Chapter 42

Archer's face turned red with anger as he glared at Mila, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. He couldn't believe the reckless actions she had just taken, and he was struggling to contain his emotions.

"You're out of your fuckin' mind!" Archer yelled, his voice laced with anger and concern. He couldn't take his eyes off the gun still clutched in Mila's trembling hands. "Put that down, will you? I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. If you had let me explain-"

Mila's eyes flashed with anger as she cut him off, her voice just as intense.

"Explain what?" she shouted, her grip on the gun tightening. "Explain how you fed me all those lies last night only to leave me this morning?"

Archer's jaw clenched his frustration mounting. He desperately wanted to reach through to Mila, to make her understand. "I wasn't going to leave you!"

"I don't believe you!" Mila's voice cracked with doubt as she fired back, her eyes welling up with tears. Her emotions were a tumultuous storm.

Archer's chest heaved with frustration, his voice carrying a mix of anger and disbelief.

"Mila," he began, drawing in a slow, deep breath in an effort to maintain his composure, "You, you stupid idiot. I asked you to marry me this morning. Why would I do that if I was going to leave you?"

Mila's response was a furious outburst, her words like a torrent of emotion. "I don't know! You're all messed up! And it's driving me insane! How could you even listen to them?"

The tension in the car was crackled, and Archer's temples throbbed with the intensity of his emotions.

"I didn't!" he retorted, his voice edged with exasperation. "Listen to the words that are coming out of my mouth! I am not leaving you. Ever. You are my life. I love you, and you're driving me insane."

Mila fell silent, her shoulders sagging as she slumped back in her seat. Her brows were knitted together in a deep V-shape, a silent testament to her inner turmoil.

With a calmer tone, Archer leaned closer, concern etched into his features. "Can you give me the gun now?" he implored.

Mila's refusal was resolute as she shook her head. "No."

Archer pressed for a reason, his voice tinged with desperation. "Why not?"

Mila's retort was sassy, a spark of defiance in her eyes. "I might need it."

Archer's eyes widened in alarm. "For what purpose?"

A wicked grin curled on Mila's lips as she shot back, "To shoot you in the head if you don't listen to me."

Archer couldn't help but snort in response to Mila's defiance. "You don't even know how to use it," he quipped. "What are you going to do if I tackle you right now?"

"Try it and see," Mila muttered, her gaze fixated on the passing scenery outside the car window. Anxiety had clouded her eyes, and she began to chew on her bottom lip, lost in her own thoughts.

Archer remained silent, his attention on the road, his destination a blur of uncertainty. He drove until he could go no more without running into Giovanni's men. Pulling over to the side of the road, he began to question Mila, his voice laced with impatience.

"What's your grand plan, captain?" Archer asked. "Where do we go? Where will your dad not find us?"

Mila muttered, "I don't know."

Archer let out a humorless chuckle. "Fantastic. We're going to die. Giovanni's going to think I put you up to this, and he's going to shoot me."

Glaring at him, Mila snapped, "I don't have a plan. I didn't think I would need a plan. If this is bothering you so much, just take me back."

Archer's jaw tensed as his irritation reached its peak. He narrowed his eyes, and he turned to face towards her. Mila taunted him, her words cutting like a knife.

"Take me back and let them drag me to New York," she said. "You'll never see me again. Is that what you want?"

Archer closed his eyes and leaned his head back with a heavy sigh, frustration mixing with genuine concern.

"Of course not," he admitted softly. "I can't live without you."

"So start acting like it!" Mila challenged him. "Come up with a plan. Get us out of here."

Archer shook his head, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "First your dad bossed me around, and now you," he muttered. "When does it end?"

"When we get out of here," Mila promised, "I swear I won't boss you around."

Archer couldn't help but offer a skeptical response. "And how are we going to do that? You do realize it's next to impossible to get out of this town if Giovanni doesn't want you to leave, right? You only got lucky because you caught him off guard with your stunt. I'm sure every road, every back road, every dock, and every ferry point in this godforsaken place is blocked by Giovanni's men by now."

Mila lifted the gun, her grip resolute. "But I have this."

Archer rolled his eyes, his frustration mounting. "What's that going to do when you're facing thirty of your father's men at once? He didn't become the man he is today by letting little girls blackmail him."

"So, what do you suggest we do? Have any better ideas?"

"I'm thinking, aren't I?" Archer retorted.

Mila pointed out his apparent indecision. "You're yapping. Nonsense soup."

Archer couldn't contain his frustration any longer, and Mila's urgency made him yell back, "Let me think!"

Angered and frustrated, Mila retreated back into her seat, crossing her arms tightly over her body. She resumed chewing on her lips as Archer stared intently at the empty road ahead, tapping his finger on the steering wheel in deep contemplation. His eyes were filled with calculation, and Mila could practically see the gears turning in his mind. After several minutes of tense silence, Archer suddenly started the car back up.

"Okay, I've got it," he announced, his voice tinged with a spark of excitement. "I know how we're going to get out."

Mila's curiosity was piqued. "How?"

Archer completed a U-turn in the middle of the road and pulled out his phone.

"Just do as I say," he instructed. "I'm going to call L-"

"Wait," Mila suddenly spoke up, her voice trembling.

Her anxiety hung in the air like an invisible shroud, her heart racing as she wrestled with the need to confess her secret to Archer. She couldn't bear the thought of keeping him in the dark any longer, especially with their escape plan looming on the horizon.

Archer, growing impatient, sighed and asked, "Now what?"

Mila hesitated for a moment, her words caught in her throat. "I need to tell you something."

Archer's impatience showed as he demanded, "What is it?"

"Pull over," Mila urged urgently, her eyes wide with worry. "I know we don't have time. But it's important, Archer. You need to know this before we leave Del Mare."

With an exasperated roll of his eyes, Archer reluctantly complied, steering the car to the side of the road and putting it in park. He turned his attention to Mila, who was visibly nervous.

Mila swallowed the lump in her throat and finally found the words. "I have to tell you something."

Archer's frustration mounted as he responded, "You already said that."

Mila continued, her voice quivering with anxiety. "It's about me. I need you to understand what you're getting into..."

"We don't have all day, Dalai Lama," Archer groaned. "Get to the point."

Mila held her breath, her voice quiet and fearful. "I have a medical condition."

"Okay, and?" Archer raised his brow.

Mila hesitated once more, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's... it's serious. My eyes..."

"Retinitis Pigmentosa?" Archer spoke. "Yes. I know."

"...How...." Mila was taken aback, her eyes widening with astonishment. She blinked in surprise, her shock evident. "How did you....."

Archer's voice turned tender as he spoke, his fingers gently intertwining with Mila's.

"Anjali told me," he confessed. "When we brought you home from the hospital, I saw her sitting by herself. I went over to speak to her, and she told me about it."

Mila listened in quiet apprehension, her heart pounding in her chest.

"She told me I couldn't take care of you," Archer admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "She convinced me, actually."

Mila's insides turned to ice as dread crept over her. "What..."

Archer continued, his gaze locked onto Mila's hand. "She's protective of you and wants someone who will take care of you. They both believe I'm not that person. They think I'm not responsible enough."

"Do you believe that?"

Archer let out a heavy sigh, his grip on her hand tightening as if he couldn't bear to let her go. "I did... I believed them."

Tears welled up in Mila's eyes, reflecting her fears and her love for him. Her chest began to ache and suddenly she wanted to scream.

"But then I saw you last night," Archer continued, his words filled with heartfelt sincerity, "and it was as if I had all my answers. If I can't stand beside you and hold your hand, then what good is this life?"

Mila's emotions overwhelmed her, and a tear trickled down her cheek. Her face grew hotter as she sat still staring at the man before her.

"The way you take care of me..." Archer went on, his voice filled with determination and love. "Damn me to hell if I can't be everything you need me to be."

The pressure inside Mila's chest threatened to break her in half. She couldn't stop the tears as she reached up and wiped her eyes.

"Nothing has changed," Archer said. "I love you more than ever. And nothing's going to keep us apart."

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Mila asked, her voice cracking.

"Should have asked me that before you kidnapped me, woman!" Archer laughed, trying to ease the tension in the car, and see Mila smile.

"There's no cure for this disease," Mila said, making sure Archer knew everything. "I can lose my vision any day."

"Would you leave me or stop loving me if I ever lost a part of myself?" Archer asked.

"No," Mila shook her head.

"You are a part of me," Archer reached out and touched the edge of her face. He pulled her closer until their heads were touching. "I'll follow you wherever you go."

"You're not mad at me for not telling you this sooner..."

"No," Archer shook his head. "It has nothing to do with my feelings for you. I fell in love with you. Knowing or not knowing about your eyes would have never made a difference to me."

Mila's chest swelled. She feared it would burst open and she would never be safe again. She realized that there was no turning back; her love for Archer had become all-consuming. Nothing else mattered to her; life without him was inconceivable.

"I love you..." was all Mila could say. The words felt inadequate to convey the depth of her emotions. She was unable to think of any other way to describe the magnitude of her love for him.

Archer's smile widened, "If I could rip my heart out and put you inside of it so you could have a glimpse of how much you mean to me, I would do it in a heartbeat."

Laughing through her tears, Mila reached over and wrapped her arms around Archer. She buried her face in the crook of his neck as he pulled her over the console and placed her on his lap.

"Did you really think I would love you any less after knowing about your condition?" he asked, whispering into her hair as he held her.

"Did you really think you wouldn't be responsible enough to live with me?" Mila sassed back. "How could you think that?"

"How could you think that?" Archer chuckled.

Pulling back, Mila wiped her eyes. The tip of her nose was bright red and the apples of her cheeks shimmered with tear stains. The few strands of hair stuck to the edge of her face caught Archer's attention and he quickly pushed them back with gentle hands.

"What now?" Mila asked. "You said you knew a way to get out of here."

"I do," Archer sighed heavily. "But Mila....I'm asking you again to really think about this."

"I have."

"No, you haven't!" Archer said. His frustration was clearly visible.

"We can't go back if that's what you're suggesting," Mila shook her head. "They'll brainwash you again."

"They didn't brainwash me," Archer rolled his eyes.

"We're not going back," Mila said sternly. "Not this easily."

"You don't know Giovanni."

"I'm not going back, Archer," Mila said. "And neither are you."

"He will hunt you down," Archer said. "Like a fuckin' bloodhound."

"And you want to go back to that?" Mila asked in disbelief.

"No, I don't," Archer shook his head. "I just.....maybe if we talk to them and make them understand-"

"I'm way past that," Mila huffed.

"Think about Geet," Archer pleaded. "Would she want you to do this?"

"Stop talking!" Mila complained. "I don't want to think about all this."

"You have to!" Archer said. "I don't care who I'm leaving behind but you have people who love you and care about you."

"Archer, please," Mila groaned. "Yes, they love me but their love is going to keep us apart. And I chose you. Over everyone and anyone."

The conviction in Mila's eyes was hard to fight. Archer stared at her, his mind and heart battling itself. He never wanted to take her away from all the love she grew up with. But there was truth to Mila's words. He knew the risks they would face if they returned.

"Please..." Mila whispered, her eyes wide with cheeks flushed. "Let's go from here."

Slowly, Archer nodded his head, "Okay...just let me make a call."

"Who are you going to call?" Mila asked with worry.

"Luca," Archer replied.

____________________

Luca, sitting behind the wheel, played with Daisy's fingers as his wrist rested on the steering wheel. His dark, tousled hair caught the sunlight, creating an almost ethereal halo around him. The sunlight accentuated his strong jawline and the twinkle in his eyes. His casual yet refined attire added to his charm, making him appear effortlessly elegant.

Beside him, Daisy leaned back in her seat, feeling utterly content and at peace. A soft sigh escaped her lips, a sigh of pure bliss. Her eyes were fixed on Luca, and a small, knowing smile played at the corners of her lips. She admired him not just for his striking looks but for the depth of his character and the love they shared.

Luca, catching her gaze, turned to look at her. The sun's rays danced on his features, and he met her admiring eyes with a smile of his own. It was a smile filled with love and affection, a silent acknowledgment of the life they were creating together. In that moment, their hearts were entwined, and the world around them faded into insignificance.

"You really didn't have to come, baby," he said, taking her hand and placing a light kiss upon it.

"I want to," Daisy said.

"How are you feeling?"

"The same as ten minutes ago," Daisy rolled her eyes. "You have got to stop asking."

"You didn't sleep much last night," Luca reminded her, his eyes shifting between her and the road.

"I wonder why," Daisy laughed.

"In my defense," Luca spoke up. "You knew exactly what you were doing pushing your hips against me like that."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Daisy said. "I was trying to focus on the movie."

"We can finish it tonight."

"The movie or....."

Luca tried to keep the grin under control as he rolled his eyes, "The movie."

"Damn," Daisy laughed. "I like it when you toss me ar-"

"Shhh," Luca's face suddenly grew serious.

The car came to a slow stop as Jeremiah flagged them down in the middle of the road. The two large SUVs blocking the path were heavily guarded as the tall man approached the driver's side window.

"Hey," Luca gave a nod as the window lowered. "What's going on?"

"We're looking for Mila and Archer," Jeremiah sighed. "Little Miss ran off with lover boy."

"You're kidding me!" Daisy gasped. "What on earth?"

Jeremiah nodded, "No one's leaving Del Mare. Giovanni's orders."

"No, no," Daisy laughed. "I have a doctor's appointment. We're leaving."

Jeremiah looked towards Luca, hoping he would speak up and step in. He knew Daisy wasn't from Del Mare. But Luca was and Luca knew the rules and laws.

"She's right," Luca said instead, surprising Jeremiah. "We have an ultrasound for the baby today."

"I'm sorry guys," Jeremiah apologized. "But I can't let-"

"This is ridiculous!" Daisy clicked her tongue. "You're going to stop a pregnant woman from getting essential health care because two teenagers ran away from mommy and daddy? Are you fuckin' kidding me!"

"They're not teenagers...." Jeremiah said with caution.

"Whatever!" Daisy snapped back. "Move your cars. I have an appointment for my baby."

"Mrs. Silvano, I really can't-"

"And this is why!" Daisy looked at Luca, throwing her hands down on her lap dramatically. "This is why I wanted to have the baby in New York. I don't want to deal with this bullshit. Take care of this mess and get me the hell out of this backward hillbilly uncivilized hellhole!"

"Daisy, please-" Luca tried.

"No, you listen to me, Silvano," Daisy unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door. "I will walk to the hospital if I have to."

"Mrs. Silvano," Jeremiah straightened up just as Luca jumped out of the car. They both stared at Daisy as she stood with her hands on her hips and her swollen belly before her.

"Jeremiah," Luca rubbed his forehead. "Let me speak to Giovanni. I know that stubborn look on her face. She's serious about walking."

"She's in heels," Jeremiah noticed. "The hospital is four miles away. She can't be serious."

"She's the bane of my existence," Luca muttered, pulling out his phone and dialing Giovanni. "Get back in the car, drama queen. I'll sort this out."

For a few seconds, Jeremiah feared Daisy wouldn't budge. She seemed to grow roots in the spot where she stood, glaring at her husband as he held up the phone to his ear.

"Get back in the car, Daisy," Luca's tone was coated with seriousness. "I mean it."

"Or what?" Daisy challenged.

"What were you saying about being tossed around?" Luca asked. "You really want to do this right now? In front of everyone?"

"Mrs. Silvano-"

"Stay out of this!" Daisy warned Jeremiah. "This is between me and my husband."

Stopping in his tracks, Jeremiah turned towards Luca, "I'll call Giovanni. You get her situated."

"Situated?" Daisy's eyes narrowed. "What do I look like I need to be situated. How about I situate you-"

"Alright, alright," Luca walked towards her. "Calm down. Breathe. He's not insulting you."

Daisy continued to glare at the man as Jeremiah turned and dialed Giovanni. Luca rubbed her arms as he tried to catch her gaze.

"Please get back in the car," he said gently. "You did great."

"I haven't yelled like that in a while."

"Babe, you yelled at me like that last week."

"You deserved it."

"Debatable."

"Alright," Jeremiah suddenly spoke up, lowering his phone. "Giovanni said you two can go."

"Thank you," Luca replied.
"I just need to do a quick search of your car."

"Well, get on with it!" Daisy snapped.

"Is she always like this?" Jeremiah asked Luca.

"Unfortunately."

Shaking his head, Jeremiah motioned towards two of Giovanni's men. They began to walk towards Luca's car when Daisy suddenly let out a yelp.

"What's wrong?" Luca's eyes widened seeing her grab her belly and his arm. Jeremiah stopped and turned towards the couple in concern. "Sunshine?"

"Oh that really hurts," Daisy hissed, squeezing her eyes shut and leaning into Luca. His arms immediately grabbed her as he held her up.

"What's wrong?" Jeremiah rushed forward, seeing the pain on Daisy's face.

"I..." Daisy put all her weight on Luca as he carried her to the passenger seat. "It really hurts."

"I told you to stop yelling so much," Luca's jaw tensed as he picked up her feet and placed them inside the car. "The doctor said to take it easy."

"I....call the doctor," Daisy groaned again. "It hurts a lot."

"Shit," Luca grabbed his phone. "Jeremiah, move your cars."

"I can't-"

"Damn it, Jeremiah! Look at her," Luca jumped up to his feet. "Move your fuckin' cars! I need to get her to the hospital."

The conflict in Jeremiah's eyes made Luca angrier. He was ready to step up and demand they move the cars when Jeremiah finally gave a small nod hearing Daisy gasp in pain.

"I'll speak to Giovanni," Luca assured the man as he rushed to the driver's side and got into his car.

Jeremiah motioned for the two SUVs to move out of the way as Luca buckled in and stepped on the gas. Daisy gave Jermeiah a small weak smile as they drove past the men and their blockade. She gripped the seatbelt against her chest and stared straight ahead until the small group disappeared in the rearview mirror.

Luca watched them too. As soon as he was sure they could no longer see them, he took the exit out of Del Mare and turned towards the shipyards. Beside him, Daisy held her breath. They drove in silence until they arrived at the docks. Luca knew the place held bad memories for them both. It was the last place he wanted to be.

Bringing the car to a stop by the edge of the docks, Luca got out and helped Daisy. He waved to the man overseeing the shipments being loaded and took his wife's hand.

"You're okay, right?" He asked.

"Yes," Daisy nodded quietly.

"We'll be home soon," Luca promised her.

"I know," Daisy looked around, her eyes uncomfortable as she stared at the spot where she had shot Luca's father. Holding her hand firmly, Luca walked to the trunk and opened it.

Light flooded in and drowned out the darkness as Mila opened her eyes. She looked up as Archer's arms loosened around her, giving her space to breathe.

"You two okay?" Luca asked.

"You could have driven a little better," Archer scowled. "I might have another concussion."

"Don't listen to him," Mila sat up. "You did great, Mr. Silvano. And you too, Mrs. Silvano."

"Be careful," Daisy stepped forward and covered Mila's head to help her get out of the trunk.

"You're a natural actor," Mila complimented her. "Have you considered a career in Bollywood?"

"Ooo, Bollywood?" Daisy's eyes lit up.

"She has a bigger future as a snipper," Archer chuckled, climbing out of the trunk of Luca's car. "How's that aim of yours?"

"Watch your mouth, Dampy."

"Dempsey!" Archer corrected her.

"Okay, enough," Luca stepped in. His voice silenced everyone as the mood in the air shifted. "I already spoke to the captain of the ship. He will take you guys to Malta and from there you can catch a flight to Athens."

Archer nodded, listening attentively to the instructions.

"Shred all of your credit cards, debit cards, sim cards, everything," Luca advised. "Anything and everything that can be traced."

"Got it," Mila nodded.

"Also," Luca stepped around the pair and reached into the trunk. They watched him pull out a small black duffle bag and hold it out.

"What's this?" Archer asked.

"Cash," Luca said. "You'll need it."

"It's not much," Daisy said. "You didn't really give us an advance notice."

"Thank you," Archer said with sincerity.

"It should be enough to get you two started someplace safe in Athens," Luca said. "Once you find a way to contact me, I can send you more if you need. Daniel will also check in with you. He'll be in Athens next month with Gia."

Nodding once more, Archer looked towards the couple, "I really can't thank you two enough. This means a lot to us."

"Just be safe," Luca said. "Don't do anything stupid. Stay lowkey."

"You too," Daisy said to Mila. "You're suddenly very unpredictable. Put that gun away before you accidentally shoot someone."

"Like you?" Archer stepped in on Mila's behalf. He wasn't a fan of anyone speaking to her in that manner. "How's your arm, Luca? What was it like being shot by your own wife?"

"Do not speak to my wife like that," Luca said very calmly.

Mila stepped closer to Archer and pulled on his arm. She quietly handed him the gun and he safely put it away.

"Have a safe trip," Luca said.

"Thank you," Mila nodded. "For everything."

"You're welcome," Luca gave her a small smile before turning towards Archer and holding out his hand. "Good luck."

"Thank you," Archer said, shaking the man's hand as Daisy and Mila hugged.

"Take care of her," Luca said quietly, patting Archer's shoulder.

"I will," Archer said with determination.

"Bye," Daisy waved to the couple as she stepped back and gave them space.

Mila smiled towards her, hoping they saw the gratitude in her eyes as Archer took her hand and turned her towards the ship.

The cold breeze from the sea made her shiver as the sun began to set in the horizon. They listened to Luca's car roar to life and drive off as they followed the captain onto the ship. Mila's heart fluttered like a hummingbird as she gripped Archer's hand tightly and stayed close by.

"Athens," she said once they were alone in the cabin they would be sleeping in. "I've never been there."

"We're not going to Athens," Archer announced right away.

"What?" Mila frowned. "Why not?"

"We're getting off in Malta and then going to Spain."

"Why?" Mila asked again.

"I'm grateful to Luca for everything he did for us," Archer explained. "But if Giovanni threatens Daisy or his family, who do you think he will protect?"

Mila's heart contracted inside her chest. A deep frown formed on her face as Archer lowered himself before her and took her hands.

"I made a promise to love you forever and keep you safe," he said, looking into her eyes. "I know how the people of Del Mare work. Our safest bet is to not trust anyone there right now."

Mila slowly nodded, "Okay."

"Do you trust me?"

"With all my heart."  

Let me know what you think ;) 

So sorry for the very late update :( Like has been crazy