24
Karina
Dorian and his men drive off as quickly as they arrive.
“What the hell was that?” I shout at Aurielo.
I lift Ashton into my arms, wanting to shield him from danger, but it’s already too late.
He’s physically shaking in my arms. I rub his back and feel his wet face buried in my neck.
Aurielo shoves the gun into the waistband of his pants like it’s just another typical day. Is this what I have to look forward to, married to him?
Ignoring me, he storms inside the house.
I stand outside, Ashton clinging to me.
The house is probably trashed. I could hear the men tearing apart his home, ransacking the place, but I’m unsure what they were after. Does he know?
Why won’t he tell me what’s going on?
“Are you going to answer me?” I shout at the open door.
Aurielo is inside the house, sifting through the destruction brought down by those men.
I step toward the house, climbing the three stairs up the porch. Standing at the entrance to get a better look inside, Ashton is wrapped tight around my waist with his body, his arms snug around my neck.
I’m not stepping foot inside. There’s broken glass on the floor, smashed pictures and furniture that’s been ripped apart by knives, the stuffing spilled out.
“What were they looking for?” I ask, my voice calmer. Not that I feel an ounce of restraint, but I’m trying to understand what the hell just happened.
“I don’t know,” Aurielo says.
I’m not sure whether to believe him or not.
He grabs a few items spilled on the floor and picks them up, shoving them into a torn duffel bag. I’m not sure whether they damaged the bag, or it was old and worn.
I’d offer to help, but I have Ashton in my arms.
“Go wait in the car. I’ll be done in a second,” he says.
I press my lips tight, rolling them together, and concede. If Aurielo wants to be left alone, that’s fine with me.
Heading to the SUV, I buckle Ashton into his booster seat.
“How are you doing?” I ask, the car door open as I give him my undivided attention.
At least he’ll be honest with me. One of the advantages about kids, they don’t sugarcoat shit.
“Who were those men?” Ashton asks.
“I don’t know,” I say. It’s the truth. I could surmise that they’re mafia, but what good does explaining that to him do? I don’t want to scare him further. He’ll probably have nightmares after today.
I’m sure I will.
“Are they coming back?” Ashton asks.
“If they do, we won’t be here,” I say and lean in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. I don’t think they’ll return today, and I’m confident we’re leaving as soon as Aurielo is done gathering whatever mementos he wants from the house.