Copyright © 2018 Kimberly Soto
Bella: The Beginning A Sagatori Family Saga by Kimberly Soto
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 2018 Kimberly Soto
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Thank you
More books from Kimberly
BELLA
The Beginning
The Ending
The Angel Trilogy
His Angel
My Demons
Our Sins
My Website
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CHAPTER ONE
—Bella—
My lungs filled with air quickly releasing while my bare feet took me away from what had happened. The trees were thick and the burn as my feet made contact with the broken limbs was horrific. Leaves crunched and limbs snapped with each giant stride I took towards safety.
The highway was close and so were his men.
Oh God. Don’t panic. Just run!
My breathing was shallow and heavy. Sweat dripped from my heated forehead and my breath billowed around me.
I needed to get to the highway. I needed help.
My eyes flickered into the distance seeing bright lights flashing against the trees.
Yes—
I’d found it.
My feet continued relentlessly moving me forward as I blew harsher breaths that caused my throat and lungs to burn. I’d been running for a while and my body warned it would give out soon.
A bright light blinded me as I burst through the last set of thin trees. A loud screeching pierced my ears, leaving me to gasp with fear.
I slammed my palms to my face knowing the car was going to hit me. My body stiffened, ready for impact. Why the hell was I just standing there? I wanted to move out of the way, but remained frozen with fear. I didn’t know which way to go, which way to run.
A horn blared from the on-coming vehicle as it swerved to avoid me. The headlights shifted into another direction and skidded to a stop. Then quickly, the car pulled onto the shoulder.
Oh, thank God!
My lungs gushed air, thankful I hadn’t been hit. The adrenaline that had taken over before—crashed, leaving me to fall to my knees.
My feet were bare and sore. Panties and a kami were the only pieces of clothing that covered my now frozen body. Pain shot through me as I fell—slamming to the pavement.
“Are you fucking crazy?” a voice reverberated.
I blinked attempting to raise my head in hopes of begging for help, only to sag further against the pavement. I wanted to jump to my feet and call Papa, but my arms and legs felt like one-hundred pound weights were tied to them. giving out against my strong protest. I was exhausted and out of breath. I’d just run a mile, and did so without stopping to catch my breath even once. Exhaustion was an understatement.
“Hello? Hey!” The strong voice came closer, but the tone had descended from cross to circumspect, leaving me hopeful that he would help.
My hand crawled along the rough pavement allowing me to rise. The bright lights shined on the dried blood on my hands, reminding me of what I’d done just before I’d escaped my captor.
“Let’s get you off of the road,” The man now spoke with vigilance as he covered me with his jacket.
Warm hands covered my shoulders then my arms, wrapping me into safety. I worked my tongue in my mouth to speak, but it was difficult and felt like cotton had been stuffed inside of my cheeks. I needed to call Papa before it was too late.
“Help!” My voice was almost inaudible because of the dryness and burning.
He moved with composed strides and as we crossed the road, horns blared and bright lights flashed. My eyes closed tightly and my forehead and nose fell against the softness of his shirt with relief.
The air was bitter cold, and my entire body frozen, but my feet seemed to have gotten the brunt of the trauma.
“I’m going to sit you inside of my car, okay,” he said with benevolence. For the first time in a day, I’d found reassurance and hope that I wasn’t going to be at the mercy of a killer, at least not tonight.
I nodded, giving approval as he sat me inside of a warm, luxurious car. I hadn’t realized it was a limo until I fully emerged inside. The interior was sleek and a bright strip of light stretched out against the entire car. My body quickly began to warm in the seat while warm air also blew against my numb flesh.
He shifted leaning across my body, gripping the seat as he entered. I was more than aware he watched me intently and with question. “Water?” I asked, the word barely escaping from my burning throat. His eyes softened before reaching inside of the bar retrieving a bottle of water. I gulped the cool liquid, all while watching him from my otherwise motionless position, grateful that he’d found me. “Thank you.” I offered while whipping a few drops of water away with the back of my hand.
He didn’t respond and instead picked up a ringing phone, answering it with an authoritative tone. “In a moment,” he growled, nestling his long suit-clad legs inside the space. I watched him and he watched me. His large hand adjusted his cuff links before disconnecting the phone, tossing it to the side. “Are you hurt?” His tone was flat and blasé.
My head fell to my l
ap, seeing the dried blood. I tucked my hands inside of the long sleeves of the jacket as I contemplated. I didn’t feel hurt, other than my scrapped knees and battered feet. I was okay physically, though, I didn’t doubt I’d be sore tomorrow. Albeit, I may never feel my toes again. “I don’t think so.” I softly shook my head, lifting to his intent stare.
His eyes wandered to first my body then my eyes, revealing magnified darkness. “Why were you on a highway at one in the morning—” he asked accusingly. “—practically naked?” I didn't know him, what difference did it make?
Regardless of his interest, I couldn't tell him what’d happened. He was nice enough. He’d helped me, but telling him any of what happened would put him in danger. He was just an innocent man whose only crime had been to help me, and I wouldn’t repay him with blood.
“Could I please use your phone, to call my father?” He’d know what to do. He always knew what to do.
The man was silent as he slid his hand across the seat retrieving the phone. My hand nervously raised to his, making a bit of contact with his warmth. I shuddered turning my head slightly, hoping he hadn’t noticed. I didn’t think he had, so I simply tucked the phone into my palm and reached for the door handle.
He pushed the weight of his body forward pressing his hand into the soft leather seat. “Where are you going?”
My heart beat fiercely, wondering if I could trust this stranger. He seemed nice, but a stranger in the dark, nonetheless. My grip became rigid against the metal handle. He scanned me questionably and as the seconds ticked by I felt like running might be the better option. However, I wouldn’t have lasted another five minutes in the harsh Detroit cold, especially in what little I had on my body.
My lips scantly parted. “I’m going to step outside, to call my father.” My voice was meek. He couldn’t hear what I needed to say, and I couldn’t very well ask him to leave his own vehicle.
“You’re not wearing any… clothing,” he gestured his hand towards my naked legs. “You should stay in the warmth of the car—“ he paused “— I’ll step out and give you some privacy.” My eyes followed him as he left the car and leaned his body against the car.
I wasted no time with my fingers swiping across the screen, pulling up the dial pad impatiently waiting for him to answer.
“Sagatori,” booming hostility echoed.
“Papa,” I took a deep breath comforted he was okay.
“Isabella? Where are you?” His question was commanding. Papa had always been commanding, he had to be, he was the boss of the Sagatori crime family.
“They took me, Papa. You have to get out of the house.”
“Be very specific, Isabella. Who took you?”
“Salvatore—” I hesitated “—I’ll explain later. For now, Papa, have Tony and Sal to take you to the safe house.” The line went silent. “Papa? Did you hear me?” More silence. “Papa?” I insisted into the phone, hoping to God they wouldn’t arrive to kill him before he could get away.
“Where are you? I’m coming to get you,” he finally answered.
“Umm, I don’t know—” My eyes wandered out into the darkness of the night only to see a few flashes of light belonging to the passing cars. “—On a highway, a man in a limo stopped to help me, I’m safe.”
“Very well, I’ll meet you at the safe house and you’ll tell me what’s happened.” I'd do anything he asked as long as he was safe.
“Yes, Papa. But you have to go,” my heart pounded, he didn’t understand how dire the situation truly was.
“Isabella, don’t worry about me. Are you sure you’re safe?”
My eyes broke across the line of windows finally landing on the tall man who waited patiently against the car. “Yes, I’m safe, please hurry!” I raised my voice an octave.
I turned toward the partition aware it was still raised with the driver unable to see me. I’d been in limousines many times. From the beginning I remember having my own drivers. Papa insisted he was keeping me safe, you could say I wasn’t a fan. Might be a bit of resentment I hang onto because I had been so sheltered.
“Getting into the limo now,” he said, composed.
My father’s the administration of the Familia. The term ‘Administration’ is old school but that’s who he is. There are ranks and my father is at the top of them all, the King of the mafia. He’d always been composed, never showing weakness. There wasn’t time or tolerance for weakness. Weakness got you killed. I’d seen that happen time and time again with Papa’s crew. The ‘Cosa Nostra’ didn’t tolerate weakness from anyone, not even from the women they protected under a tight, restraining, watchful eye.
I held the phone to my ear until he disconnected thinking of a way I could get to the safe house. Would this man take me where I needed to go?
I’m Bella Sagatori, I’m my father’s daughter, I’ll find a way.
CHAPTER TWO
—Bella—
I remained still for a moment, thinking of a plan that would keep everyone safe. I’d always been fiercely protected, never needing to consider others safety, but always considered my papa’s. I couldn't help but to worry about him.
My father had a bodyguard protecting me every minute of the day, usually a cugine. I’d heard from gossip that they’d do anything to be made-men, and protecting the boss’ daughter ranked at the top. They must have also been proven loyal. In high school, the boys never got close, for fear my bodyguard would cause their disappearance on behalf of their boss, Anthony Sagatori. Everyone knew who my father was. That was a sure way of never getting asked to prom unless of course, you were a boy in the familia. However, I didn’t want those boys to ask me. I wanted something different, something more. I wanted freedom then, and now.
He peered inside of the car as I waved him in. When he opened the door to step inside I saw the lights from Sam’s men at the tree line. They were almost here, but I already knew they weren’t far behind. My heart pounded against my ribs with raging fear.
After he entered I gripped his arm. “We have to go, please tell the driver to drive!” I cried.
He hesitated, stiffening under my touch. They’d kill him. They’d likely kill me as well. “Why?” he asked with an incredulous look.
I didn’t have time for his questions “Go!” My stare didn’t falter from the road. I was terrified and for a good reason.
He gave a concerned glare following my stare, picked up the phone that attached to the limo, and growled one commanding word to the driver, “Drive!” The car shot forward onto the road like a bullet, passing the two men that had emerged from the brush moments before.
My eyes lifted with only the strength that pure adrenaline could offer. I took a large gulp of air and swallowed, grateful to have escaped them.
“What the hell is going on?” he demanded, but I remained silent still tightly gripping his arm. His eyes fell to my trembling hand. “What’s your name?” he asked calmly this time, as though he recognized the look on my face as terror.
My head raised, examining the dark cast over his eyes and released my hand from his arm. “Bella,” I answered with a soft whimper, clasping my numb hands into my naked lap once more.
“Are you running from those men?” His eyes toughened with unknown reason. “Are you in some kind of trouble?” If he only knew.
I nodded my head, feeling oddly safe in the darkness of his eyes. “Yes.” Those eyes reminded me of Papa’s; confident and strong, light wasn’t able to enter that darkness because they were built for destruction. Only men with absolute power have that kind of darkness. I sank into the warm leather seat feeling oddly comforted by this man.
“Did they hurt you?” His upper lip quivered, revealing perfectly whitened teeth.
I dropped my head not knowing how to respond. Until this point of my life I'd never considered that Salvatore would hurt me physically, but keeping me locked up in his house was sort of abuse. He only wanted to claim and use me as an opportunity to take rank and it was bullshit. “No, not re
ally.” What happens in the family stays in the family. I’m no rat. Papa would deal with Sam’s punishment, and then I could finally wash my hands of his futile attempts at marrying me. Once Papa knew what’d happened, everything would be okay.
His head rotated, his expression seething as he looked away, steering his dark eyes towards the front of the car. “You’re practically naked in the freezing cold, running from crazed men and they didn’t hurt you?” His brows folded in the glow of the limo’s lights.
“Umm, Sort of.” I swept my long dark hair away from my face, tucking it to the side, sure he thought I was the crazy one.
“Where do you live?”
This was my chance to get to the safe house, we were just outside Detroit, maybe an hour’s drive. “423 Campbell Drive.” I quickly spoke.
He turned, watching me. “My hotel isn’t far. I’ll take you there, you’ll be safe.”
I was running out of time. “No! I need to go home!” I said with quick panic.
“Bella, those men likely know where you live. It’s not wise to go there. Should you… go to the police?” His lip twitched as he spoke the last word.
“No, I don’t need the police. They don’t know where I live.” I shook my head, disconcerted.
“In the morning, after you’ve eaten, rested, and have clothing on your… body—” He paused, cleared his throat, and adjusted his legs. “—I’ll have my driver take you home.” His hand raised as if he’d just ended the conversation. I shifted my body with annoyance, but I knew he was my only hope of getting to Papa before it was too late.
I chose to stay calm. “Listen, I appreciate your kindness I really do, but I’m worried about my father.”
“Is he in trouble as well?” His dark brows rose with concern. He must think I’m a lunatic. But yeah, my father was in big trouble.
I entangled my fingers wondering what the hell I should say. “I need to make sure he’s safe,” I said, knowing I must be careful not to give away more than absolutely necessary.
Salvatore promised he’d kill my father, if I didn’t comply with his request. But my father was the boss. I was certain when Papa heard of what happened, Sam would get a bullet to the temple. I’d been ‘promised’ to Sam at my birth, but it was never fully solidified. We were never engaged or prepared for marriage. Back then, the wars were raging between Detroit and New York. Other syndicates were threatening the territory my father held the throne to, so it made sense to consider if a son wasn’t born, they’d need someone else to take over. God forbid a woman do that job. This was done twenty-four years ago, it was different now. Sam was only two when I was born, and our families were obscured from reality. But as I grew into a woman I hoped Papa wouldn't force me into marrying him, even though I knew deep in my gut my fate was sealed.
Bella: The Begining (Sagatori Family Saga #1) Page 1
