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Chapter III

1 month later

The month flew by. I did nothing but pack and stare out the window. My father had assigned two security guards to follow me everywhere I went. As if that were necessary. I would not have escaped even if I could have.

Being chased through the world by two of the most powerful Mafiosi families was not my idea of life. And that they would do something like that was as certain as amen in church.

And I did not even want to imagine the punishment for escaping. Knowing my father, I would actually prefer the Martinellis to find me first. But since that was out of the question, I would play along for now. Let everyone think I had resigned myself to it.

Our plane was just coming in to land when I noticed my palms tingling. Even though I knew better, I told myself it was from the long flight.

Ivan took me by the hand and led me out of the plane. We were now on Polish soil, neutral enough for our exchange.

Ivan and I sat in the waiting black SUVs, followed by our security guards. My uncle and father also followed us and sat in their car. Ivan briefly squeezed my hand before turning to his cell phone.

I looked out of my window and saw my reflection faintly. The sun was shining in my face and made me look even paler. I hadn't slept well for days and only slept once every hour. I'd like to say that I didn't care about anything anymore, but my body betrayed me.

I slowly noticed how my eyelids were getting heavy and my body was losing its strength.

I put on my sunglasses and fell into a short sleep.

When our car stopped, Ivan shook my shoulder lightly.

"Nastya, we're here."

Reluctantly, I got out of the car and looked around.

Ten meters away from us, twelve people were lined up.

My father came over to me and took me by the elbow. We lined up like the others.

It looked like a hostage handover in a movie, except that this was reality.

Ivan stood next to me and grabbed my hand. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my suitcases being taken to the other side and men with suitcases coming towards us. They must be the Martinellis' bodyguards. My father took a few steps with me and Ivan towards the other side.

Only now did my gaze fall on the tall man standing opposite me. He had raven-black hair and, like me, was wearing sunglasses. He was wearing a perfectly tailored Armani suit, which highlighted his broad back. The black color made him seem even more frightening and mystical and I automatically tensed up even more.

Next to him stood a girl, about my age, maybe a year older.

A light summer dress clung to her body and her hair, also black, lay silky on her shoulders. She had brown eyes and blood-red lips.

She was really pretty and I noticed how Ivan relaxed a little next to me. I guess he was seeing her for the first time too and from the way he reacted, he liked what he saw.

We suddenly stopped.

My father looked at me and signaled me to continue. I turned to Ivan and he put his arms around me.

"Now listen to me very carefully. I've told you this many times, but no matter what happens, I'm always here for you. If he even touches you or treats you badly, I'll burn the whole world down to get you out."

Even though I knew he was serious, it would never happen. It would be the end for all of us.

I gave Ivan a kiss on the cheek.

"Yes, I know."

Then he let go of me and Isabella also separated from her father's embrace at that moment.

Slowly and with rapid breathing, I started moving.

Seven meters, I turned back to Ivan, who smiled at me slightly.

Five meters, Isabella and I passed each other and looked each other straight in the eyes. It was as if I was seeing my reflection. Dark circles under my eyes, shaking hands and dull eyes full of fear and sadness looked back at me.

Three meters, I raised my eyes from the ground and looked for the first time at the older man who had just said goodbye to his daughter a few seconds ago.

Sergio Martinelli.

He didn't look at me condescendingly or angrily, which confused me.

One meter, Dante reached out his hand and grabbed me by the elbow. He pulled me behind him with quick steps, opened the back door of the car and turned me around abruptly.

His face came closer to mine and I felt his breathing in my ear.

Coldly and emotionlessly, he whispers "Welcome to the family" in my ear. Suddenly he shoves me into the car and slams the door.

My hell began now.

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