In the rearview, the black car was still there, faster than me, closing in.
I kept the pedal down, blowing through an intersection, running a red light. Cars honked. I didn't stop.
Ahead was a stretch of green belt. The road narrowed. I tried to turn, but the wheels lost grip. The whole car shot off the road, crashing into the roadside grass. The impact slammed my head into the steering wheel. Stars exploded in my vision.
The black car stopped by the road, engine rumbling. I heard the door open. Footsteps approaching.
"Leo..." My mind went blank, only one thought left: protect Leo.
I struggled with my seatbelt, trying to climb to the back seat.
Then another engine roared. A deafening crash followed—metal twisting, glass shattering. Through the broken rearview mirror, I saw a silver car shoot out and slam into the black car.
The black car flipped, rolling several times before stopping.
The silver car's door opened. A familiar figure stepped out.
Sebastian.
His movements were calm and precise as he walked toward the overturned car. Two men crawled out, raising guns, but Sebastian was faster. Three shots. Clean. Both men dropped and didn't move.
I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. I just stared at it all, like watching a movie.
Sebastian walked to my car, his expression serious and tense. He pulled open the door, quickly checking me and Leo.
"Are you hurt?" His voice was calm, but his eyes held a coldness I'd never seen.
"I... I don't know..." My voice trembled. "Leo..."
"I'm okay, Mommy," Leo cried, clearly terrified. "I was brave."
"It's over now, all taken care of. You did great, Leo," Sebastian said, his voice carrying a soothing power. "But we need to leave. Now. Olivia, can you walk?"
I nodded, though my legs were still shaking. Sebastian helped Leo and me into his car, then drove quickly from the scene.
The car was dead silent. Leo curled in my lap, his small body still trembling slightly. I held him tight, feeling his warm body—reminding me he was alive. We were both alive.
"I'm sorry," Sebastian finally spoke, hands gripping the wheel. "I should have told you the truth sooner."
"What truth?" My voice was hoarse.
"I'm part of the mob, but I didn't mean to hide it from you. I'm not the heir," he said, bitterness in his tone. "I never wanted that position. I just wanted freedom, wanted a normal life. But the family... the family always finds a way to drag you back."
I looked at his profile, that face I'd thought I knew, now seeming so unfamiliar.
"Those men," he continued, "their car had mob markings. They're Ezio's enemies, most likely the Rossi family. They've got you in their sights, Olivia. You and Leo are both in danger now."
Fear washed over me like ice water. "No," I muttered. "No, that's impossible..."
"It's the truth," Sebastian's voice was gentle but firm. "You're caught in a family war. Even if you leave, they'll track you. Where do you think you can hide?"
"I don't care!" My voice suddenly turned sharp. "I'll take Leo and disappear, leave the country, change our names."
"That won't work," Sebastian interrupted. "Olivia, listen to me."
He pulled the car to the side of the road, turning to face me. His eyes held a determination I'd never seen before.
"Marry me."
