Not once did they try to find me. But of course it was all my fault. When I finally made it home, my father gave me hell. Because somehow getting kidnapped wasmy fault.
After all this time those memories still haunt me almost every night. They’re so deeply imbedded in my subconscious I doubt I’ll ever be rid of them. Not completely. I’m going to spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder, expecting to be stalked or captured—or killed—at every turn. I can’t live like this.
Which is why I have to leave. This mafia life isn’t for me. I want out.
Ineedto get out.
Picking up my phone, I open the real estate app I’d been browsing earlier. Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Monterey are my top three picks of location. I need to narrow it down at some point, soon. But the choice is a difficult one. They eachhave their own vibe, and I’m equally drawn to them for different reasons.
I love the big city idea of San Fransisco. At the same time, sunny and posh Santa Barbara looks like a dream destination. Monterey gives me the sense of a more down-to-earth coastal experience.
The best thing about them all? They are on the other side of the country.
Far away from Manhattan.
Away from my family and the Italian mafia.
I can’t wait to go to a state where no one knows me and no one wants anything from me. Far from the monsters of this world. A true escape from my past horrors.
A fresh start.
With a long sigh, I exit the app. My twin sister, Ravenna, has urged me to come back to New York for several years. I couldn’t. Not until the men who took me prisoner were no longer a threat.
Now that’s all over. But I’m only landing in the city to say farewell to my family. Mostly my sister and my cousins, since my parents and brother are all dead. I may visit their graves. Then I’ll buy a place in California and book a flight out of here.
Goodbye mafia life. Hello California freedom.
Guilt eats away at me. Just a week ago I told Ravenna how I’d be there for her and her babies. But as the week wore on, I realized that I can never live in New York City again. It’s impossible.
The private jet that my sister sent for me smoothly touches down on the runway, quickly coming to a slow crawl as it rolls toward the hanger. A sense of dread swallows me whole as I peek out the window at the all too familiar city skyline.
My pulse thunders. I hate this place. Loathe everything about it from the skyscrapers, to the honking traffic, to the bustle of the people that never stops.
Steeling my spine, I gather my things, then wait for the door to open. I need to get this over and done with. Say goodbye, then leave this horrid city for good.
CHAPTER 2
Maximo
The jet’s door opens and the staircase appears. I stare out the car’s tinted window, holding my breath. It’s been six months since I last saw Elena. While I’ve been busy assuming my role as the Pontrelli family’s new don, she’s been safely tucked away in Parma, Italy with great-aunt Antonia.
Even though I haven’t been there to personally see to her safety, she’s had round the clock security. Not that she goes anywhere. Elena’s the epitome of a home body. She’s always lounging around with her nose in a book. Her once polished, mafia princess appearance has given way to comfortable, casual clothes and night owl reading tendencies.
Movement at the top of the stairs catches my attention. Slowly, I release my breath, a sense of calm washes over me like a soothing blanket.
There she is. Dark auburn hair in a messy bun, leggings, and an oversized T-shirt that does nothing to show off her curvy figure. She’s wearing pink-frame glasses but I know she doesn’t need them for any practical purpose. Her eyesight’s as perfect as the rest of her.
As she descends the stairs, I pop open my door, and step out of the car. I smooth down my custom tailored suit jacket, and adjust my cuffs, as I casually approach the jet.
Elena’s gaze immediately latches onto mine, her soft grey eyes widen. Her throat bobs with a thick swallow. A faint pink touches her cheeks, and I hide my smile under the palm I swipe across my mouth.
She’s nervous. I always seem to have that effect on her. Which makes my blood hum with primal need, but I’m not sure if I want to protect her or hunt her—or both. Can I be both protector and predator at the same time? Because that’s the way I feel whenever I’m around this woman. She brings out the best and the worst in me.
“W-what are you doing here?” She glances around the tarmac, probably looking for her twin sister, Ravenna.
“I’m here to pick you up.” I grab her carry-on before she can protest.
Her gaze slides back to me. “Where’s Ravenna? I just spoke with her and she saidshe’dbe here to pick me up. I’m staying with her.”
