Page 165 of Vita Mia

Lorenzo cast his gaze to her. His long hair fell over the side of his face where he wore an eye patch. But in his single blue eye she saw concern. Not for himself but for her. “Do you know who he is?”

She nodded.

“What did you agree too, to have him bring you to me? Does Gio know about these details?”

“I can’t explain.”

Lorenzo grabbed her arm. “Be careful.”

“I will. And I will take care of Lorenza for you. Just promise me you will stay alive.”

Lorenzo smiled and kissed her cheek. “Tell my brother. I’ll do my best.”

Mirabella hugged him. She found it hard to let go. But she had too. She and Nico walked away. Lorenzo watched. One of the men that escorted Lorenzo stepped up. Before she was in the car and they were moving out of the cold fortress she saw Lorenzo was struck so hard to the back of his head he went down on his knees. Then other men began to circle him.

“They’re going to kill him!” she shouted in protest.

Brian and the driver ignored her. She looked at Nico. He shook his head that nothing could be done. Despite her fear and panic she didn’t say another word.

The flight out of Russia went without incident. They weren’t even questioned or searched. They landed in the same silence that they took off in. It was then Brian left his seat and came over to where she and Nico sat. He looked her in the eye.

“Uncle Ludwig has approved the move of Lorenzo to South America. I am handling the arrangements. We expect you to deliver on your promise.”

“I said we would.”

Brian smirked.

“Yes, you did. But saying and doing are two different things, aren’t they?”

“I don’t want Lorenzo hurt anymore. No more beatings. Do you understand!”

“I didn’t want to grow up fatherless. I guess we all can’t get what we want.”

“I’m serious. He lives.”

“He’ll be alive. Trust me. There are many ways to keep him alive for you.” Brian gave her a parting nod of respect and one to Nico before he disembarked the plane with his men first. It was now approaching sunrise. A new day and finally she had some hope.

“Let me get you home,” Nico said.

She and Nico were greeted by their men at the airport and during the drive back to her place she felt her old sadness return. Her children were gone, even her baby. And Giovanni was certainly moved from his prison to Rome. Things were changing fast. And everything depended on Marietta. She had to get to her sister soon.

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