Page 78 of Sicilian Savior

I glanced at Victor one last time, then slipped out the window I’d come in through. When I reached my bike, Lucia and Luca were huddled together behind a tree, and I hurried toward them.

“Knox!” they echoed, both racing forward toward me.

I dropped to my knee, opening my arms and catching them as they collapsed against me. Wrapping them tight in my arms, I closed my eyes and exhaled. They were safe. The threat to their lives silenced for good. We could move forward as a family without having to look over our shoulders ever again.

“It’s over,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to Lucia’s forehead. “It’s over.”

She sobbed harder, her shoulders shaking as she buried her head deeper into me. “Thank you, Knox. Thank you for saving us.”

“I love you, Lucia. I love you both. I’d do anything for you.”

“We love you too,” she whispered. “Always.”

The sirens grew louder, and I knew we were running out of time. As much as I wanted to hold them forever, I forced myself to let go.

“We need to get moving.” I kissed her forehead one last time.

She understood, standing quickly and guiding Luca up with her. He looked up at me, red, swollen eyes meeting mine.

“Thank you, Knox,” he said on a shaky breath.

“Anything for you, kiddo. I’m just sorry you had to be scared. But you’re safe now. I’ll always keep you safe, little man.”

Luca’s lip trembled a little more, then he stiffened it up. “I knew you’d save us. I knew you’d come. I love you, Knox.” He threw himself forward, wrapping his little body around my leg.

It felt like a nuke detonated in my chest as I stared down at him. “I love you too, Luca.”

He clung tighter, and I glanced up at Lucia. Tears spilled from her eyes as she smiled.

“Okay, little man,” I said, leaning down and scooping him up in my arms. “We’re gonna go for a little ride on my motorcycle. How does that sound?”

“Mama said I wasn’t allowed on your motorcycle!”

“Just this once, and just for a few minutes. We just need to get away from here, and then I’ll get us a nice, safe four-door sedan with extra airbags. Sound good?”

He nodded.

I climbed on my bike and popped him on my lap. Lucia climbed on behind me, wrapping her arms around us both. When her warm breath ghosted my neck, I struggled to regain my senses and start my bike.

My family. I had them, and nothing would ever separate us again.

I fired up the engine and steered us away, the reds and blues lighting up the darkness behind us as I drove us off to safety.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Lucia

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Knox steered the white sedan he’d rented in Connecticut back into our drive. When I saw the house we’d been calling home, I exhaled a sigh.

It was over. Victor was dead. The threat to Luca and me extinguished for good. This time, when we pulled up the drive, I wasn’t searching for hidden threats. Thanks to Knox, I’d never have to look over my shoulder in fear again.

“We’re here, Luca,” I said into the back seat, waking him with the words.

“We’re home?” He lifted his sleepy head and yawned.

Knox looked over his shoulder and smiled. “We’re home, little man.”