HIS

Chapter 52

There are a few things I've come to understand since everything in my life started making sense.

One: Life doesn't come with a guidebook—that's why you treat others the way you'd want to be treated, and do everything you can to protect the people you love.

Two: Those who choose to disrespect, hate, and mistreat others—it's only a matter of time before they fall into the very trap they set. Life has a way of coming full circle.

Three: When your foundation is rooted in greed and malice, your downfall becomes inevitable—brought on by your own actions. Like a serpent devouring its own tail, destruction comes full circle.

Sometimes, we're placed on this earth to serve as a reminder of that truth.

The moment I left the base was the moment I became a threat to whoever was working against Domenico.

The atmosphere in the place felt completely off, and even the guys at the base were acting strangely. It was obvious they saw me as an outsider—watching me constantly, trailing me through every hallway and room I entered.

Domenico's parents and Marco were nowhere to be found—and that alone was the biggest red flag. They'd lay down their lives for us without hesitation. Which leads me to one conclusion: they're either being held captive... or they're already gone.

I just pray that everyone I care about is found safe and alive.

Which leads me to believe that everyone has a price—and most can be bought. But Max is different. You could tell someone was keeping him in line, forcing him to play along. His eyes said everything. I just hope he grabs the lifeline I offered before it's too late.

Luca, of all people, seemed unchanged—like life just carried on without a hitch. I know the weight of running the Mafia rests on his shoulders now, and he has to keep everything functioning while Domenico is out of commission.

I get that he's busy, but he has to realize something's going on, right?

I knew I had only a short window to act after leaving the base before someone caught up to me. By my own estimate, I was twenty minutes ahead. That's why I had to make the most of every second. I took the second exit, headed into the city, and followed a dirt road until Demetri's men came into view, waiting for me.

They arrived in two black Escalades with heavily tinted windows, parked along the roadside near an abandoned factory. As soon as I stopped, the doors opened and they stepped out, scanning the surroundings—probably making sure no one had followed me.

Eight striking men in sleek black suits stood before me, each extending a hand in greeting, their presence commanding and perfectly composed.

After the introductions were done and I got acquainted with Lev, Anton, Igor, Alexei, Pavel, Viktor, Akim, and Ivan, they explained that they were assigned as my guards. Igor, Demetri's right-hand man, told me how honored he was to work with me since I'm a celebrity. If only he could see me at home—my loungewear screams 'eccentric homeowner' more than 'star.

We proceeded to get into the vehicles and headed to our next venue.

As we drove and discussed our strategy in detail, my thoughts drifted to the unborn child I'm carrying—and how there's been no time to truly process or cherish the reality that I have a life growing inside me.

I have been shot, almost raped and had to bitch slap someone and this little nugget decided to remain. That's why I have to do everything in my power to make the world around him or her calm by the time this child is born.

I am taken out of my stupor when Igor announces that we have arrived in his sexy Russian accent.

Gosh, if Domenico were to hear my thoughts now, I would be in deep shit.