Page 20

“Sienna,” I warned, narrowing my eyes at her.

A small smile tugged at her lips as she chuckled softly, “I missed you scolding me like that,” she said, still focused on the road. The slight tremor in her voice didn’t escape me, making me blink rapidly to hold back tears. She reached out her hand, still not looking at me, and I took it, squeezing it tightly. My son nestled against me, sensing my sadness.

“We’re almost there,” the driver announced in English, speaking for the first time.

I put on the cap my sister had given me, letting a few strands of hair fall over my face. I helped my son put his on, and he smiled up at me, his eyes shining with excitement.

The car came to a stop near one of the airport entrances and Sienna stepped out quickly and helped Rafael down. He immediately jumped into her arms without hesitation.

I stepped out as well, groaning as I clutched my injured wrist against my chest. My legs trembled, and I leaned against the car, sighing softly as tears escaped despite myself.

A tissue appeared in my field of vision, and I glanced up at the driver, who had also stepped out. He still didn’t look at me, his gaze fixed on the airport entrance.

“Grazie(thank you),” I murmured, taking the tissue.

I wiped away my tears and winced at the pain from touching my bruises. I quickly straightened up when I saw my baby approaching, skipping excitedly.

“Come on,mamma! Let’s get on a plane!” he exclaimed, grabbing my hand and tugging me toward the airport. I whimpered at the pain shooting through my shoulder.

“Easy,Pulcinomio. Let’s go,” my sister said, picking him up after hugging our driver and handing me a bag she had retrieved from the trunk.

I followed them inside, glancing one last time at the driver as he got back into the car. The only things I noticed before my sister called for me to hurry were the scar beneath his left eye and his Asian features.

When we reached the check-in line, Sienna handed me two tickets with our fake names.

“Sochi,” I read with a frown. “Isn’t that in Russia?” I asked, looking up in confusion.

She nodded, pulling Rafael along as the line moved forward.

“Are you sure that—”

“Shut up,” she cut me off. “Be careful what you say,” she murmured, giving me a warning look.

I scanned my surroundings anxiously, half-expecting Antonio to appear out of nowhere and drag me back by my hair to my gilded cage.

My stomach knotted as our turn arrived. We handed over our passports, and after a brief check, we were finally cleared to go. I let out a relieved sigh, squeezing my son’s hand.

After half an hour of waiting, we finally boarded. I took a seat by the window, with my son between me and Sienna, who sat by the aisle. My son’s warm little hand slid into my ice-cold one, squeezing twice.

I tore my gaze away from the window, still expecting to see the monster storming onto the tarmac. My eyes landed on my son, his big green eyes watching me like a fawn. I smiled, kissing the tip of his nose.

“Don’t worry,Angelomio. It’s over. We’re free,” I whispered, my voice trembling as a tear slipped down my cheek.

“Yes, you’re free,” my sister repeated, wiping my tear away. But the guilt in her eyes made my heart ache even more. I squeezed her hand gently.

“We all are,” I said meaningfully.

She only smiled before looking away, fastening her seatbelt.

I closed my eyes, sinking into my seat, trying to forget the pain. Trying to forget the monster still hunting us.

“Mamma !Look! It’s the sea!” Rafael exclaimed, pressing his face against the window as we flew over an endless stretch of blue. I smiled softly at his excitement, his little hands gripping the armrest.

“Yes, I see it,Angelomio. It’s beautiful.”

“Can we go there ? I want to touch it,mamma, please ! Do you think it’s like in the cartoons?” he asked, bouncing in his seat.

I felt Sienna tense beside me, and the weight of her gaze on us was heavy.