Page 98 of Ruined in Vows

Dante lied to me.

“Good to know my marriage is based on honesty,” I clip out sarcastically.

“Honey, he must have had his reasons,” Mamma murmurs softly.

I shake my head angrily. “No. Don’t make excuses for him. He lied. That is unacceptable.” I’m probably being petulant but it’s how I feel. I am entitled to my anger, and I shouldn’t have to play down my feelings. I do feel betrayed. Like our marriage is now built on a lie.

I chew my lip thoughtfully. Maybe I shouldn’t be focusing on this right now. I mean, my brother and husband could… I shake my head, ridding myself of the idea before it takes root. No. I cannot think like that.

Sighing, I inhale a calming breath. Only when Dante comes back in one piece can we discuss my issues with his dishonesty. But for right now, I need to bide my time and pray to every god above that both my brother and husband come out of whatever shit they have gotten themselves into alive.

The SUV slows down, and glancing up, I watch as we turn down a quiet side street.

Within seconds a plan forms in my mind, my heart pounding in my chest at what I am about to do. Slyly, quietly, I reach between me and Mamma, pressing down on the belt buckle clip and releasing it. Glancing up, I am pleased to see Mamma looking ahead and Alessio focused on something on his cell phone.

This is my chance.

Just as I yank on the door handle, I am thrown forward, my head smacking off the seat in front of me as something plows into the side of the vehicle, and it quickly dawns on me that we have been hit.

“Ahh,” I cry out, pain exploding in my head.

“Allegra.” Mamma calls out to me, her voice filled with panic.

Alessio curses, before firing off orders.

The SUV comes to a stop. I glance over at Mamma, frantically checking for any injuries. My shoulders sag in relief when I see no sign of blood or anything else. Then the worst happens. The vehicle starts moving as we are rammed repeatedly. The distinct sound of metal-on-metal then, as if it couldn’t get any worse, gun fire.

Alessio throws himself in front of Mamma, shouting out. “Gio. Dario. Pull your fucking weapons out now, shoot anyone who gets close. And under no circumstances do we let anyone get their hands on Allegra or Valentina.” He follows suit, pulling the barrel on his gun, ready for battle.

Panic settles under my skin, my heart pounding so fast I feel lightheaded. And when the vehicle tips on its side, both Mamma and I scream.

“Oh my God. We are going to die,” Mamma cries.

“Take your seatbelts off.” Alessio orders, not knowing that I already removed mine. Mamma scrambles to flick the button, her hands trembling so hard she struggles. Alessio punches the button down, his steady gaze locked on hers when he speaks.

“I will not let anything happen to you or your daughter, Valentina. Listen to everything I say and focus on me,” he instructs.

Mamma nods her agreement but before she can speak, he smashes his lips to hers.

My eyes widen, and though I am happy for Mamma, I don’t really think this is the time or place for Alessio to be claiming her.

“Alessio, we are fucking surrounded.” A deep voice rumbles from the front, snapping him from his kiss.

Pulling back, he pins Mamma with a look before barking out orders. “Aim for the feet if they get close. Do not hesitate,” he commands, just as the vehicle comes to a stop. “This is it.They are coming. Stay with me and be brave,dolcezza.” Alessio looks at me. “They are here for you,” he tells me what I already assumed. “No matter what, we need to keep you safe.”

Nodding, I plead, “Don’t let anything happen to Mamma.”

“I won’t,” he snaps, sounding a little insulted. “Both of you, stay down.”

Moving to do just that, I’m stopped in my tracks when the window above us is smashed open, glass shattering all over me. Simultaneously, Mamma and I scream. A gunshot sounds. Wet, hot liquid hits my face, and I know without looking, it’s blood.

“Get down here,” Alessio barks, pulling Mamma down to the window that is currently crushed against the asphalt. Shifting, I crouch down beside her, huddling together. Alessio climbs up toward the top. “Cover me,” he shouts at one of the men in the front, but I ignore him, focusing on Mamma who is trembling and crying beside me.

Wrapping my arms around her, I whisper words of positivity in her ear, hoping to calm her.

Logically, I know it’s pointless.

Because the reality is, we might not make it out of this alive.

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