Two: Run!

Natalia’s POV:

“You… you can’t do that!” I spat as my mind raced wildly. 

The man’s index finger curled around the trigger.  “You underestimate me, piccolina.” His deep voice was cold and void of any emotion. 

My blood ran cold as I broke out in cold sweat. I was glued to a spot.

Torn between wanting to agree and disagree. Just moments ago I could almost taste my freedom and dreams. I worked my butt off for years to be awarded a fully funded scholarship. Everyone else was going off to college in a few weeks. I couldn't possibly follow a stranger across the continent to get married. 

War raged inside me at his threat. I can’t let this man ruin everything for me. I won’t back down. I have to call the cops. 

As if dad heard my thoughts. “Na… Natalia…” Dad breathed as tears rolled down his cheeks.“Plea… please do as he says. Don Carlo’s going to kill me if you don't.”

Don Carlo? 

My heart squeezed painfully at his plea. He might have been an asshole to me all my life but he was still my father and my family. 

I exhaled sharply. “Fine. I will come with you.”

Don Carlo dropped his gun at my words. “I’ve changed my mind. Go get dressed, we leave for Italy now.”

“What? No! You can’t do that. You just sprung this whole bullshit on me, at least give me time to come to terms with it!” I tried to reason with him. 

He took several steps until he was standing toe to toe with me and my blood ran cold. Yes, he was handsome but one look at him and you could tell he was dangerous. “You only have an hour, piccolina.”

His tone left no room for argument as his cold eyes bored into me, daring me to try something stupid. But I won't, he was armed and I certainly didn't feel like dying today. 

“Fine,” I muttered and stormed back into my room. 

I almost jumped out of my skin when Ava tapped me. I'd nearly forgotten about her.  “Why did you leave the closet?” I hissed.

“I got scared, Natty. Are you okay? Did dad hit you again?” She looked frightened. 

My heart sank as I pulled her in for a hug. If I go with those men to Italy, what happens to Ava? Dad can't look after her, hell, he can't even look after himself, he got us into this mess in the first place.

Do I need to go with them? Isn't there a way out? 

An idea lights up in my head. I will not be going with them.  

I pulled away from her embrace. “Ava, do you trust me?” 

She nodded. 

“Good. Just stick close to me, okay?”

“Okay.”

Satisfied, I pulled out my phone and quickly dialed my best friend’s number—she was the one who had helped me secure a place in Michigan where I'd be schooling. It was her cousin’s apartment.

On the third ring…

“About damn time,” Tanya hissed as soon as the call connected. “I’ve been texting you, my cousin is here at school waiting for you.”

“I won’t make it,” I said urgently. “I don't have much time but I need you to tell your cousin that I’ll head to the bus stop from here instead of meeting her at school.” 

“What?! Why—”

“There’s no time, Tanya!” I snapped. “Dad got into trouble with some really bad guys and now they are here for me. Apparently, I'm supposed to marry the man’s son.”

“Oh shit. Calm down, you're freaking out. I’ll inform her right away,” She reassured. “Please, be safe, Natalia.” 

I exhaled deeply to calm my nerves but it didn't help. “I will, thank you. I’m sorry about the sudden change of plans.”

“It’s fine, you deserve so much better and this is the only way I could help. Please call me when you arrive. I love you.”

“Love you.”

She hung up. And I grabbed the bag I’d packed earlier. I listened for any movement that could be coming from the living room and when it was all clear. I picked up our bags and led Ava down to our basement.

No one knew about the hidden window in the basement because I made it. When I was younger, I had thought of running away but never really had the guts to do so. 

I held Ava’s hands tightly. “You have to be quiet, okay?” 

She nodded, eyes wide with fear. 

Quickly, I threw our bags out of the window and I lowered Ava next. At the top, I threw my legs over and held on with both hands so I could jump the rest of the way down and join Ava. 

Except fingers wrapped around my legs, startling me. They didn’t let go. My heart dropped to my stomach like a lead and it felt like I was about to shit myself from fear. 

We’ve been caught!

 I kicked—hard. But it did no good. The hands only tightened. 

“You think you're so smart.”

 No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. How had Carlo found me here? It was impossible.

Oh no! Why can’t I hear Ava’s voice?! 

I panicked and my hands slipped, forcing me to let go of the window. I fell into a hard, male chest, arms folding like steel bands around me.

 “Get your hands off me!” I thrashed against his hold. “Where’s my sister!”  Using all my strength, I bucked against him. “Get off!” 

Suddenly, he let go and I landed hard on my knees and hands. I jumped to my feet, eyes searching for Ava. 

Carlo grabbed my arm as if sensing my thoughts, “My men have the little girl.” 

I gasped. “You–”

“I don’t harm little children,” he said stiffly. 

I felt my body sag in relief 

“… but my men have no problem doing that.”

My jaw dropped as my heart skipped a beat. “You’re an animal!”

“I’ve been called worse, bella,” he smirked as he pulled my arm, dragging me along to the front of the house. 

When we got to the front, dad was already out there, two guards holding him back, roughly. His cheeks were stained with tears, his red-rimmed eyes stared ahead. 

I followed his line of sight and–

No, no, no! 

“Ava!”