Bound by my blood

Chapter nineteen

I yank my top over my head, the fabric catching briefly on my necklace before slipping free. My leggings follow in a swift motion, pooling around my ankles before I step out of them. Every second counts—I have to move fast before Vincenzo's paranoia kicks in, and he decides to track me using his car's GPS.

The thought sends a shiver down my spine, but I force myself to stay focused.

As a precaution, I had abandoned his car outside the train station, leaving it parked haphazardly like I was in a rush to catch a train. Hopefully, that'll throw him off my trail long enough for me to disappear—at least for a while.

The mental image of his reaction when he realizes I'm gone makes me smirk. Oh, I would pay to see that.

I reach for the black jeans I just bought, the fabric stiff against my legs as I slide them on quickly. They hug my curves snugly, molding to my body like a second skin. Next, I grab the dark orange v-neck jumper, its material soft and warm as I pull it over my head. I tuck it neatly into my jeans, securing everything with a sleek Gucci belt.

At least the store clerks had let me pay before changing, saving me the hassle of dealing with receipts and bags afterward.

Straightening my necklace, I take a moment to check myself out in the mirror. Casual but put-together. Unassuming. I look nothing like the woman who stormed out of Vincenzo's house hours ago.

Satisfied, I shove my discarded clothes into my handbag and sling it over my shoulder.

With a bright, deliberate smile, I walk straight out of the store—only for my stomach to drop the moment my eyes land on one of Vincenzo's men.

He's lurking near Victoria's Secret, pretending to browse but scanning the crowd with sharp, calculated movements.

Shit.

He noticed I was gone way faster than I anticipated.

I duck my head, my heart hammering as I veer toward the nearest exit. Stay calm. Act normal. If I run, I'll only draw attention to myself.

Then, I hear his voice.

Vincenzo's deep, unmistakable tone cuts through the noisy mall, dripping with barely restrained fury. He's on the phone, barking orders, demanding updates.

I flinch. The venom in his voice is enough to make anyone cower—but not me.

I pick up my pace, weaving through the crowd.

A woman ahead of me steps into a taxi, and I make a snap decision.

Rushing forward, I catch the door before it closes and slide in beside her.

The driver startles, glancing at me through the rearview mirror, but I don't give him a chance to question it.

"I'm so sorry," I say breathlessly, fake tears already pooling in my eyes. "My boyfriend is looking for me. I can't go back to him. Please, help me."

The woman beside me stiffens, her expression shifting from surprise to immediate concern. Without hesitation, she wraps an arm around my shoulders, offering a comforting squeeze.

"It's okay, hun," she soothes, her voice gentle. "My name's Gianna. What's yours?"

My mind scrambles. I can't use my real name.

"V-Valentina," I stammer, forcing a shaky breath. "I—I need to get to the hospital."

"Okay, Valentina," she reassures me, already giving the driver instructions. "We're going there right now, don't worry."

The taxi swerves away from the curb just as Vincenzo's call ends.

I resist the urge to turn around. I can't risk him spotting me.