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He’s already done so much for me here. I just wish I could trust him to continue to do so when I return. My pulse races as I consider the inevitability of my actions.
We arrive at the hanger and he leads me towards the plane that’ll fly me back. At the boarding stairs, I face Cole, my baby still in my arms. His brown eyes are dull, his expression set.
“You already know what I’m going to do,” I say softly.
“I’ve known you since you were little, Miss Mincetti. Of course I know what you’re going to do.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“I understand. You can’t afford for there to be any loose ends. Not if you want them coming after your baby.”
My hands shake as I reach for the gun in my purse. I’ve killed people before. And sometimes I like to tell myself that it gets easier. But this might be the hardest one of all. Because he doesn’t deserve this. I know he doesn’t deserve this.
“Keep him hidden, Katerina. Make sure he’s not exposed to this world,” Cole says grimly.
I nod once, as tears well up in my eyes. One shot and it’s over. My finger rests on the trigger. There’s a silencer attached to the gun so it doesn’t make too much noise.
“You’re a good man, Cole.”
He offers me a small, sad smile. “There are no good men.”
I finally pull the trigger and the bullet hits him in the chest. He falls to the ground. My hands are shaking so badly but I manage to hold on to my baby and the gun. Cole’s eyes are closed and I feel so sick. I think I might throw up. But I also have to be strong.
I take in a deep breath to steel my nerves. Then I send a text asking someone to take care of the body. My eyes fall shut briefly before I walk up the stairs and enter the plane. It doesn’t take long for the pilot to start and then we’re up in the air. I spend the entire plane ride hating myself and the things that led me to this point.
Cole was right. There are no good men in our world. And I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my baby from everything.
I never would have thought I’d have a baby at 19 years old. I also never thought I’d be a mother that would place my baby in front of a doorstep to be found. And yet I find myself doing it. The first thing I did after arriving in the U.S was to find my way to D.C. To the home of a person I’m sure probably hates me by now.
And if he doesn’t, he’s about to. My baby smiles up at me as I drop his carrier at the foot of the steps leading into the house. My heart swells and drops in the same moment.
“I’m so sorry, baby,” I whisper, trying my best not to cry.
After making sure he’s comfortable, I step back and then I continue taking another few steps, until I can’t see the carrier anymore. Until I’m completely hidden from view. After, I pull my phone out and send him a text.
Hi, Xander.
The house is dark and the shutters are closed but I know he’s home. Probably asleep. I’m proven right when one of the rooms light up. But it takes a couple of minutes for him to reply my text.
What the actual fuck, Katerina? Where the hell are you? How could you disappear for months?
I’m sorry I disappeared. But everything I did, I did because I had no choice. And I need you to understand that what I’m about to do now is also because I don’t have a choice.
What are you talking about? Is this because my family found out who you are? I don’t care that your last name is Mincetti or that your father is some kind of crime boss. I just want to talk to you.
A sob wells up in my throat, but I don’t let it escape.
You can’t talk to me, Xander. I have to stay away from you. It’s what is best.
Like hell it is.
Xander, I need you to go outside.
What?
Go outside.
It takes a minute but suddenly all the lights in the house are coming on. My heart practically climbs in my throat when the door opens. Xander stares at the baby in front of him in shock for a couple of seconds. Then his expression morphs into disbelief. He looks around like someone is playing a practical joke on him or something.
