Page 7 of Mafia Kingdom

There's a pause, then a sigh. "What is it, Sasha? I'm busy."

I take a deep breath. "It's about Lily. I need you to take her for a few days. Just until things settle down here."

"Why can't your father take care of her?" she asks, suspicion coloring her tone.

"He…he's sick," I lie, my heart pounding in my chest. "And I just got a job. It’s only for a few days until Dad gets better."

Another long pause. I can almost hear her weighing her options, considering the inconvenience against whatever small bit of family loyalty she still feels.

"Just a few days?" she asks finally.

"Yes, just a few days," I assure her. "Please, Aunt Karen. It would mean everything to us."

"Fine," she says, her voice begrudging. "Bring her over this evening."

"Thank you," I say, relief washing over me. "Thank you so much."

I hang up and turn to find my father standing in the doorway, his face flushed with anger.

"You called my sister?" he growls, his fists clenched at his sides.

"I had to," I say, meeting his gaze head-on. "Lily can't be here when those men come back. She deserves better than this."

"I don't like asking for help," he snaps, stepping closer. "Especially from her."

I feel my own anger rising to meet his. "And I don't like seeing my sister in the middle of a drug lab, Dad. So you can suck it up."

He recoils as if I've slapped him, the truth of my words hanging heavy in the air between us. For a moment, we just stand there, glaring at each other. Then he turns away, muttering something under his breath.

I let out a slow breath. That’s one problem solved, now the other.

Next one to tackle is going to Marco once I get Lily safe with Aunt Karen. I can't shake the memory of Marco. Last time I saw him, he made it clear just how dangerous he could be. Marco isn't someone you want to cross paths with. He's ruthless, the kind of man who doesn’t flinch at breaking bones or worse. But he was never like that with me.

I remember that house party; the music was so loud it felt like it was shaking my bones. Everything had been fine until it wasn't. Some guy, drunk and aggressive, cornered me, his intentions clear and vile. Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, Marco appeared. He broke the guy's nose with a single punch, blood spraying everywhere. He turned to me, his eyes cold and hard.

"Stay away from places like this, Sasha," he had said, his voice like ice. "You don’t belong here."

I can still hear his words, feel the chill they brought. Marco was deep with the mafia—how high up, I don’t know. But he showed me kindness once; maybe he would do it again. It’s a slim hope, but right now, it’s all I’ve got.

Determination settles over me like a cloak. I have to protect Lily, no matter what it takes. I head to our shared room, pulling out a small suitcase and stuffing it with her favorite clothes and a few toys. She enters the room and watches me, her eyes wide and confused.

"Why do I have to go, Sasha?" she asks, her voice small and scared. She must have heard me and Dad fighting outside.

"It’s just for a few days, sweetie," I say, forcing a smile. "You’ll be safe with Aunt Karen. But you can’t tell her about the bad men, okay? When you come back, they’ll be gone."

She nods, but I can see the fear and uncertainty in her eyes. It breaks my heart to send her away, but it’s the only way to keep her safe. I load the suitcase into Dad’s car, then help Lily into the back seat.

Dad watches us from the porch, a dark silhouette against the dim light. I can feel his disapproval, his anger, but I ignore it. This is bigger than his pride. This is about survival.

The drive to Aunt Karen's house is quiet; Lily stares out the window, lost in her own thoughts. I wish I could say something to make her feel better, but the words won’t come.

When we arrive, Aunt Karen is waiting at the door, her arms crossed and a stern look on her face. "Just a few days," she reminds me as I hand over Lily's suitcase.

"Just a few days," I promise, bending down to hug Lily tight. "I love you, Lily. Be good for Aunt Karen, okay?"

"I will," she whispers, clinging to me for a moment before letting go.

I watch them disappear into the house, my heart aching with every step. As I turn back to the car, I can feel the weight of the world pressing down on me. I have to find a way to fix this. For Lily, for me, for all of us.

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