Page 76 of The Don's Soulmate

"Me... kidnapped?" she murmurs, disbelief dripping from each syllable. Her eyes search mine for answers, for reassurance and I can feel her hands tremble in my grasp.

"Damn it," I curse under my breath, my jaw clenching in frustration. My eyes narrow as I absorb the gravity of the situation, my mind racing with thoughts of how to protect Carlotta from her vengeful family and the police who will undoubtedly be after us now.

I glance at Carlotta. Tears shimmer in her eyes, threatening to spill. "Ettore, what's happening?" Her voice quavers. "Why are they saying those things?"

Rage boils in my veins, heating my blood. I curl my hands into fists, yearning to pound my anger into flesh and bone.

Not now. I take a deep breath, tamping down the fury. I have to stay calm. For her.

"It's a set up," I say through gritted teeth. "Your father wants you back and he'll do anything to make that happen. By splashing my face everywhere, I’m a target for the world. The cops, theassassins, even the general passerby. None would think twice to harm me just to get you home safely."

Carlotta's lips tremble. I pull her into my arms, cradling her head against my chest. She clings to me, her breaths coming fast. "I won't let them take you away from me," I murmur into her hair.

Not when I've finally found my soulmate. The one who makes me feel human in a world that turned me into a monster.

"We have to hide," I say, forcing steel into my tone. "Somewhere no one will find us. Not even my family."

I can sense the tension radiating from Carlotta as I release her trembling hands, and I know we need to act quickly. "Let's turn this off," I say, clicking the remote and plunging the room into darkness once more. I need a moment to think and plan our escape.

She looks at me with a trembling lower lip, searching for answers.

"Listen to me, Carlotta," I say firmly, holding her hands in mine. "We need to find a safe place to hide, away from the police, away from the vengeful families. I own a secret hideout, one even my family doesn't know about. I think that’ll do for now."

“And after?” her eyes flicker between both of mine.

“I don’t know,” I tell her with honesty. “All I can see is the next step we have to take; the rest is shrouded in darkness.”

"Okay, Ettore," she whispers after a moment, her voice shaking but resolute. "I trust you."

I pull Carlotta close to me, feeling her body press against mine. Our hearts beat in sync, two souls bound together. She shuffles against my chest, looking up. “We should leave,” she whispers.

"Right. Let's pack quickly and get out of here."

The tension between us is palpable as we hastily gather our belongings, preparing to flee into the nothingness. The sound of my heart pounding in my ears nearly drowns out the muffled noise of Carlotta packing in the background.

"Did you get everything?" I ask Carlotta, my voice low and urgent as I stuff clothes and essentials into a bag. She nods, her eyes flicking around the room one last time to ensure nothing has been left behind that could tie us to this place.

"Everything's here, Ettore," she replies, holding up her own bag. Her hands tremble slightly, but her voice is steady, betraying only a hint of fear. She’s courageous, I’ll give her that.

I cast a quick glance out the window, scanning the quiet street below for any signs of suspicious activity or approaching threats. So far, it seems we're in the clear, but I know better than to let my guard down.

"Alright," I say, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "We need to move quickly and quietly. Stick close to me, and if things get dangerous, just follow my lead."

"Understood," Carlotta whispers, her green eyes meeting mine with fierce determination. Together, we slip out of the room, bags slung over our shoulders, and make our way down the darkened hallway toward the exit for the parking lot.

Chapter 35

Carlotta

The rain pelts against the car window, leaving streaks that blur the passing scenery. It’s beautiful outside, green and lush with trees I’ve never seen before. The air itself smells like the earth - fresh, clear, crisp.

My heart pounds as I glance at Ettore’s handsome profile, one strong hand slung loosely over the steering wheel while the other holds mine. It’s a perfect moment, as perfect as can be in times like these, and we’re soon going to be someplace nobody can find us, and yet, I can’t find a moment’s peace.

The image of Sofia's tear-streaked face, pleading for information about my whereabouts on TV, lingers in my mind. I know she doesn’t possibly believe Ettore kidnapped me, given how she helped set up the whole heist, but she could be thinking something worse.

She might be wondering if something went wrong, if we’ve been shot and dumped in a ditch or river somewhere. She’s playing along with my father because she’s worried forourlives. She certainly is in no position to tell my father Ettore hasn’t kidnapped me, because that would instantly make her an enemy in his eyes.

I worry for her, and this impossible situation we’ve put her in. I clench my fists, wanting nothing more than to let her know we're safe.

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