He points it directly at me and I freeze.
Every protective instinct I possess surging to life.
"What do you want?"
No answer. The barrel remains fixed on my chest.
"Who are you?"
Nothing.
Mila cries harder.
The sound tears through me. The man reaches inside. Grabs my arm.
"Move."
Panic explodes and I try to fight but it’s no use not with my daughter is in my arms.
Within seconds I'm dragged from the vehicle. Another car waits nearby. The back door already open.
"No!" I scream, my heart pounding in my chest.
A hand shoves me inside. Mila thrashes against me, crying even harder.
My heart breaks.
Oh God, please, please, please.
The door slams shut. With two men on either side of me. And the car takes off.
* * *
The drive feels endless.
Every passing second stretches my nerves tighter.
Mila eventually settles, curled against my chest. My mind keeps coming up with endless scenarios.
Why are we being kidnapped? What could they want? What if I can't protect her? What if-
The vehicle stops. We’re at a quiet residential street. It’s empty, completely ordinary.
I stare at the house as I'm escorted inside. The front door opens and still clutching my baby to my chest, I step across the threshold.
And immediately stop breathing.
"No."
The whisper escapes before I can stop it. A familiar figure sits calmly in a chair.
One leg crossed over the other. A gun resting casually in his hand.
Brown eyes meet mine. Filled with something that scares me more than I thought possible.
My stomach drops as Carlos rises slowly.
"Liliana."
