Page 34 of Silent Night With Adrian

As we start the engine of the sedan, Adrian turns on the radio, tuning it to the local news. The faintest light of dawn creeps over the horizon, painting the sky in muted shades of pink and gray. We don’t say much during the ride away from Winter Haven.

About twenty minutes later, a local news update is announced by the local radio DJ.

“There’s a breaking news report that was released by local authorities a few minutes ago. An explosion has been reported about fifteen miles outside of the Winter Haven resort area early this morning,” one of the anchors says, her voice calm but grave. “Firefighters have been on the scene for quite a while, monitoring the situation, making sure the fire doesn’t extend past the building structure. Unfortunately, initial reportssuggest the cabin that was found on fire was completely engulfed. It’s not looking good that anything can be saved. Police have confirmed a vehicle was parked in the driveway, indicating possible occupants, but further investigation is pending. Forensics teams will need time to sift through the scene once the flames are fully extinguished.”

Adrian gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, his eyes trained on the road. “The method was crude enough to look like a hit, maybe even a third party trying to send a message to both families. They’ll assume it was someone trying to strike at both the Luciana’s and the Vitales.”

I nod, feeling the final weight of my old life slipping away. It’s a good feeling.

As the morning dawn starts to emerge as we head out further east along the open road, I find myself staring out the window, memorizing every tree, every mountain peak, every stretch of snow as if I could capture it in my mind forever. I’m not sure if I’ll miss this place, but a part of me feels a strange sense of loss.

But I’m not alone. I turn to Adrian, who takes my hand, bringing it to his lips in a soft kiss.

“We did it,” he murmurs, his voice filled with quiet triumph. “Whatever happens now, we’re free.”

I smile at his handsome face, feeling a rush of love warm me from the inside out.

“We’re free.”

I lean into him, feeling the warmth of his touch seep into my bones. Whatever lies ahead, I know I have everything I need right here next to me.

Epilogue

December 31

As we pull into yet another hole-in-the-wall diner along the highway, having just crossed into Florida, I notice Adrian’s phone light up with a text from Edmund. He glances at it, and I catch a glimpse of the article headline over his shoulder.

“Is everything okay?” I ask, feeling a small knot of tension start to form. Despite everything we did to disappear, there’s still a reflex in me—a sense of looking over my shoulder, braced for some unseen enemy to jump out from the shadows. Old habits, I guess. I hope they’ll die soon.

“Yeah,” Adrian says, his hand settling over mine as we slip into a corner booth. I watch him relax against the cracked vinyl cushion, a hint of satisfaction softening his usually intense gaze. “In fact, things are better than okay.”

When our server leaves after taking our breakfast order, Adrian holds his phone between us. I lean closer, reading the headline and subtext beneath it.

Two Children of Alleged Mafia Bosses Found Dead in Winter Haven Cabin

My breath catches as I scan the article, detailing how our "bodies" were only identifiable through dental records, and how police have yet to establish a motive or lead. They’re taking tips, but it’s clear they have nothing solid. For all intents and purposes, Mia Vitale and Adrian Luciana are gone.

“It worked,” I whisper, barely able to believe it. “We’re really... gone.” Relief, as strange as it feels, fills my chest, giving way to an unexpected smile. “I can’t believe it’s finally done.”

“Yes, it’s finally over,” Adrian murmurs, a hint of pride in his voice. “And now we get to start over. As Andrew Deluca and Emilia Bloom.”

Emilia Bloom. I roll the name over in my mind, letting it settle, like a new skin I’m supposed to grow into. It feels surreal, yet freeing all the same.

We’re quiet for a moment as our food arrives. But I still catch Adrian watching me, his eyes carrying a softness I haven’t seen before. “Tell me something, Mia… I mean, Emilia,” he says, trying out my new name with a smirk. “What does a happy life look like to you? We’re about to start our new lives at the start of the New Year.”

I feel a flush rise to my cheeks, and I glance down at the paper napkin I’m twisting in my fingers. “You’re going to think it sounds cheesy.”

“Try me,” he challenges, his tone warm and patient.

I take a deep breath. “I don’t know, maybe it’s simple, but I’ve always wanted a quiet life. A place I could call home without having to look over my shoulder all the time. Maybe a house bythe water, some kids running around… a real family.” I hesitate, laughing a little at myself. “Maybe that’s silly.”

“There’s nothing silly about wanting that,” Adrian says, his voice low but full of conviction. His hand wraps around mine, squeezing it gently. “In fact, it sounds pretty damn good to me.”

I look up, finding a tenderness in his gaze that makes my chest tighten. “What does a happy life look like for you?”

He pauses, a thoughtful expression softening his face. “I want the same things,” he says slowly, as if realizing it himself. “A place to call home… a family, a fresh start. I want to be the kind of man who’s more than just a weapon.” He brushes his thumb over my knuckles, studying them with an intensity that makes me shiver. “And I want you, Mia. Not just now, but for as long as I’m breathing. But you should know…” He stops, glancing out the window and taking a steadying breath. “If you want a life without me—”

“Oh no, don’t start that again,” I say, squeezing his hand hard enough to make him look at me. “Haven’t you learned anything? Was our night after our last supper not convincing enough for you?” I raise an eyebrow, giving him a knowing smirk.

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