His hand reaches across Elena, palm up. I take it immediately, needing the contact with him. Needing to know this is real.
He squeezes gently and I squeeze back, my throat too tight for words.
In the front seat, Ciro is on his phone, speaking quietly. The driver's eyes are on the road. Both of them professional. Giving us as much privacy as they can in the confined space.
But they're still there. I stay quiet. Just hold his hand and listen to Elena.
"Daddy, you said you have my rabbit?"
He reaches inside his jacket and pulls out the worn, beloved stuffed animal.
Elena gasps. "Bunny!" She grabs it, hugging it fiercely. "I thought they lost him!"
"I got him back for you." His voice is soft. "I'll always get him back for you."
She throws her arms around his neck, rabbit clutched between them. "Thank you, Daddy!"
He holds her carefully, his eyes closing for just a moment. I see the emotion there, the relief that she's safe. That we're both safe.
Elena settles back between us, clutching her rabbit, and her chatter continues. About the men, about being scared, about how Mama told her Daddy would come. She's processing. Working through it the only way a three-and-a-half-year-old knows how.
By talking.
I let her. Just hold Lupo's hand and stare out the window at the dark landscape passing by. I'm so tired. The adrenaline is fading, leaving me hollow and shaky.
"Where are we going?" I ask quietly. The first words I've spoken since getting in the car.
"The farm," he says. "For tonight. Tomorrow we'll figure out the rest."
I nod. The farm. Home. One more night in our own bed before everything changes.
"Daddy?" Elena tugs at his sleeve. "Will there be people watching us? Like guards?"
"Yes. To keep you safe while you sleep."
"Okay." She accepts this easily. "Can I wave at them?"
"Of course."
She seems satisfied with this answer and goes back to petting her rabbit, humming quietly to herself. The exhaustion is catching up with her too. Her words are getting slower, her voice softer.
I lean my head back against the seat, still holding his hand. Still needing that anchor.
He came for us.
That's all I can think. All that matters right now.
Ciro finishes his phone call and turns slightly in his seat. "The perimeter is secure, boss. Six men positioned around the property. More if you need them."
"Six is fine for tonight." Lupo's voice is different when he talks to Ciro. More controlled. More commanding. "Tomorrow, we move them to the villa. I want the route secured in advance."
"Already being arranged."
They talk logistics for a few more minutes about the security, timing, transportation. I don't really listen. Just let the words wash over me.
This is his world. The world we're entering.
Guards. Security. Routes that need to be secured.
