Page 62 of Crushed Vow
“I can’t walk much farther,” he said, his face pale. “But if we can get to the main road, maybe we can find a cab. We could go to my apartment—”
“No.” My voice cracked. “No, it’s too risky. If there’s still a bounty on my head, the Bratva will be watching your place. They’ll be watching everyone.”
He nodded, eyes fluttering. “Then where?”
I swallowed. “Cassian’s penthouse. It’s heavily guarded. His estate is probably the safest place left in this city.”
We were silent for a beat. Cassian’s name tasted like grief in my mouth.
“Do you think he...?”
I couldn’t finish the sentence.
Ethan didn’t answer either.
Somehow—by sheer miracle—we flagged down a cab just off the service road. I gave the driver the address of Cassian’s estate. Ethan leaned heavily on my shoulder, the car bouncing under the weight of silence. Neither of us had a wallet. No cash. No cards.
When the car pulled up to the estate gates, I turned to Ethan.
“They’ll let me in. You should come with me.”
He shook his head. “You’re safer inside. I’ll find a hospital.”
“You don’t even have money for the cab,” I whispered.
“I’ll manage.” He tried to smile but winced from the pain. “Besides... you being out here is dangerous. Every mafia crew is probably looking for you by now. If Luca leaked anything—”
“No.” My fingers gripped his arm. “You’re bleeding. You’re not going alone—”
He reached for me. Hugged me. “I’ll be okay. I promise. Just go. Get inside.”
I held him a little longer. Maybe too long.
He was the only person I had left. And I didn’t even have a way to reach him if something went wrong.
“Be careful,” I whispered.
“You too.”
I opened the door.
Security guards at the gate recognized me instantly. Their eyes widened as I approached—covered in ash, blood, eyes hollowed from crying.
“Mrs. Moretti,” one of them said carefully. “Are you alright?”
No. I wasn’t.
But I nodded.
They ushered me into one of the estate cars and drove me up the winding path. The moment I stepped into the penthouse—
I collapsed.
The scent of him hit me immediately. He was everywhere.
But not here.
And maybe never again.
