Chapter 45
The next morning, van decides to take us back to the mansion, even though we still have one night to spend at the hotel. I agree with this decision. It doesn’t feel sade to stay here after that package
İvans was sa revolted by it that he humt it inside the bath tube. He also held me tight all night and promised to keep me safe over and over again. Of course, I believe that he will do his best but someone out there is trying to have me killed. It’s so scary when I think about it.
I think there is no safer place for me right now other than the Whitlockmansion. At least there, we have an army of guards with trained dogs and weapons
“I bet it’s Martha,” I share my suspicions when we finally pass the gates of the family home. “I can’t imagine who else would benefit from this.
“Oh. 1 have a few persons in mind, Actully.” Ivan says,
“Yeah…….I actually think that threat was from Manuelo Gonzalez.He’s still bitter that I killed his father.”
| Dhyes Talmost forget about that. Indeed, Manuelo seems like he’d have a really good motive to threaten me.
“You were not joking when you said you have enemies. Inuumble
“I was very sniegs.”
Hector comes to take the car away, Ivan and 1 walk down the aisle to the mansion where we find Valentine and Nico in the living mom. The latter runs to give me a hug and I take him in my am
__“I missed you, Lina.
“I missed you more, little man.
Herests his head on my shoulder. Milo’s love manages to distract me slightly from all the thoughts rushing through my head. Valentino asks how was our trip and Ivan tells him about the package and the threat against me.
“We need to hire mare guard “Valentino offers.
“I don’t think anyone will be toolsch enough to come mess with us inside our own home.”
“Just in case, Tvan…We can’t risk putting Catalina in danger.”
Ivan Frowns in thoughts but is quickly convinced by Valentino’s request.
Hector to bring in more guards.”
He goes and leaves me alone with Valentino and Nico.
“I’m sorry for causing so much trouble.“I say sadly. “This is all my fault, I shouldn’t have pressured van into revealing our relationship,”
“Don’t blame yourself, Catalina Valentine says. “We should apologize to you for putting you in danger. These are our enemies, not yours,”
I try to smile but it doesn’t reach my eyes. I wonder until when we will have to live like this. I don’t want to be hiding in fear forever.
sies ever going to stop bothering us?”
Valentine runs a band through his hair:
||
calina. Almost all camel leaders and families have to deal with this fear forever.”
“Gartel? [ that what you are?”
⠀⠀ *___vap didn’t tell you?
me
No. No far doesn’t tell me anything. How am I supposed to keep myself safe if these major information are kept away from me? Please. Will you just tell m Leverything there is to know, Valentino?”
He hesitates, certainly not wanting to go against his better. Valentino gets closer and whispers
Pyes, we are an unofficial cartel, Catalina 1 puris Ivan didn’t want to tell you this tor tear that you will freak out. The Whitlocks have been leading a drug ring for
hat berntransfereed from generation to generation.Curtaiber also added human trafficking to the list of ourcrimes.”
İvarcistaking part in la wastrafficking.
umellingly yes, bad he’s been trying to get our familyout ut it. It’s not easy, you
bristand? None of us enjoy this life but we’re too tied up to leave.”
Valentino’s words send shavers down my spine et co down and he returns to watching cartoons on the TV. Texpected drug dealing but not human trafficking. I would have servey thought that I’d our day be dating a cmuinal like this.
Dan walls im again and sees the lentilied exquensionon my face.
“I told her about thecartel.” Valentino esplains.
Ivan is clearly upert.
“I wanted to know.” I say, “Don’t blame him. If we’re going to be a family, we need to share every secret_Even the worst ones
“You still wants to be withi
“yes. I can’t help but love you, Ivan. But this can’t continue. I refuse to be a part of this in any way…You must find a way to destroy this cartel. If we ever have kids, 1 don’t want them to grow up and have to join whatever criminal organization this is.”
“Of course.”
Ivan closes the distance between us and holds my face:
“I’ll end it all for you, Catalina.” He says. “But it will take time. You promise to be patient for me?”
I nod with a little smile. Ivan losses my forehead lovingly. At the same time, the entrance door open and Hector shows up:
We all turn to look at him
“You have visitors.”
The grave look on his face doesn’t indicate anything good. Ivan asks me to go upstairs and to take Nico with him. I obey without an ounce of hesitation.
