Page 12 of My Mafia King

I might not be that kind of woman, but I wanted to impersonate one for a moment there because I knew one thing.

When you face a predator, you need a bigger one to take them out.

And that’s what Beau was to me.

Or that’s what I thought he could be. Someone my father would have no leverage against.

Well…

It didn’t quite work as planned. And what am I supposed to do now?

Instead of removing a predator, I have two on my tail.

Wouldn’t it be crazy if my father and my ex had ganged up on me and colluded to bring me back home and put a leash on me?

This is not as far–fetched as it sounds, and it scares the shit out of me.

That would be a disaster.

It already is with this nutcase following me closely.

Desperately, I push through a few doors before reaching a quiet area and scanning it for an exit.

I can’t find it, yet the sound of an elevator makes me dart in that direction.

Heavy steps ring behind me, and I pray this is not one of those crazy scenes when the elevator doors don’t shut before the perpetrator gets in and kills the fugitive.

That would be me.The fugitive.

Oh, the horror.

A blood stained dress wouldn’t flatter me in the slightest, and pink would look terrible in a casket.

I dismiss my horrific thoughts and count the seconds, repeatedly hitting the panel with a clenched fist.

Luckily, he doesn’t get to me before the elevator starts moving, his big hand hitting the metallic doors, his curses ringing outside.

If I remember correctly, there wasn’t another elevator next to this one, and looking at the numbers on the panel, I realize this takes me straight to the top of the hotel.

Panting and apprehensive, I slide off the wall and wait for the car to reach its destination.

3

CARMINA

I propmy hand against the wall to steady myself, catch my breath, and put my shoes on.

The silence is sobering, making me painfully aware of my clipped breaths.

Silently exhaling, I study the area.

Polished marble with a medallion design lines the floors while a crystal chandelier dangles from the ceiling.

All right.

Where is the exit?

I start walking, hoping to find the door to the stairwell, since the elevator is no longer an option.

---