Page 72 of Inferno

Closing my eyes, no doubt about to walk into carnage with my brothers, all for the sake of some pussy.

Not just any, though, that night will live in my brain forever.

Now, it’s tainted with hatred.

Chapter 24

CHARLOTTE

Five months later…

Shoving the last of my clothes in the backpack, I grab the stack of cash Drago gave me and put it in, zipping it closed. This is finally it.

Putting it on my back, I jog down the stairs. Even that now makes my breath heavy.

My hand instinctively goes to my little bump as I reach the door and I come to a stop.

Quickly retreating back to the kitchen, I hide a small flip knife in the back pocket of my jeans.

This is the first opportunity, albeit, short notice, that I’ve had to make a final attempt to run.

Once I got back from Italy, everything changed.

It’s not just me I’m protecting now, it’s the baby growing in my tummy.

It sucks leaving my father here to rot, but this little beam of light is my priority.

And if it hasn’t dropped in Vlad's head yet that he isn’t the father, it will soon, especially when I give birth.

This baby will, I’m sure. look just like their daddy.

I have to leave, and Drago agrees.

Today was the first time Vlad has given me space to breathe since I found out I was pregnant. He got called to an emergency and that gave me the window I need.

Even if it hurts my heart abandoning my father. I shake my head, I can’t dwell on that, I have to push forward. I can’t save my father, but I can save my future.

Opening the door slowly, I step out into the gray air.

“Going somewhere?” Maxim asks, sitting on the bench on my porch.

“Just for a walk, being cooped up in here all day is driving me crazy.” I say, keeping my tone sweet.

He huffs and stands.

“Against bosses rules. Back inside.” He points at the door.

“I-I don’t feel well, I just need air.” I make my voice shake.

He shakes his head and steps forward, I see the wariness in his eyes.

“Vlad won’t mind. Ask him for me.” I rub my growing belly with my free left hand and smile.

“For fuck’s sake, Charlotte,” he grumbles and pulls out his phone.

Perfect day for a new recruit to be on the door. It’s as if Drago planned just that.

Of course he did.

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