Italia

7.

"Do you know the name of black sparrow's leader?" I curiously asked my father as we quickly head towards the door as the gun shots fired repeatedly, I could hear the screams coming from the restaurant, the booming voices of terror that had me slipping the gun out from my waist, the pain within my ribs and leg forgotten as I shifted in an air of seriousness.

"Alessio di Pietro, that's the only thing we know for a fact that he goes by."

Slipping my eyes over to the heavy knocking that has now pounded its way on the door, my father nodded to me in warning and I walked backwards until my back was pressed flat against the wall which was beside the door. I turn my head until my cheek rest on the cold surface and in anticipation, I wrapped my fingers around the handle of the gun and held it up towards my jaw.

Turning the knob slowly, I lowered the gun down until I pointed it in front of my stomach, ready to pull the trigger into the abdomen of the fucker who knocked but as the door open, I notice that it was only the doctor and I slacken the tension in my system a bit as I pull the door wider for him to come in.

"Boss. It's the Fed's." I kept my eyes on my father as I, was well aware of the thick surrounding citrus and wood scent he possesses. I ignored his gaze as he cleared his throat then and said.

"Based on their agenda I'd say they're searching for someone." My father shifted his eyes over to me as he said this and I knew that, that someone was clearly me.

"I'll take care of it, I'll stay back with a few of the men to sort the issue out. Do me a favor sì? take my daughter with you and bring her to our home base until further instructions got it." Narrowing my eyes at my father, he ignored my gaze as he knew that I didn't like his plan but who am I to complain at the moment.

From the corner of my eyes I watch as the doctor nods in agreement.

"Keep her safe for me." My father sighed as he gripped my shoulder tightly then peck my forehead and with a comforting nod towards the man who raised me, I back out of the room with the doctor, my hands gripping the gun by my side as I fell in steps behind him.

His wide shoulders were tense as he walked before me in a stride of confidence, he took the direction past the door that Sam took me to earlier and entered through a dark hall. The corridor didn't have any lighting but I could still make out figures of objects as I followed behind the doctor.

Steadying my breathing, I watched as alertness struck him still as he halted his walk and without looking over his shoulder his deep voice let out.

"Come on sweetheart, quicken your steps." It had a bit of softness to it, his tone had me glancing at him in a bit of disbelief seeing that for all of my life, the men that I have surround myself with, they were all rough and rude. Even my husband, he had a bit of cockiness that I slighted hated and now to see such a huge ass, muscle bounded male as him, projecting softness even through this state of trouble.... it had me wondering who was this man really?

I went up beside him and in bewilderment, my eyes widen a bit as he took my hand in his then proceeded to pick up speed as we run.

"You know you could have just told me to run instead of doing this..." I motioned towards his rough fingers that has formed a tight closured around my wrist.

For a moment, I forgot about the why and the what that was causing us to run as he, without looking directly at me kept his eyes forward, he chuckled softly which vibrated his deep tone against my body which made me feel unworthy.

His girlfriend was one lucky motherfucker....

The thought came and I frowned.

"You were moving a bit too slow for me sweetheart and the order of the night is to keep you safe."

"I can protect myself you know." I replied and watched as he smiled.

"I'm sure you can but there is something that you need to know sweetheart, everyone needs saving. It's just a matter of when." He squeezed my wrist a bit then loosens it back as he said that.

"I don't need saving, I am my own heroine..." The only saving that I needed was to look deep into the face of my husband and ripped away his life for the wickedness he hath caused on me.

"I believe you, but once again, please remember that every hero has a weakness." I narrow my eyes at him as he kept that soft smile on his lips.

I slipped my eyes over his side profile which has now became prominent through the sudden flash of soft lighting in the ceiling. On the side of his neck, I notice three beauty mark that was on his pale skin, his jawline was so strident which pronounced a shadow effect that ripped away my breath a bit.

Dang it, he was too handsome.

Searching the area as we came up to an intersection, the doctor entered through the entrance on the left and directed me towards the last door on the hall which stated stair well's door.

Pushing my frame behind his large back in protection, he looked over his shoulder, his neck craning down to stare at me as he warned in a thick deep tone.

"Stay behind me and don't move okay. Tonight, I am your hero." Searching his blue-gray irises which had nothing but warmness behind it's circular structure, I hesitated to listen and watch as he turn and gave me his back as he slipped through the entrance and then I notice as he was about to leave that he still had that novel from earlier tuck underneath his arm tightly.

In protection.

It caused a soft smile to grace my lips.

He was so different....a rare one.