Mafia Kings: Massimo: Dark Mafia Romance Series #3

Once I thought we were out of immediate danger, I slowed down to a walk. I needed to be able to listen for pursuers.

But as much as I strained to hear anything, there was nothing but birds chirping and the wind blowing through the trees. Occasionally we passed by a burbling stream.

Lucia never made a sound. She just lay in my arms, her head against my chest.

Every so often I would whisper, “Lucia? Baby?”

But there was never any answer.

I stopped a couple of times to rest. I drank some water from the canteens, then tried to get her to take some, as well.

When she didn’t react, I didn’t force it. I was afraid if I put water in her mouth, she might choke to death.

When the light faded and the temperature began to drop, I put on flannels and a jacket.

I also took out her jacket and forced her arms through the sleeves.

It was like dressing a mannequin. She had no reaction whatsoever.

The entire time, I whispered to her. “It’s going to be okay… you’re okay, baby… you saved my life… thank you so much… it’s okay, Lucia… you’re going to be okay…”

Although truthfully, I don’t know if I was trying to comfort her… or myself.

As I moved through the woods, I took stock of various cabins. I automatically ruled out the first ones we passed because they were too close to our last cabin.

Only during the third and fourth hours did I begin to pay serious attention to our choices.

The majority were too close to other cabins, or there was a car parked out front.

Finally, as the light edged towards darkness and it truly began to get cold, I found a good option.

It was newer than the last cabin, and I hoped it might have electricity.

I didn’t bother trying to find a key – I just kicked in the back door. The window broke from the force, but the lock gave way instantly.

I went inside with Lucia in my arms.

I nudged the door closed with my foot and looked around.

There was a sofa along one wall. I quickly went over and set her down on the cushions.

She stared ahead with blank eyes – but she immediately clutched her arms around her knees again and went back to rocking herself, which frightened me more than if she’d done nothing.

I took my canteens, backpack, and rifle off. Then I went looking for the bedroom.

I found a comforter, brought it back to the living area, and draped it over her shoulders.

Then I felt her hands. They were freezing cold.

I went to the backpack, got out the brandy, and sat down in front of her. I pulled up my t-shirt to expose my stomach, then placed her hands against me to get the warmth of skin-to-skin contact.

I uncorked the brandy, stuck my finger in it, and pried open her mouth to put a few drops in. When she didn’t react, I did it again.

I hoped it would trickle down her throat – get her coughing – cursing –

Anything was better than her blank, empty stare and the relentless rocking.

The entire time, I spoke to her in a gentle voice.

“We’re safe now. I’m not gonna let anything like that ever happen again, I promise. I fucked up – I let my guard down and I should’ve known better. Everything that happened is on me, not you, okay? I fucked up, and you saved my life. Thank you. You saved me, baby… and it’s gonna be okay… I promise I’m going to keep you safe from now on – ”

Suddenly, she twitched.

I pulled my brandy-soaked finger away from her lips.

She looked up into my eyes –noveldrama

And her face crumpled into an expression of grief so deep and so painful it pierced my heart like a spear.

“Th-they’re dead,” she whispered, and burst into tears.