Mafia Heir’s Broken Vows (Rosewood Hall Broken Vows)

19. Serafina

SERAFINA

T he rain is like a curtain against the car windows, it's icy and cold. The sound of it fills the cramped space, blending with the rhythmic thrum of the windshield wipers. I pull Leo closer to me and wrap my arm around him. He sleeps soundly, the movement of the car like a lullaby. His sweet innocence is a sharp contrast to the reality of what is happening. There's a deep sense of dread building inside me.

Our driver, a man Alessandro trusts, grips the steering wheel calmly navigating the wet roads. He hasn't spoken since we left the estate, his face a stone mask as the headlights cut through the downpour.

Something is wrong. I can feel it in my bones. An unease builds with every passing mile. I glance back through the fogged rear window and catch a flicker of headlights trailing us—too close. Too steady. This is not a busy road or highway, there shouldn't be traffic at this hour of the night.

"How much longer?" My voice barely carries over the sound of the rain.

No answer.

I lean forward, my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I tap his shoulder and ask again. "I asked you a question."

Still nothing. He doesn't even acknowledge me.

Panic starts spreading in my chest. "Stop the car," I demand, my voice rising.

Nothing.

I reach for the door handle, but the car surges forward, accelerating.

"Stop the damn car!" I scream, gripping Leo tightly with one arm, and searching for my phone with the other.

Then I see them—headlights flaring behind us, another vehicle appearing from the shadows. A black SUV veers into view, speeding up to flank us.

The driver smirks.

My blood runs cold.

The SUV swerves sharply, cutting us off. Our car comes to a controlled stop, tires screeching in the wet. Before I can react, the road explodes into chaos.

Doors fly open, and men pour out, dark, masked silhouettes against the rain. Their faces are covered, weapons pointed at us.

The driver doesn't fight. He kills the engine and steps out casually—like this was the plan all along. He leaves the keys in the ignition, raises his hands, and walks away without even looking back. The betrayal is clear now—Alessandro trusted the wrong man, and it's cost us dearly.

"No," I breathe, clutching Leo tighter, shielding him with my body. My heart pounds as panic takes over.

The rear door is flung open, letting the icy rain pour in on us. Cold, gloved fingers clamp around my arm.

"Marco wants to see you," a rough voice growls.

"Please, don't!" I thrash, my screams lost in the roar of the rain. I claw and kick, but they are too strong, too many. "I'm leaving, exactly like he told me to. I am going away!"

Leo wakes, his terrified cries cutting through the noise, and my heart shatters into pieces.

"Don't hurt him!" I sob, struggling wildly.

But they don't care. This isn't about me. This is about Alessandro.

They drag us into the SUV, slamming the door shut behind us. The world outside blurs into a wash of rain and darkness as the car speeds off into the night.

The ride is endless. They're going too fast in the bad weather; the swerving feels dangerous, like a bad dream that won't end. Leo is curled against me, trembling, his sobs now soft hiccups as exhaustion takes him. Even in his almost sleep, his little lip quivers.

The car finally slows down and then stops. The doors unlock with a mechanical click.

A silhouette stands in the open doorway, framed by light.

Marco Romano.

His tailored suit is untouched by the elements; he's relaxed, and confident, like he owns the world itself. He's not afraid of the consequences—he's reveling in them. His smug grin and cocky attitude send rage flaring through me.

"Welcome, Serafina," he drawls, his voice oily and smooth. "You made quite the effort to leave. Admirable, but futile."

I glare at him, my grip on Leo tightening. "What do you want? I was leaving—like you fucking told me to."

He laughs softly, shaking his head. "Isn't it obvious? Alessandro will come for you. That's who he is. And when he does—" He tilts his head with a cruel smile. "I'll be ready."

"You won't win," I hiss, my voice trembling with defiance. "He sent me away and he kicked us out. It's over, Marco. He's marrying Isabella. He won't come for me."

Marco steps closer, eyes glinting with malice. "But I've already won. He thought sending you away would keep you safe. Now, he'll have to decide—watch you die or die trying to save you."

He reaches out as if to touch Leo, and I jerk back.

"Stay away from him!"

Marco chuckles darkly. "Don't worry. I wouldn't harm the kid. But Alessandro doesn't know that." He smirks. "Fear is a powerful weapon, Serafina. One that I wield better than anyone else."

A monster with morals, what a fucking joke.

He turns away, signaling his men. "Take them inside. Let's make sure our guests are—comfortable."

They drag us up the marble steps of Marco's sprawling estate, its grandeur unsettling in the storm. The mansion stands ahead, its towering stone facade immaculate, the polished brass fixtures gleaming despite the rain. Tall windows are framed with heavy velvet drapes, concealing what lies beyond. Ornate columns line the grand entrance, and the carved wooden doors swing open with an ominous creak. Inside, the air carries the scent of expensive cologne and aged mahogany. Crystal chandeliers dangle from vaulted ceilings, illuminating Persian rugs and marble floors. Display cases filled with antique weapons line the walls—gleaming daggers, ornate pistols, and swords from forgotten wars—each piece meticulously maintained, a silent warning to anyone who might challenge Marco's authority.

The elegance fades as we're led deeper into the house. The walls grow darker, the air cooler. The marble gives way to cold, bare stone, and all signs of life vanish. At the end of the hall is a narrow staircase, leading down into the basement of the mansion. Fear claws at me with every step we take downward. Each step feels heavier, my pulse quickening as panic creeps in. The silence wraps around me, closing in on me, relentless and overwhelming. My grip on Leo's hand tightens, steadying me as panic threatens to rise. I force myself to stay calm, to stay strong for him. I can't let him see how terrified I am. The warmth and wealth of the upper floors feel like a distant memory. This is where the mansion shows its true colors.

I kneel beside Leo, placing a steady hand on his shoulder. My voice is firm but gentle. "Leo, listen to me. We're going to be okay. I need you to stay close to me, alright?"

His wide eyes shimmer with fear. "Mommy, I want to go home."

I swallow the lump in my throat. "I know, baby. I do too. But we have to be brave right now, okay? Remember how you're my little lion?"

Leo sniffs, rubbing his nose with his sleeve. "Lions aren't scared."

I nod, managing a faint smile. "That's right. And we're going to stay strong. Alessandro will come. He's going to find us. I promise."

They shove me forward, and I fall hard onto the cold floor, instinctively shielding Leo with my body. I can't show fear. I have to be his strength.

"Please, he's just a child—" I gasp, but a rough kick to my ribs knocks the breath from my lungs. Pain splinters through my side, and I curl around Leo protectively.

Leo cries out, clinging to my shirt. "Mommy!" I'm winded and can't catch my breath.

One man crouches down, his masked face inches from mine. "Stay down. Or next time, it won't be your ribs."

Another man grips my chin, forcing my face upward. His knuckles crash against my cheekbone, and pain shoots through my face. The metallic taste of blood fills my mouth.

Leo screams louder, tugging at my sleeve. "Let my mommy go!"

Through the haze of pain, I grab Leo's hand, squeezing it. "It's okay, baby. I'm okay."

The men snicker before stepping back.

"Lock them in. No food. No light," one of them orders.

The heavy door slams shut, leaving us in complete darkness. Leo sobs louder now, his small body shaking.

I cradle him, rocking slightly. "Shh, Leo. I need you to be quiet, okay? We don't want them to come back. You have to stop crying for me."

His sobs quiet to small hiccups. "But it hurts, Mommy. You're bleeding."

I brush his hair back, ignoring the pain radiating from my face and ribs. "I'm okay. It's just a little bump. I'm tougher than I look. And you? You're the bravest boy I know. We're going to get through this."

Leo presses his face into my side, his grip tightening. "Is Alessandro really coming?"

I close my eyes briefly, swallowing back my fear. "Yes. He's coming. And he's going to be so mad at the bad guys. They won't know what hit them."

Every breath stings and my body feels battered and broken, but none of it matters. Not when my son is scared and looking to me for strength.

I hold him tighter, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

"I've got you, Leo. And Alessandro will come. I promise."