Chapter 4

Felicita

The men came after us and opened fire, clearly wanting us dead, yet we were the ones still standing. I witnessed a murder, several. I watched as people were killed and they poured with blood. It covered my hands. I'm a witness. I watched Alessandro shoot a man in cold blood. I watched him fight the man who attacked him. Each breath I took felt criminal.

I was scared. I had no idea where or what Alessandro did once I was bustled into the car. And I'd felt too shocked to argue. I'd cried. I didn't wish him to leave me. I thought about what he said in the hotel room and how, if I fell into the wrong hands, I would end up dead. But with him, I would stay alive and live to tell the tale. Only this tale was horrific. Tears streamed down my cheeks. My body felt paralyzed to all I had witnessed.

I buried my head between my knees to protect myself and tried to erase what I saw. My arms wrapped tightly around my legs. My body trembled and ached in places I had no idea existed. And all I could see was Alessandro pointing a gun at that man's head. What the hell was I involved in?

When I next looked up, it was dark outside. I was aware we were going on a plane, but I had no idea where to. I prayed it wasn't to a place where they would finish me off. I didn't have much in life, apart from my parents, who would really miss me. Gloria, maybe?

Crap, where was Gloria?

Did she make it out of the party okay? Did she find her sugar daddy? Maybe she was lapping up the rich life like she dreamed. I shudder, what if she was dead? Another sob escaped me.

The car slowed down and lights came into view. The driver drove onto the landing strip beside some planes that were being loaded and readied for flight. He pulled up alongside a private jet, then he got out to open my door. He gestured for me to climb out the car. "Madam."

My feet dropped down from the seat and I carefully moved to reposition, so I was sat on the edge of the seat. The tight fitted dress didn't leave much room for getting in and out of cars easily but I stood as gracefully as I could.

Javis came over, "If you could get on the plane, Felicita."

I didn't bother to argue, what was the point? Besides, I had nothing left, I was exhausted and all I wanted to do was be left alone to cry. Every step towards the plane, I felt as if my heart was breaking., and I could feel Javis's eyes on me.

Entering the plane to find it sumptuous and posh, but I was too preoccupied to really take it all in. I went to the nearest couch where I curled up in the foetal position to sob. I covered my ears wanting the sound of the guns, fighting and shouting to go away. It felt like I had been in a war…in some ways, I had.

"She's on the couch, boss," I heard a voice.

Not moving. I felt a hand on my upper thigh. "Come here, Sexy."

I uncurled to shift onto Alessandro's lap, straddling him. He wrapped his arms tight around me, offering me comfort.

"We're ready for take-off, Alessandro," said Javis.

"Good, get us away from here."

Alessandro stood with me in his arms and carried me to a leather chair. He placed me gently onto it and reached for the strap, fastening me in like you would a child. He took the seat beside me, fastening his own seatbelt and then lacing our fingers together.

The engine powered up. This was my first time on a plane but I didn't feel any kind of excitement, just anxiety. As it climbed, I squeezed his hand tighter. After a few minutes, a light came on telling us we could unbuckle our belts.

"Stay there, Sexy, I'll be back shortly," he told me, unfastening his and leaving me alone.

I unbuckled my own belt and brought my feet up onto the chair. My hands ran through my hair and I tried once again to stop thinking about the recent events.

"You're fucking kidding me… how the fuck… shit…" I looked up to see Alessandro kicking up, furious, his fists tight, as he thumped and kicked the plane. "How? Find out who, and how this fuck up happened. I swear to God the person had better run for their goddamn life," he seethed. I was unsure of what had upset him and the night had already been crazy, I feared it would not calm down. "Find out who messed with me," he added through gritted teeth.

"I'm on it boss," Javis replied.

Scratching the back of my neck, not liking his tone. Alessandro stared my way but I turned slightly, not wishing him to be aware I overheard him. I was trapped in chains and my heart burned. I wanted out of this nightmare.

"Felicita," his voice penetrated the noise in my head. He sat down beside me and took my hand. I climbed onto him, straddling his lap. When I cuddled into him, I felt safe and secure.

"I know…" he rubbed his hand through my hair, "I never wanted you to see any of what you did." Broken, I cried on his shoulder, the vision was so real and not leaving my mind. "I'm taking you somewhere to be safe," he told me. His hand found my shoulder and stroked it gently. My eyes fell heavy.