Nothing’s going to happen to me. I can’t leave you alone. I can’t leave my son alone. Alessandro had built a fierce reputation, but at that moment it wasn’t a gift.
He was a man who desperately loved the two people walking behind him. When they stepped outside, the night was cold, barely illuminated by the moon. A black car was waiting for them, its engine running, and Esteban was guarding the area with a gun in his hand.
They didn’t follow, she reported as soon as she saw Alessandro, but we managed to lose them before we got here. We don’t know how long it will take them to find us. Understood, Alessandro replied, opening the back door for Mariana and the baby to get in.
Let’s go. The vehicle started moving along a dirt road, advancing between trees and shadows that seemed to block the way. The silence inside the car was thick. Mariana stared out the window, her heart beating twice as fast.
Alessandro suddenly said, “If we get out of this, what are you going to do?” He turned slightly toward her. “What do you mean?” “With everything. With your life, with them.” Alessandro took a deep breath.
If we get through this, I’m leaving everything behind. Power, wars, traditions. I’m renouncing this world. I don’t want my son to grow up in fear. I don’t want you to live on the run.
Mariana felt a lump in her throat. “Can you really quit for them?” she answered without hesitation. “Yes.” The vehicle swerved sharply, throwing them to one side of the seat.
“What was that?” Mariana exclaimed. Esteban glanced in the rearview mirror. “We’re not alone.” Lights appeared among the trees. Another car. Then another. Mariana clutched Alio to her chest. “No, this can’t be happening.” Alessandro touched her shoulder.
“Look at me,” he pleaded. “I promised I’d protect you. I’m going to keep that promise.” Cars were speeding behind them. Esteban gritted his teeth. “Boss, they’re armed.” “Keep driving,” Alessandro ordered. The engine roared.
The chase became frantic. The lights of the enemy vehicles flashed like warnings in the darkness. “They’re getting closer,” Esteban said. “I know what I have to do,” Alessandro replied in a low voice.
Mariana looked at him, alarmed. “What are you going to do?” He took her hand, holding it tightly. “I’m going to get you to safety.” The enemy vehicle approached dangerously, ramming the back of her car.
Mariana screamed and shielded Alessio like a human shield. Alessandro pointed ahead. “Esteban, cut across to the field. I’m going with them.” “Are you crazy?” Esteban replied. “They’re going to shoot.”
They need me and the baby alive. No, Alessandro said, his gaze fixed on the road. They won’t risk shooting if I’m with them. Mariana felt her blood run cold.
No, you’re not going to surrender, Alessandro. No. He cupped her face in his hands, ignoring the clatter of the car being hit from behind. Mariana, if I don’t do this, they’re going to hurt you, and I’d rather die than let that happen.
“Don’t say that!” she whispered, her eyes filled with tears. Alexio began to cry, feeling his mother’s tension. “Shhh. My love.” Mariana rocked the baby as her tears fell on him.
Esteban ordered Alessandro. When he jumps, you go straight to the shelter. Take care of them, no matter what. Mariana grabbed his arm. No, don’t go. Don’t leave me alone with this.
Alessandro rested his forehead against hers. “I’m not leaving you. I promise I’ll come back for you.” The car lurched violently. They were seconds away from a collision. “Now, boss!” Esteban shouted.
Alessandro opened the door while the car was moving. The icy air rushed in. “Alessandro.” Mariana’s voice broke. “If you get out of this car, it could be the last time I see you.”
He looked at her as if he were etching her face into his memory. It wouldn’t be the last time. He kissed her. It was a brief, desperate kiss, full of everything they hadn’t said, and then he jumped.
Mariana shouted his name. The car braked suddenly and turned into the field just as Alessandro had ordered. The enemies veered toward it, doing exactly what Alessandro wanted.
The shelter was an old wooden cabin hidden beneath large pine trees. Esteban helped them hurry inside and activated the perimeter alarm. “We’ll be safe here for a few hours,” he said, though even he didn’t entirely believe it.
Mariana hugged Alessio, who was still crying inconsolably. “Shh, baby, shh. It’s over now.” But it wasn’t over. “Not for her,” Esteban whispered, Mariana’s voice breaking. “Do you think Alessandro is okay?” He didn’t answer right away.
Then she said, “Mr. Manceli is hard to beat. He’s come out of worse.” But her eyes showed doubt. Mariana was trembling. I can’t lose him. Not after everything. Not now. Esteban looked at her with a mixture of respect and pity.
He’ll be back. You changed him, ma’am. That’s worth more than any weapon. She looked down at Alesio, who finally calmed down at her warmth. “Please,” he whispered with his eyes closed.
“Come back with us, Alesandro.” Hours later, the sound of an engine slowly approached. Esteban raised his weapon and stood in front of the door. Mariana held Alesandro, her heart pounding.
“Who’s there?” Esteban shouted. Silence. Then a voice. “It’s me.” Mariana’s soul almost leapt out of his chest. “Open up,” he whispered urgently. Esteban did so cautiously, and there he was, wounded, his suit torn, his eyebrow split open, but alive.
Alessandro Mariana couldn’t contain herself. She ran to him and hugged him tightly, trembling with relief. “You’re back,” she said through tears. “You’re back.” He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her hair.
“I always come back to you,” he murmured. Aleo began to cry at the sound of his voice. Alessandro gently took him in his arms, kissing his head. “My son, my family.” Mariana looked at him in surprise. “Family.” He looked up.
You’re my family, Mariana. You and Alesio, I’m not letting you go again. Mariana felt herself break completely, not from fear, but from love. I don’t want to leave either, she admitted, her voice trembling.
I can no longer imagine my life without you. Alandro closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Then, stay by my side, where I can protect you, where we can start over. Mariana took his hand.
Yes, I’m staying. The baby babbled between them as if celebrating the decision. And in that small refuge in the middle of the woods, a man who was once feared, a woman who thought she would never love again, and a baby who unwittingly brought them together found their place in the world. Not perfect, not easy, but theirs forever.
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