Alessandro would know it was me.
The tenuous peace would shatter. Valentina would be caught in the crossfire.
I picture Valentina's face, her eyes when she begged me to live. For her. For our child.
"Fuck," I growl.
I turn the car around. I’m doing whatsheasked, not Alessandro. I’m living to fight for her another day. I won’t fail her or our child.
The engine coughs and sputters as I drive Cross Island Parkway to I-295 and head west.
A car built to last, but with enough miles on it that the Chicago trip will be a gamble.
Fourteen hours on the road hoping this temperamental beast doesn't leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Doesn't matter. I'll walk if I have to.
I pull onto the interstate heading west, putting New York in my rearview.
The city lights fade as darkness envelops the road ahead, a perfect match for my mood.
Every mile takes me further from Valentina. I just have to hope that Luca will find a way to help.
The hours blur together.
Pennsylvania's woods give way to Ohio's flat expanse.
My eyes burn from staring at the hypnotic highway lines, and my back aches from sitting too long in the driver's seat.
I stop only when necessary, gas, piss, coffee.
No time for sleep.
Somewhere in Indiana, as dawn breaks across farmland, my resolve wavers.
The fatigue nearly stops me.
I consider pulling into a rest stop to sleep, but Valentina’s lovely face filters into my mind.
I remember how she looked at me the first time we made love, so beautiful, vulnerable, trusting.
Or the way she smirks when she thinks she’s gotten away with something.
The fierce determination in her eyes when she decided to sacrifice herself for the family.
I’m filled with pain and pride.
She’s an amazing woman, the only one who’s ever made me feel anything beyond duty and loyalty.
I’m now awake, filled with purpose and determination.
It doesn’t escape me that love has made me weak in some ways.
And yet, in others, it’s made me more powerful.
I’m told Luca is one hundred percent in love with his wife.
Will he understand how I feel when I beg him to help Valentina?
