The air was calm, warm sunlight brushing against your skin as you stood outside the building, bodyguards close at hand, your fingers rested unconsciously on your stomach, your husband wasn’t with you today, work had pulled him away, but he’d insisted on extra protection.

“Signora, we should head back soon.” One of the bodyguards said, his voice steady. “Tuo marito non vuole che tu resti qui fuori troppo a lungo.”

“I know” You sighed. “Solo altri cinque minuti—”

Bang. Bang.

The shots cracked through the air like thunder, your eyes widened as a black car tore past the corner.

Another sharp crack followed, and one guard cursed as a bullet whizzed past his head. “Contatto! Stanno sparando!” Someone shouted.

Your heart slammed in your chest. “C-cosa—?”

“Signora, move!” A guard grabbed your arm, firm but careful. “Back to the car, now!”

More bullets ricocheted off the pavement as the black car sped by again. “Ci stanno prendendo di mira! Rispondete al fuoco!” A voice barked.

You stumbled as two bodyguards formed a protective shield around you, their bodies blocking your view. “Inside! Now!” Another guard shouted, pushing open the car door.

You scrambled into the back seat, hands shaking, just as the door slammed shut behind you, outside, shouting and gunfire rang out.

“Get the vehicle moving!” “Cover the rear!” “Don’t let them loop back!”

The driver jumped in and hit the gas, tires screeched against the asphalt as the car shot forward, leaving chaos behind.