CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY THREE – TIME TO FLEE

A soft knock at the door made her jump. Marco entered, his face a mask of worry and barely contained emotion. "It's time, mi amor," he said softly. "Felix is waiting." Jasmine nodded, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. Marco crossed the room in two quick strides, enveloping her in a fierce embrace. "I'll find a way to bring you home," he whispered fiercely. "I promise." She clung to him, memorizing the feel of his arms, the scent of his cologne. All too soon, he was pulling away. "We have to go," he said, his voice thick with unshed tears. They made their way silently through the darkened house, pausing at the kitchen door where Felix, one of Don Cesaro's most trusted men, waited. "Señora," Felix nodded respectfully. "We must hurry." Jasmine turned to Marco for one last, desperate kiss before following Felix into the night. They slipped through the compound's back gate, where a nondescript sedan waited. As they drove through the empty streets, Felix explained the pla