Chapter 3 - The Sanctuary
We drove in absolute silence for an hour.
We arrived at a massive stone estate surrounded by wrought iron gates and armed guards.
Enzo parked the SUV beneath a grand portico, and Dominic carried me inside.
The interior of the mansion looked like a medieval fortress adorned with modern art.
An elegant woman hurried down the grand staircase, her face pale with worry.
It was Isabella.
"Thank God you are both safe," she said, touching Dominic’s arm before looking at me.
"You saved my life at the hotel, child," Isabella told me softly.
I ignored her gratitude, my mind solely focused on the text message I had seen in the car.
"I need a phone," I demanded, looking directly at Dominic.
Dominic signaled to the maids, who quickly brought a wheelchair.
He placed me into the leather seat.
"You cannot contact anyone," Dominic said flatly.
"They are going to kill my mother in Cleveland!" I screamed, tears finally spilling down my face.
Isabella flinched at my tone, but Dominic remained perfectly still.
"Your mother is not in Cleveland," Dominic said.
My breath caught in my throat.
"What did you do to her?" I asked, gripping the armrests of the chair.
"She was relocated to a private, secure facility three days ago," he answered calmly.
My mind raced, trying to make sense of his timeline.
"Three days ago?" I repeated, my voice shaking.
"I was only shot yesterday."
Dominic looked away for a fraction of a second, which terrified me more than his direct stare.
"Why would you move my mother before the shooting even happened?" I asked.
Enzo stepped forward, clearing his throat nervously.
"Take her to the master suite to rest, Boss," Enzo suggested quietly.
May you like
Dominic ignored him and looked back at me.
"Because I have been paying for her medical care for the last six months," Dominic confessed.
