The car ride was tense.
Elijah sat in the backseat between Dominic and Adrian, his mind spinning from everything that had just happened. Adrian, still shaken, had his arms crossed, glaring at both of them. The car's interior was silent except for the faint hum of the engine and Vincent's voice coming through Dominic's earpiece, giving updates on the situation.
Adrian finally broke the silence. "So... when exactly were you planning to tell me that you've been playing house with a mafia boss?"
Elijah groaned, rubbing his face. "Not the time, Adrian."
"Not the time?!" Adrian snapped. "I just got kidnapped! You're being all weird with this guy, and I have no idea what the hell is going on!"
Dominic's grip on his thigh tightened, an unspoken warning. "Keep your voice down," he muttered, his tone icy.
Adrian turned his glare to Dominic. "Oh, I'm sorry. Am I not supposed to be pissed off after nearly getting my ass killed?!"
Before Dominic could respond, the car slowed to a stop. Elijah glanced outside-it wasn't the mansion. Instead, they had pulled into a private airstrip. The black jet stood waiting, its engines already running.
Elijah frowned. "Why are we here?"
Dominic turned to him, his expression unreadable. "We're leaving."
Elijah blinked. "Leaving where?"
"Italy."
Elijah's breath caught. "Wait, what?"
"You need to be somewhere safe," Dominic said firmly. "Matteo isn't done, and I won't let him get another chance at you."
Elijah shook his head. "You can't just decide that on your own!"
Dominic's gaze darkened. "I can. And I have."
Adrian scoffed. "Wow, controlling much?"
Vincent opened the door, gesturing for them to get out. "Jet's ready, Boss."
Elijah stayed put. "I'm not going anywhere."
Dominic turned to him slowly. "Elijah." His voice was low, dangerous.
Elijah's heart pounded, but he met Dominic's gaze with defiance. "I can't just run every time something happens."
Dominic's patience was wearing thin. "This isn't up for discussion."
Adrian shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, I don't know about you, but I'm not exactly eager to stay here and get shot at again."
Elijah sighed. "Adrian..."
"Look," Adrian exhaled. "You might be used to all this crazy mafia shit, but I'm not. If getting on that jet means I won't end up in a ditch somewhere, I'm getting on the damn jet."
Elijah gritted his teeth. He wanted to fight, wanted to argue-but one look at Dominic's face told him he wouldn't win.
With a frustrated sigh, he stepped out of the car. Dominic followed, his grip firm around Elijah's wrist, as if he was afraid he'd run.
The engines roared as they boarded.
As the jet took off, Elijah glanced out the window, watching as the city lights of Italy faded beneath them.
For better or worse, there was no turning back now.
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