The Don’s Soulmate

50. Sofia

Chapter 50

Sofia

I pull down my top to reveal my cleavage and let down my blonde hair, flipping it over my shoulder before striding up to the motel's front desk. My high heels click on the linoleum floor. The night manager looks up and his gaze lingers. "Can I help you?" he asks, eyeing me with interest.

"Hi," I say sweetly, my voice dripping with honey. "I need a room, but there's a small problem." I lean in closer, giving him a glimpse of my cleavage. "I lost my ID earlier today. Is there any way we can work around that?"

"Uh, well…" He fumbles with his words, clearly flustered by my advances. "I'm not really supposed to.”

“Oh, but my violent ex trashed all my things,” I cry out loud. “ He got jealous, saying I was eyeing other men. But can you blame me? He was nothing like old handsome you. Please, sir. There must be something you can do!”

“Oh well,” he looks flustered, coughing a little. “I might be able to make an exception for you."

"Thank you!" I exclaim, placing a hand on his arm. "You're really saving me here. You have no idea how much I appreciate it."

He grins like a schoolboy who's just been offered his first kiss. "No problem at all. Just give me a name for the reservation."

"Maria Adams," I lie smoothly. He doesn't question it as he types the fake name into the computer.

"Before you finish," I say, feigning shyness, "there's something else I should mention." I look around nervously, making sure nobody else is within earshot. "I'm running from that ex of mine. He had a way with his fists, and I'm worried he might find me. Is there a back entrance I could use to get in and out? Just in case he comes looking for me up front."

"Of course," he says, his face filled with concern. He's utterly charmed, and I almost feel guilty for manipulating him so easily. Almost. "There is a back entrance – I'll show you the way."

"Thank you," I murmur and follow him out of the office. As we walk, he points out the hidden path that leads to the back door, away from prying eyes. "You're a lifesaver," I tell him sincerely, taking the key he hands me.

"Anything for you, Maria," he replies, his gaze taking me in one last time before he turns and heads back to the office. Little does he know, he's not just saving me.

I rush back to the car where the others are waiting. Their faces are etched with worry, which turns into relief when they see me holding the key.

"Alright," I say, my voice calm but determined. "We got a room. There's a back entrance we can use to avoid being seen. Use it if you must leave the premises. Let's go."

"Thank God," Carlotta breathes, placing her hand on her pregnant belly. Ettore nods, his blue eyes filled with gratitude as he reaches for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Together, we make our way to the back entrance of the motel, moving cautiously and staying close to the shadows. I can feel the tension radiating from Ettore, his every muscle coiled like a spring, ready to protect us at the slightest hint of danger. I find myself strangely comforted by his presence, knowing that I don’t have to fear for my best friend when he’s looking over her.

"Stay low and move quickly," I whisper as we approach the door, pulling out the key and inserting it into the lock. The door clicks open, revealing a dimly lit hallway. I glance around before motioning them inside.

"Good job, Sofia," Ettore murmurs as he follows closely behind me. "You always know how to get us out of tight spots."

"Hey, what are friends for?" I reply with a small smile, trying to ease the tension in the air. But deep down, I can't help but think about the life they're leaving behind – the danger, the uncertainty, and the hope for something better. The truth is, I want them to be happy. I’ve never really believed in true love, but watching them is turning me into a convert. It’s rare what they share, something to be treasured and cherished.

We make our way into the room, and the scent of stale cigarette smoke lingers in the air, but it's a small price to pay for safety.

"Thank you, Sofia." Carlotta's voice is soft, and she looks at me with tears in her eyes. "You've been such an amazing friend through all of this. We’ve literally derailed your life."

“What? Don’t let the pregnancy hormones make you go all sentimental on me now,” I joke, trying to ease the emotions before I choke up.

From behind, Ettore sniggers. "We owe you more than we can ever repay," he says, his voice low and rough as he takes Carlotta’s hand. "But we'll find a way to make it right, I promise."

As I watch their faces, I can see the love they share. Everything they do is us— the two of them against the world. It's beautiful and terrifying in equal measure.

"Once the baby is born," Carlotta begins, her hand absently caressing her swollen belly, "we're going to leave all this behind. Start anew somewhere far away from here, where no one knows who we are or what we've done."

"Sounds like a plan," I say, trying to smile despite the worry gnawing at my insides. "Where do you think you'll go?"

"The Bahamas," Ettore replies without hesitation, his gaze never leaving Carlotta's face. "It's where my mother left me a home, one that's been kept secret for generations. It's secluded, safe... perfect for raising a child."

"But first," he continues, his expression darkening, "I need to find buyers for the stolen art. The cash will allow us to rent a plane and escape without leaving a trace."

I nod, understanding the gravity of his words. “I can begin looking for buyers,” I tell him.

“That would be quite something.”

What I don’t say is that I know how much those pieces mean to Carlotta. When the time is right, I will gift her the ones I buy.