Page 196 of Obsessed by My Ex's Mafia Uncle

“Enzo is dead.” Atelia’s voice cracks brutally. “They got Enzo.”

Something inside Robert’s face congeals instantly.

The hidden door slides open with a hydraulic hiss behind him, revealing darkness beyond it.

“Get in the tunnel,” Robert orders us.

We rush inside immediately, footsteps echoing against damp concrete while the hidden door begins sliding shut behind us.

Robert turns back toward the entrance before the door fully closes.

“If they breached the estate,” Atelia offers quickly, breathing hard, “Then they may know about the tunnel too.”

Robert’s eyes snap toward her.

“They could follow,” she continues. “Someone has to stay behind and cover the exit.”

“No.” Aisha shakes her head immediately.

“I will stay.” Atelia is already lifting the guns slightly. “I’ll do it.”

“No.” Robert clips it this time.

Atelia freezes for half a second, then something indistinct passes through her face before she nods slowly.

“I can handle it,” she mumbles.

“I know.” Robert checks the magazine in his gun. “But I’m staying.”

My stomach flips instantly.

“No.” I start to shake my head… “You can't…”

“I will see you on the other side.” Robert looks at me then and somehow the chaos quiets around that look.

“We have to move fast.” Atelia breaks the quiet.

“You need to get them out,” Robert instructs her calmly. “Take the boat straight to the second house.”

“You trust me with them?” Her voice sounds strange suddenly.

“With my life.” He doesn't hesitate.

“Robert…”

He steps toward, his bloody hand cupping the side of my face carefully like he’s scared even now of hurting me.

“You’re going to be okay.” His eyes lock onto mine with terrifying steadiness. “Do you understand me?”

I shake my head before I can stop myself, fear burning through my chest it hurts to breathe.

“I’ll see you soon.” Robert leans down first, kissing Blue’s forehead. “Protect your mama for me, Princess.”

“Okay, Daddy.” Blue nods shakily despite crying.

“Stay alive.” He kisses me like he’s trying to leave part of himself behind inside my mouth before he lets us go. “Go,” he murmurs against my lips.

And then he steps back.