Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
ISABELLE
T he day started like any other.
Sarah and I decided to spend the afternoon shopping in one of the bustling districts of Palermo in an attempt to distract ourselves from our constant routine. The streets were lively, filled with the sounds of chatter, vendors calling out their wares, and the distant hum of traffic.
As we walked through the bustling streets, Sarah turned to me and said, "I'm so glad we're doing this, Isabelle. We needed a break from all the drama." I couldn’t agree more, Lord knew that I needed a break.
"I know, right?" I replied, smiling. "I feel like we've been cooped up in that estate for too long. It's nice to get out and feel the sun on our faces."
As we left a particularly charming boutique, the sun cast a warm glow over the cobblestone streets, and I was momentarily distracted by a display in the shop window.
"Isabelle, look out!" Sarah suddenly screamed, but it was too late. Masked men jumped out of a car, their movements swift and aggressive. I was grabbed roughly, my arm twisted painfully as I was pulled towards the car.
"Let her go!" Sarah shouted, trying to intervene, but one of the men shoved her aside with brutal force.
"Sarah, run!" I screamed, but she didn't move. She stood frozen in terror, her eyes fixed on me.
My mind raced, fear gripping me as I struggled against my captors. My screams pierced the air, but it was like no one could hear me. The passers-by knew better than to intrude on Mafia business.
The situation was dire, and my attempts to fight back were futile against the strength of my attackers.
Then, Vincenzo's bodyguards, who had been following discreetly, sprang into action. Everything was happening so fast, I felt like I was in a movie.
"Get down!" one of them yelled, as gunshots rang out, echoing through the narrow streets. Time seemed to slow as I stared down the barrel of a gun, my heart pounding in my chest. Sarah finally snapped out of her trance and grabbed my arm, pulling me towards her. "Isabelle, come on!" she shouted, but I was stuck, unable to move. Just as I thought my life was about to end, I heard a familiar voice shouting my name.
It was Vincenzo, his face a mask of fear and fury. Without hesitation, he drew his own weapon and, in a moment of sheer desperation, shot the attacker to protect me.
The sound of the gunshot was deafening, and I watched in horror as the attacker crumpled to the ground. The scene around me was one of chaos and destruction, with wounded men and shattered storefronts.
As the last of Don Antonio's men fled, leaving a trail of devastation, Vincenzo rushed to my side. He pulled me into his arms, his breath ragged, but I recoiled slightly, the image of his brutal act seared into my mind.
"Isabelle, are you okay?" Sarah asked, her voice shaking as she hugged me tightly.
"I... I think so," I stammered, still trying to process what had just happened.
"Oh my God, that was so close," Sarah said, tears streaming down her face. "I was so scared."
I hugged her back, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, Sarah. We’re safe now."
Vincenzo's expression was grim. "Don Antonio's men were trying to kidnap you."
I felt a chill run down my spine. I was in grave danger, and Vincenzo was the only one who could protect me.
"We need to get out of here," Vincenzo said, his voice firm. "Now."
I nodded, still trying to process everything. Sarah took my hand, and we followed Vincenzo's bodyguards as they led us away.
As we walked, Sarah kept glancing back at me, her eyes filled with concern. "Isabelle, are you sure you're okay?"
I nodded, trying to reassure her. "I'm fine, Sarah. Really."
But deep down, I knew I was lying to her and to myself. I wasn't fine. I was shaken. I was a target, and I needed Vincenzo's protection to stay alive. I was in shock, trembling uncontrollably as Vincenzo held me tightly. I could feel the rapid beating of his heart against my own, and his voice had been thick with emotion.
My mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions - relief that I was alive, horror at the violence I had witnessed. I knew that Vincenzo's actions had saved my life, but the cost of that safety weighed heavily on me. I was not sure I could handle the side of Vincenzo that I had seen today - the ruthless protector.