Page 113 of The Don's Soulmate

Chapter 55

Ettore

I rush towards Carlotta, helping her out of bed. Sofia's panicked voice drifts through, muffled by my thoughts.

"...and then he swung at me, and I woke up tied to a chair. I tried to leave when I saw Ugo calling..."

My fists clench involuntarily. Who the fuck is she talking about?

"What was his name again?" Carlotta asks, her soft tone barely audible.

"Viktor," Sofia replies. "I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I never got his last name. He came into my life just when you got engaged to Ugo Caputo."

Ugo Caputo. The timing is too perfect.

My mind races, piecing together fragments of Sofia’s story. We’re in real danger.

"We need to leave. Now."

Carlotta's green eyes widen with concern. "Ettore, where will we go?”

I don't answer, instead striding to the dresser and yanking open drawers. "Pack light. Essentials only."

My hands move swiftly, methodically, as I gather what we need: cash from the hidden safe, our phones, wallets, and car keys. My fingers brush against cold metal, and I pull out my Beretta, checking the magazine before tucking it into my waistband.

"Ettore, you're scaring me," Carlotta says, her voice trembling slightly.

I turn to her, cupping her face in my hands. The fear in her eyes cuts through me like a knife. "I'm sorry, tesoro. But I need you to trust me right now. Can you do that? We’re going to get out of here, I promise. But Viktor is coming for us. There’s no doubt about that."

She nods, and I press a quick kiss on her forehead before releasing her.

"Sofia," I bark, making her jump. "Did this Viktor mention anything about his work? His family?"

She shakes her head, confusion etched across her pretty features. "No, nothing like that. All I knew was that he worked in finance. Why?"

I ignore her question, my mind already racing ahead to our next move. We need to get out of here and find somewhere safe to regroup. But first...

"Both of you, grab your things. We're leaving in two minutes."

As they scramble to comply, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. The weight of the gun at my back is a cold comfort. Whatever happens, I'll protect them. I have to. The alternative is unthinkable. Not when my baby is in the picture.

We exit the room and I rush towards the lift, but Sofia's voice cuts through my racing thoughts. "The lift's not working," she says, a hint of panic creeping into her usually confident tone. "I had to take the stairs up."

My jaw clenches. Of course. Nothing can be easy. "Then that's our way out," I growl, gesturing towards the stairwell. "Move. Now."

I take the lead, my hand hovering near my concealed weapon as we enter the dimly lit staircase. The smell of stale cigarettes and cheap cleaning products assaults my nostrils. My eyes scan each landing, every shadow a potential threat.

We go down a level and then a deafening crack splits the air, and instinct takes over. I shove Carlotta and Sofia against the wall, shielding them with my body as plaster rains down from above.

"Fuck," I snarl, adrenaline surging through my veins. The acrid smell of gunpowder mingles with Sofia's perfume as she whimpers in fear. I look up and see a shadow crouching down.

My hand finds the Beretta, the grip familiar and comforting. "Stay low and against the wall," I order, my voice harsh with tension. "We're going down. Now."

As we descend, my thoughts are a violent storm. Whoever this assassin is, they've made a fatal mistake in thinking he can get us as easily as this.

We sprint down two flights, bullets hitting the walls we leave behind, my heart pounding in sync with our footsteps. We could get hit at any moment. Suddenly, an idea strikes me.

"Sofia, Carlotta," I hiss, "help me with these doors."

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