Filed to story: Bring It On My Mafia Life Novel (Rhea & Lukas)
“Your status doesn’t matter here -“
“It does matter,” He cut her off with a hiss, “Your family made sure to remind me of that,” He laughed wryly, “I’m not good enough for you, princess,”
He called her by that title to mock her, taunt her, Natalie knew it. But she didn’t know how to explain to him that none of those things mattered to her. Natalie could only run her hands through her hair in frustration.
She just doesn’t feel that way for him, no, Natalie was not going to lie, she liked him a little. The past days Natalie had been with him showed her the man beneath the surface and there were some positive traits in Daniel. But then, he was too intense for her.
A relationship doesn’t only require feelings to survive, it needs balance on both sides. It was not going to work with Daniel always making decisions for her. Natalie had dreams and visions too.
“But do not rejoice quickly princess, because this is not the end,” Those were the last words Daniel told her before taking his leave.
That night no one was able to sleep a wink because, for the first time, her parents fought. But that was nothing compared to the days ahead. The tension was thick ahead and no one could move freely, afraid of starting another quarrel.
Her father in question drove away the men Daniel put in their place, claiming his business with the man was finished and right now, they were nothing but spies for the bastard.
Their departure date was moved up, however, they all forgot something, Daniel was not done with them.
A note from Daniel arrived a day before their departure and his intention was as clear as day.
Daniel wanted her else he would ruin their father’s career.
If Natalie thought her parents’ fight was bad, it became worse when that letter to the extent her father even hit her mother.
Her family was falling apart and it was all because of her. Natalie knew that she couldn’t sit around and watch Daniel destroy her family like this.
She planned to run.
That night, when everyone was asleep, Natalie picked the essential things she needed and was about to leave when something or someone stirred and Natalie was shocked to discover that it was Penelope.
She grinned at her, “You think I’m going to let you embark on this adventure all by yourself?”
Natalie was dumbfounded, however, she quickly scowled, “No, you don’t know what you’re doing. This is dangerous, Penelope. Daniel would always search for me and I wouldn’t put you in danger like this.”
However her friend was stubborn and shook her head, “I’ve already made up and you can’t do anything about it. Fuck Daniel. We are going to run to where no one else can find us, just the both of us, two best friends and live happily ever after. So are you game?”
Natalie looked at her hard and just when Penelope thought she was not going to give in, she took her hand,
“Fine, the both of us, forever, “
They made a pact.
We Go Together
With a great heave, Natalie helped her friend climb over the wall and she made it to the outside successfully. It was a good thing that her family member had not discovered her favorite spot, making it easier for her to escape.
“Here, catch my bag,” Natalie noticed her friend, tossing the bag over to Penelope, and from the soft thud, knew that she caught it.
Free from any restriction, Natalie then pushed herself up and scaled the wall. Previous experiences made it easier for her and she landed on her feet steadily.
“Good work,” Penelope gave her a high five with a giggle. After that, She took the bag from her friend and swung it over her shoulder while casting a longing look at the house.
“We’ll be back, I promise,” Penelope placed a hand on her shoulder gently as if knowing what she was thinking, “We would just stay away for a while and after everything calms down and Daniel gives up on you, we’d return to the country and join them.”
That was the plan.
Natalie nodded in agreement, a small smile graced her face and she took Penelope’s hand on her shoulder and squeezed it affectionately.
“We have to find a place to lie low first. A place neither our parents nor Daniel would be able to find us,” She said, feeling the cash in her bag.
Natalie had stolen enough money from her father, well, not exactly stolen, she only took the money without permission. After all, her father’s money was her money too. The point is the money would be enough for them even in five years to come. Both of them were covered.
…..
She had seen the money in her father’s study that day her mother had an altercation with Daniel and monitored it closely afterward, only to steal it later. Natalie knew inwardly that the money must be paid for whatever sick deal Daniel and her father had. So yeah, she didn’t feel any guilt for stealing it.
“Let’s go,” Natalie took Penelope’s hand in hers and turned to leave, only for a car coming in their direction to flash its headlights at them.
Although the light blinded them and they had to use their hands to shield their face, Natalie peered through the gap in between her fingers and she was able to recognize the Mercedes.
Shit.
It was Daniel.
Natalie didn’t need to be told twice, she grabbed Penelope’s hand and shouted, “Run!”
Immediately, they took off in the opposite direction.
Even while they ran with all their might, Natalie couldn’t stop thinking. Daniel must have known that she would attempt to escape and was laying in wait for them. Damn, she fell right into his trap.
But then, something didn’t make sense. Daniel had stayed long enough with them that her father’s guards could recognize his ride right away and would have sent him away knowing he was a dangerous man and shouldn’t linger around them.
Moreover, the fact they were ready for them could only mean the car had been there for a long time. Could it be….?
Natalie swallowed uneasily, shaking her head in disbelief as her eyes teared up. There was no way her father had given her up to save his political career. But that was the obvious truth. That could explain why Daniel was allowed to stay in the shadows, waiting for her. No, it was the perfect plan. One even her mother wouldn’t suspect.
Daniel knew her thoroughly and when she tried to escape, he would grab her. When her family gets the news, they would probably blame her for leaving the house and falling into Daniel’s trap. But by then, they can’t do anything to save her. She now belongs to Daniel.
Natalie’s heart broke into a million pieces. If her father could strike a deal with Daniel to end his enemy to prosper, what more use his daughter for a business negotiation? She was the payment – not even the money she had in her bag.
“Natalie, they’re gaining on us!” Penelope shouted, jerking her from her thoughts.
No, Daniel can’t get her! She would rather die than let that happen. And with that determination, Natalie took to the streets. The path was narrow and rougher and they would have no choice but to abandon their car.
However, there was a little problem.
Daniel came along with three of his men and Natalie had no idea how they were going to outrun a man, not to talk of four of them. But then, she was not a quitter and would see this to the end.
“Run faster!” She urged Penelope who was losing momentum. Damn it, she should have really forced her friend to exercise more.