Red

CHAPTER 44.

I jumped up out of my sleep. I pulled the front of my black body stocking forward, sweat soaking my neck and chest. Salt whimpered in fright from my sudden body movements and walked into my lap for comfort.

I run my fingers through his hair and breathed out a sigh, my heart echoing out a calm thud.

I shivered as the memory hit me, the nightmare from that night flashing behind my eyes. Artem's smirk, the way he held River like he was nothing... it all came rushing back. The fear, the anger, the helplessness. I felt it all over again, twisting vividly through me. And River... his eyes, filled with love even in the midst of danger, burned into my mind.

I clenched my fists at the memory of Artem's words, his promise to show me "how powerful love can be." That truth settled deep inside me, a reminder I couldn't escape. But it also lit a fire, one I wouldn't ignore. I'd never be powerless again. Never.

This was honestly the second time I've had this dream, but this time it was vivid as shit. The words of Artem's were evident more clearly.

He was right, I was so in love that my naivety blinded me about Nava.

Why did he sent me on a mission that he knew would harm me?

I was too blinded by revenge to pause, think and observe about the underlining situation.

Thinking about it, I was really stupid.

I remembered a year ago when River shouted on that night that Lorenzo would come and save him just before they pulled the trigger in his throat. Blowing his throat out and his stomach.

I pressed my face into my hands, trembling as the memory replayed itself. I should have known, Lorenzo wasn't the enemy. And yet, I let that fool use me, letting him manipulate me into his selfish schemes. He used me to infiltrate Lorenzo's world, all the while knowing damn well he wasn't helping me get justice for River. Every bit of training, every risk I took... it was for him, not for me.

And now... now I've betrayed Lorenzo.

Unintentionally, though at first it was intentional. If I hadn't been so blind, if I'd realized sooner that Lorenzo had a connection to River, I never would've agreed to the investigation in the first place.

And now Nava holds information that could destroy Lorenzo's entire life's work.

Nava doesn't just have names, locations, and schedules. He has everything he needs to dismantle Lorenzo's empire from the inside. Every safe house. Every shipment. Every loyal soldier who trusts Lorenzo with their life.

And worst of all...he knows Lorenzo's vulnerabilities. Nava has all of it now.

Deciding that I needed some water to calmed my damn self down, I left the room and took the steps down to the kitchen.

We had left the first safe house hours earlier because of the intruders and were relocated to another, hidden deep within the forest.

As I climbed the steps, Lorenzo's voice stopped me cold.

"I told you not to fucking call me, didn't I?"

A trembling, sharp voice shot back, dripping with fear and just a hint of irritation. "I ... I just... I needed to hear your voice. I can't... I can't handle this life alone!"

Lorenzo growl low. "You left Xam because you were scared. Don't tell me you expect my sympathy for running off like a coward."

The woman scoffed. "Coward? You think me leaving my child with you was cowardice? I did what I had to do you're too... too much! Too dangerous for anyone to stay around!"

Lorenzo's voice dropped in a heavy warning. "Giulia. Don't mistake your absence for power. You abandoned Xam. And I've kept her safe. Don't think for a second that your little rebellion impresses me."

Lorenzo nor Xam have ever mentioned Giulia, it was once when Xamuela had that nightmare she'd called for her but other wise from that the three year old had nothing tied to the woman. Nothing. Not even a book or a necklace. She had nothing linked to any connection or motherly love.

I pressed my back against the wall, realizing now why Lorenzo's tone had shifted and why the fear in the woman's voice had sounded so familiar. He was protective of Xam and it made me smile.

"You wanted to be brave, leaving her behind? You should've known better," Lorenzo said, voice low, dangerous. "Xamuela needed you, but I... I will protect what's mine. Always."

Her sharp panicked voice came quickly. "You... you think you're the only one who can protect Xam? You think you're better than me?!"

He chuckled, a sound that made my skin crawl and my pulse quickened. "Better? I don't think, Giulia. I know."

I froze, a mixture of awe and fear twisting inside me. This was the man I worked for, the man who terrified even me into submission and yet... I couldn't take my eyes off him, even from the shadows. He was brave, caring...he had showed that he would know when to say when. It wouldn't cost him nothing to split heads and break necks for his little girl—as drake would say. I've seen it before. And I...my lips rolled between my mouth and I bit it realizing just how much I liked him.

But of course he was still ignoring me. I sighed heavily then walked through the living room.

He wore a Barcelona t-shirt, black shorts hanging low on his hips. Long hair touched his shoulders, and a short beard traced the edges of his strong, squared jaw.

That scar of his had me clenching my fingers as I felt the need to feel it against my skin but I held back.

Despite everything, Lorenzo ignored me, and the memory of my own slip, moaning someone else's name, made my stomach churn in ways I didn't understand.

I walked past him, not missing how his broad shoulders stiffened with every step I took by him.

Flicking the kitchen lights on, I turn towards the fridge, bend at the waist and took out a bottle water.

My hands shook as I pop off the cap and as I took a small sips. Suddenly, the room spun, and I fell to the floor in unconsciousness.