Mob Ties

Chapter 32

The SUV sped through the streets of New York, with the city's familiar chaos and towering skyline fading behind them. Lia sat quietly her eyes locked on Varsity, who slept peacefully in her car seat. Every few minutes, Lia reached over to check her daughter's breathing, a habit born from the trauma of Varsity's birth. The memory of her baby girl coming into the world struggling to breathe and then losing consciousness herself haunted Lia's thoughts.

"Baby, you okay?" East's voice broke through the silence, his concern evident as he glanced at Lia through the rearview mirror.

Lia met his gaze, her eyes heavy with exhaustion but filled with determination. "I'll be alright once we're out of New York," she replied, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within her. The city that had once been her home now felt like a prison, full of memories she was desperate to leave behind.

East nodded, understanding the weight of her words. Lia had been through so much—more than anyone should have to bear. He knew she wanted no part of the world they were leaving, the world of mob families, power struggles, and endless violence. Lia deserved peace, and so did Varsity. East was determined to give them that, no matter what it took.

As the SUV approached the airport, a sense of finality settled over Lia. This was it—her chance to say goodbye to New York and everything it represented. Her life had been turned upside down over the past year, and she had lost so much: her mother, her in-laws, and even her father. Despite everything he had done, Lia still missed her father, but she had lost him in the chaos, too.

"Ready, babe?" East asked as the vehicle came to a stop. "The PJ is ready for us."

Lia took a deep breath and nodded. She was more than ready. This was the moment she had been waiting for—their escape, their fresh start. East stepped out first, quickly moving to her side to help her out of the car. He wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked toward the private jet, the security detail following close behind, ensuring their safety.

Once on the jet, Lia carefully unbuckled Varsity from her car seat, holding her close as they settled into the plush seats. The cabin was quiet, a stark contrast to the noise and chaos that had filled their lives recently. Lia held Varsity tightly as the plane prepared for takeoff, the hum of the engines a soothing backdrop to her racing thoughts.

"Baby, where are we going?" Lia finally asked, her voice soft as she looked over at East, who was already beginning to relax in his seat.

East turned to her, a small, reassuring smile on his face. "Texas," he replied simply, his voice calm as he leaned back and closed his eyes, already allowing himself to drift off.

Lia's mind raced as she processed his answer. Texas. It was far enough from New York, far enough from the life they were leaving behind. It was a place where they could disappear, where they could start over, free from the shadows of their past. Lia's thoughts turned to the future—what their new life would look like, how they would raise Varsity in a world so different from the one they had known.

As the plane lifted off, Lia looked out the window, watching as the city that had once been her everything grew smaller and smaller until it was nothing but a distant memory. She felt a mix of emotions—relief, sadness, fear, and hope—all swirling within her. But as she looked down at Varsity, cradled in her arms, she knew she had made the right choice. This was the beginning of something new, something better.

Lia leaned back in her seat, allowing herself to relax for the first time in what felt like forever. She closed her eyes, listening to the steady breathing of her daughter and the soft rumble of the jet's engines. As the plane soared through the clouds, Lia whispered a silent goodbye to New York and everything it had taken from her.