Run

C H A P T E R T W E L V E

"We're here sir." The driver announces in a stern voice as he drives through an iron gate. We pull up and park next to the house, or better yet, mansion, and I can't help the small gasp that escapes my lips.

And I thought his other house was big.

"You live here?" I couldn't help but be in awe. He was obviously doing very well for himself, even if what he does is illegal.

I know he's doing that stupid little smirk of his before I even look at him, he just can't pass up an opportunity to brag.

"Sure do, amore. Let's show you around, shall we?" He opens his door and offers me his hand, one that I reluctantly take. I've realized lately that Vincent's more of a touchy-feely person. He's always trying to touch me somehow. Trying to grab my hand, wrap his arm around my waist, run his hand along my back, the thought of it is almost endearing.

If it someone I actually had a mutual interest in, I would think the gesture was sweet., but feeling Vincent's hands on me just makes me want to shiver. They're so cold and almost threatening, just knowing that he could get rid of me at the snap of his fingers makes everything he does threatening.

Right as Vincent helps me out of the car, a man, probably in his early thirties, runs up to Vincent and starts speaking to him in another language.

"Sono qui, signore." He says almost rapidly. I look at the man closely and recognize him as one of Vincent's men that I've seen around his house back in the states. (Translation: They're here, sir.)

I didn't know his name, but I was easily able to recognize him in a crowd because of his bright orange hair and freckles. 

Vincent's eyes immediately harden at the man's words and he answers back, voice cold and threatening.

"Dove sono loro?" His grip on my hand tightens as he says the words, something that does not go unnoticed by the mind as he looks down at our interlocked hands, then back up at Vincent. (Translation: Where are they?)

"Nel tuo ufficio, signore." He again tightens his grip on me and let's out a low growl. (Translation: In your office, sir.)

"What's going on?" I ask, even though no one bothers to answer me.

"Vincent." I say with such confidence that it immediately catches his attention. He turns to look at me and I expect him to be upset or annoyed that I interrupted him, but his eyes immediately soften and his voice is soft as he answers me.

"Yes, amore?"

"What's going on? Is something wrong?" Although I couldn't understand what they were saying, I know something is wrong by the way Vincent's body goes rigid and he immediately tightens his hold on me.

"Nothing's wrong, we're just going to have to postpone the tour, I have to meet someone in my office. But Mariano here," He points to the man next to him. "will show you to our room."

He then raises my hand up to his lips and presses a soft kiss to my knuckles.

"I'll be back soon." As soon as he's out of sight, Mariano picks up my bags and motions for me to follow him in the house.

He quickly walks up a grand staircase and down a long hallway until he stops in front of the last door.

"Your room, Miss Russo." He says, his strong accent making it almost hard to understand him.

"Thank you." And with that, he nods his head, and retreats back down the hallway. I turn back towards the door, but hesitate to go in. This room is the one I will be sharing with Vincent, for who knows how long. I just want to be able to enjoy my last few seconds of freedom before all of this really sinks in.