Chapter 57

“Get me a towel, now!” Ivan’s men start searching for something but being in the middle of a war field, it’s not the easiest thing to find a towel. He can’t wait a second longer. Ivan gets rid of his long coat and takes his shirt off. He uses it to wipe the blood of Manuelo off of his woman. Catalina cries but they are tears of joy. Manuelo’s guards have mostly been killed. The few remaining ones were taken and tied with ropes and handcuffs. They scowl in defeat as Ivan’s men cheer and clap. Ivan pulls Catalina up and as soon as she is on her feet, she wraps her arms and legs around him and start bawling her eyes out. She cries like she never did before, held in her lover’s strong arms. She cries for being reunited with him, but also for the last weeks of terror she spent and for the loss of Bruno. Ivan tightens his hold around her, himself feeling tears sting in his eyes. “I’m sorry.” He apologizes. “I’m sorry I couldn’t keep you safe.” “No...No, i-it’s all my fault. I ran away.” Ivan