and I feel a flash of frustration. "Now, Carlotta!"

Sofia gives her a gentle push. "Go on, honey. We're right behind you."

As Carlotta disappears up the chimney, I turn to Sofia. "You next."

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