Page 9 of Destined Connection (Connections Duet)

I turned off the alarm and quietly walked down the stairs and out my front door. I timed it perfectly to the guards making their rotation around the estate. We had giant trees all around, which were easy to hide behind. Once I was in the clear, I ran as fast as I could to the east gate, where there was a small opening between the bars we had never repaired after my first driving lesson. My mother said she always wanted it to serve as a memory teaching me to drive. My heart hurt looking at it, but I quickly shoved it away and squeezed through. I ran and ran until I was far enough away from the estate and then just walked for a few miles until I reached the rendezvous point where Pierre instructed me to go.

I didn’t ask any questions, just got into the car and the unknown driver drove me to the airport. I took a flight to London to meet at the next point. My travel documents were well paid for and got me through all the necessary channels without worry. My body was exhausted and in need of food when I reached the flat outside the city in a countryside town. The small space had everything I needed. A warm bed. Food in the pantry and peace from my father. I showered and changed and then heated some soup. I sent another message to Lucy and Pierre, telling them I had made it safely.

I switched out my phone and destroyed the one I used to leave Italy. I had to keep as many steps ahead of my father and Lucas as possible. I had to believe this was the right thing to do. OnceLucas learns the truth, he will kill my father. It’s long overdue, but my silence has already cost so much, and as much as I hate my father with every breath I possess, I will not live with more blood on my hands. I collapsed onto the bed and fell quickly asleep, praying I wouldn’t dream of the monster but the angel instead—my mother.

I heard a faint chime that slowly awakened me from my sleep. I opened my eyes and then realized it was coming from my watch. I had forgotten that I had alarms set when I used to wear this in school. So, I deleted my alarms, no longer needing them. I stretched my body well and then went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I hoped the shower would help clear my mind.

I was surprised to realize I slept twelve hours and missed my check-in call with Pierre and Lucy. I finally called, and when he answered, he was relieved to know I was still safe.

“Sabina, thank God you are alright; we’ve been worried sick.”

“I know, and I’m sorry about that. I was exhausted and must have passed out once I got into bed.”

“Okay, I know it’s been taxing on you, but sweetheart, for this to work, you need to follow our plans, okay?”

“I won’t do it again. Am I safe to remain here?”

“Yes, but only for a couple more days, and then you will move again. Stay inside, and I will call you when it’s time for you to leave. Lucy is dying to talk to you. I will pass the phone and give you a few minutes to catch up. We love you,” he said.

“I love you too,” and then I heard Lucy’s sweet voice as she began to cry. “I’m okay, and I will see you both soon.”

“You better because I need you.” She continued to cry.

What have I gotten myself into? And now my two best friends are involved in my mess. I should have never involved them, but what I know now, I didn’t know then. I must keep telling myself that I will make it out alive and that my father will pay for his sins.

CHAPTER THREE

Bourne

“Here you go,” my assistant says as she hands me hard copies of requests I may consider taking on for potential clients.

“Thank you, Kaz. Does anything look promising before I comb through the files?” I asked, not wanting to waste my efforts on anything not worth my time.

“Oh, I know what butters your toast, but before we get to the ones I like for you, you should read this one,” she said as she tapped the top of the folder with her perfectly painted fingernail.

“No, don’t tell!” I raised my hands before I could stop the madness.

“Afraid so, boss, seven emails, and I expect if I check right now, I will find several more. He will not stop until you answer him.”

“Fuck no! What’s next?”

“I think you should read the file before you say no, and I even have a visual,” she raised an eyebrow at me and then tapped thefile again. My interest is now piqued; how could it not be when Kaz is urging? I let out an exasperated sigh and opened the file, perusing a few paragraphs before the concealed photo between the pages slipped out. My heart thrummed at the sight of the beauty before me. A face I’ve seen before and one enamored with a long time ago. Another lifetime ago. My breath hitched in my throat as I continued to study every inch of the photo. I didn’t want to tear my eyes away, and Kaz cleared her throat. I didn’t have to say anything further, knowing she already knew what I wanted. I need to know everything about the brown-eyed beauty staring back at me.

“I printed that photo from the attachment in Marco’s e-mail. It’s a recent photo taken a few months ago. Say something,” she encouraged.

“What?” I looked up and asked Kaz to repeat the question.

“Bourne, you know who that girl is, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do.”

“And? Don’t leave me hanging; who is she?”

“Someone I believed I would never see again—Sabina Santoro.”

“Wow! I did not see that one coming. You mean to tell me she’s Marco’s daughter?”

“Yes, and sister to Lucas Santoro, who now rules the Santoro Family.”

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