Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 220

ARIELLA

Luca’s voice dropped lower, deliberate, each word heavy as it settled into the room.

“This isn’t about threats anymore. This isn’t about the mistakes we’ve already made. Those mistakes are already done.”

He paused, letting the weight hang between us.

“Right now, this is about survival. For you, for Leon, and yes, even for Asher.”

A knot tightened in my chest as I struggled to grasp what he was really offering.

“I have a way to keep you away from him....a way to make sure you survive and stay with your son.”

I swallowed hard, the fear swirling inside me growing sharper.

“Listen to me, Ariella,” he said, leaning in slightly, his face calm but convincing. “I know how much you want to protect Leon, and I do too. I love the little guy, you know that.”

He paused for a moment, then added, “I’m not going to keep quiet about what I know. You need a plan.... A real one. A way to protect both of you.”

I nodded slowly, still unsure if I could trust him. We stood on opposite sides of a line neither of us could cross back over easily, but the fear of losing Leon outweighed all my doubts.

Luca reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope, sliding it across the table toward me.

"Inside is everything you need to keep Leon safe and to get as far away from here and from Asher as possible." He said, looking me pointedly in the eye.

"There is also startup cash to wherever you will land. With the money you won't have to worry about your well-being for a while."

My hands trembled as I picked up the envelope, the cold paper feeling like a warning of danger and desperation. I looked up into Luca’s eyes, searching for answers.

“Why are you doing this?” I whispered.

He gave me a grim smile.

“As long as it keeps Leon safe, Asher safe, then yes, I will help you. I’m only doing this for Leon. God knows how angry I am at you for trying to take advantage of Asher…and me, in the process. But remember, you have to get away and do everything I say.”

I sank back into my chair, his words echoing in my mind as I tried to make sense of the path ahead.

"But...."

Before I could speak, Luca cut me off.

“No buts, Ariella. You take this money,” he said firmly, “Inside that envelope are new passports for you and Leon. I’ve already made the calls, arranged everything. You just have to get ready. I know how to get you out without Asher ever finding out.”

“Take this envelope, Ariella,” he said coldly. “I’d hate for Asher to do something that would hurt you. Or Leon.... Take it!”

“Why?” I asked, voice trembling but steady. “Why do I have to go away? I don’t get it. And if Asher decides to punish me, as long as he’s with Leon, as long as Leon has his dad, it’s okay with me. I’m not going to stand in the way. I’m not going to be selfish about this.”

“You didn’t see Leon and Asher,” I said, locking eyes with him.

As Luca’s anger burned through, I saw coldness flash in his eyes. But I had to explain.

“You didn’t see them. You didn’t see the way they bonded, the way they looked at each other. I can’t do that to them. Taking Leon away from Asher would hurt him. I can’t take that chance. It could break him.”

“He just met his dad, and suddenly he’d be ripped away. And Asher… he’s just met his son. I know he didn’t say much. He barely talked to me. But I saw their connection. I saw them immediately filled with love at a glance.”

My voice was firm as I said the last words.

“I’m not going to break their hearts. I’m not taking this.” I said, placing the money back on the table,

“I don’t care if you don't want it back. I’m not leaving.” I held my hands steady, making my decision clear. “Asher came back for me. He said he wanted something real; he said he wanted to be with me. Then he found out about Leon. Maybe there’s a way for us to be a family. I’m not taking a chance on that. I’m not taking a chance.”

Luca stared at me, anger flickering in his eyes. Then, unexpectedly, he exploded into laughter. He laughed so hard he sank into the chair opposite me on the sofa, barely able to catch his breath. I didn’t understand what was so funny, and it made me uneasy, but I was firm; I wasn’t going to change my mind.

“So that’s what you’ve decided, huh?” he finally said between chuckles. “I don’t know if it’s madness or if you’re just crazy, but I will not let you lie to him. I’m going to tell Asher the truth. Then I’ll give him all the evidence. After that, he’ll do what the DNA says.”