Page 8 of Condemned to You

“Really? What about your duties?” I wasn’t exactly sure what his role was in his family or under my brother but he traveled a lot – sometimes weeks at a time.

“I think we both need a getaway.” Pio held my face in his hands and placed a kiss on my lips. “Think about it. When I get back this week, we will leave to wherever you choose.”

“Okay,” I replied. Pio turned around to head out of the bedroom and I found myself saying, “I’ll be waiting for you.”

He looked over his shoulder and shot me a warm smile and then walked out. Pio might not be the man I wanted but he was kind to me when I didn’t even deserve it. Hopping off the bed, I got myself showered and dressed up for the day. Looking at myself in the mirror, it felt good seeing my hair brushed, makeup on, and in clothing other than an oversized T-shirt.

The doorbell rang just as I got to the bottom of the stairs. One of the maids opened the door and in flooded bouquets of flowers from my mother and sisters. As I was directing where to have them placed, Alfie appeared.

“Happy birthday old lady!” Alfie extended his arms and gave me a bear hug.

I lightly punched him as he let me go, “You aren’t far behind.”

“I’m not the one in their 30s,” Alfie smirked. “I still have a few years.”

“And when you turn 30, I’ll make sure to remind you.”

“I hope your gift is as good as mine,” Alfie pulled out a box. Inside were the most breathtaking diamond earrings. The diamond was emerald and placed in the center of 4 gold leaves presented as a flower.

“Alfie,” I breathed, “These are beautiful.”

I walked over to the closest mirror on the wall, removed the gold hoops, and put on the ones Alfie gifted me. I could tell by the quality, weight, and size that these were pricey but that wasn’t a problem for him now that he essentially took over Emilio’s role and pay.

“Molly helped me pick them out,” Alfie replied.

“You still talk to her?”

Alfie shrugged, “When I need some advice.”

It stung hearing the hurt in his voice. Alfie always came to me for advice and I failed as a mentor the last few months.

“She has good taste,” I smile.

Footsteps behind me sent chills up my spine. There was only one other male who would be allowed in this house. Unwilling to turn around, I locked eyes with Alfie who just looked past me and nodded. I watched Alfie walk away and leave me with the one person I despised.

“What are you doing here,” my voice cold.

“I want to wish my little sister a happy birthday.” Luca’s calm demeanor felt insulting, I’d rather hear his cold tone toward me as it made it easier to stay angry with him.

I felt a tear slip down my face, “I don’t have any brothers. They are both dead.”

Walking out of the room, I closed myself in Pio’s office and opened my purse to pull out tissues. It was my birthday and I wouldn’t let Luca ruin it for me. The only time I had seen Luca the last three months was when I’d wake up in the hospital after one of my suicide attempts. He angered me. He was the reason behind all this and he knew it but the regret in his eyes wasn’t enough to look past his actions – not this time.

Usually, Luca would push his way back into my good graces but he even understood he crossed a line he couldn’t return from, so he let me be.

I sat on one of the leather chaise chairs breathing in and out. The inner rage was building up and blurring my mind. In the blink of an eye, I was at Pio’s desk looking for anything sharp enough. By luck, I happened to lift the stapler to find a key to one of the locked draws that I knew held a gun. I was in a mental war with myself.

Open the drawer. Don’t open the drawer.

Breathing in and out.

Open the drawer. Don’t open the drawer.

Breathing in and out.

Open the drawer. Don’t open the drawer.

Breathing in and out.