soulmate

Chapter 14: Bound by Secrets

Standing in the dimly lit room of the abandoned house, Dylan's expression shifted from shock to determination. I could see the fire in his eyes as he listened to everything I had just revealed.

"You're... you're part of the Costra Nostra?" he asked, his voice steady despite the weight of the revelation.

I nodded, steeling myself. "Yes, my family... we're deeply rooted in the Italian mafia. It's a part of who I am, Dylan."

He took a step closer, his gaze unwavering. "But why didn't you tell me?" he asked, a mix of curiosity and concern in his voice.

I met his gaze squarely, trying to convey the complexity of my situation. "I wanted to protect you, Dylan. I didn't want you to get caught up in all of this."

He reached out, his hand gently touching my shoulder. "Ava, you don't have to protect me. We're in this together, remember?"

I felt a surge of emotion at his words, the weight on my shoulders feeling a little lighter. "I know, Dylan. I just... I didn't know how you'd react."

He pulled me into a hug, his arms warm and reassuring around me. "Ava, I'm here for you. No matter what."

Tears welled up in my eyes, but this time they were tears of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Dylan. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He smiled, wiping away my tears. "You don't have to worry about that. We'll figure this out together."

As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, I felt a sense of hope wash over me. Despite the dangers and uncertainties ahead, I knew that with Dylan by my side, I could face anything.

Suddenly, the sound of sirens wailing in the distance snapped us out of our moment. Dylan's expression turned serious as he looked at me. "We have to leave, now, right now."

I nodded, feeling the urgency in his voice. "Okay, let's go."

We made our way quickly out of the abandoned house, the darkness of the night enveloping us. Dylan led the way, his steps sure and purposeful as we navigated the empty streets.

"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to keep up with his brisk pace.

"There's a safe house not far from here," he replied, his voice tense. "We'll be safe there until we can figure out our next move."

As we hurried through the deserted streets, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every shadow seemed to hold a threat, every sound making my heart race.

Finally, we reached the safe house, a nondescript building tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. Dylan ushered me inside, locking the door behind us.

"We should be safe here for now," he said, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger.

I sank down onto the couch, the adrenaline wearing off and exhaustion setting in. "How long had I been stuck in there?" I wondered aloud, the events of the night feeling like a blur.

Dylan sat down next to me, his expression serious. "Too long, Ava. But we made it out, together."

I looked at him, gratitude swelling in my chest. "Thank you, Dylan. For everything."

He smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I wish I could have kept you from all of this. I wish I could have been your hero from the start."

I reached out and took his hand, squeezing it tightly. "You are my hero, Dylan. You saved me tonight, and I'll never forget that."

We sat there in silence, the weight of the night's events settling around us. But despite the danger and uncertainty, I knew one thing for sure.

With Dylan by my side, I was ready to face whatever came next.