The Mafia Sacrifice

105

Damon King

"I've come to the conclusion that privacy is not being currently valued," Starr words approach the group sternly, wrapping her arms around her body.

After this morning events, we felt as if this conversation should be given. Of course I wanted it to be thoroughly understood quite differently, but Starr disagreed. I think moreover because she was slightly still embarrassed after Leah blindly walked in our room without confirmation.

"I expected different because we've assembled both Brava and the Italian American Mafia. But of course..." She takes a deep breath. "I failed to realize that you've all became fond of each other during the  training against... Antonio."

I watch her close her eyes at the thought of Antonio. As much as she tried to push that thought of him and their past out of her mind, it always found itself back to her.

The entire brava mafia was a walking reminder. Grayson was a reminder. Her father was a reminder. Her past was a reminder.

And as much as she ignores it, I am a reminder. Because she'll never forget that I saved her without knowing I would fall in love with her.

Regardless of the fact that our fathers had severe conflict.

"Even knowing that... I don't tolerate my privacy being provoked," Annoyance rings through her words. "I don't like to report immediately to violence when things don't go my way, however the fact that I even have to ask for this simple task makes me feel as though my husband was and is right."

She looks over her shoulder, catching my eyes. Reaching out for my hand, I grab onto hers, taking a step to her left side.

"Mr.King believes that's he's went easy on you," Her eyes break from mine, settling on the men and women who stood around the warehouse. "And certainly, I now can truly understand what he's truly meant by that statement."

My eyes fall onto Leah as she stands far in the crowd of others. Her reaction to Starr's words strictly led her to lowering her stance, as if she felt as though that statement was meant solely for her.

I break contact from her and place my eyes back my wife.

"Since privacy is not respected amongst my husband and I, as well as you all, I agree that my husband should transition back to his strict ways," She says, slightly tightening her grip on my hand.

I add. "Agreed."

"I suspect this to be our last conversation on respect solely based on the fact that respect is completely self explanatory," She places her hand on the side of her head, showing her irritation of the thought.

A couple of nods mimic across the room even though her eyes were on the floor.

"Respect, honesty, and determination," I say, knowingly. "And because I'm sure that you all carry those attributes in your mind, I know that if not followed, your intentions were true rather than unintentional."

Starr looks back up to the crowd, scanning it. "This is the part where you get back to work."

The crowd scatters in different directions. I could feel Starr's annoyance from the moment we left the room after that slight incident.

I place my hand under her chin, lifting her face up to be parallel to mine. "I know it's hard for you right now, but it'll only be for a little while. Our trip is settled, and you'll get this break that you simply deserve."

She sighs, staring me back into my eyes. "I know, but now I'm starting to think you're right about them not being truly ready."

As if a lightbulb popped above my head, she takes a step back. "What?" I question her.