Blood War (The Don Sequel)

32

Kiara

"T-this is madness." I uttered almost inaudibly.

"Kiara-

"No stop, what game are you playing at here Mario?"

"This isn't a game."

"Clearly it is. I mean you don't actually expect me to believe the nonsense you're spurring right now do you? Do I really seem that gullible to you?"

"Not in the slightest. I wish this wasn't real as well. It's making everything a lot more difficult, believe me. You are no my enemy but Valentina and Stefano certainly see you that way."

"You're insane."

"Must be because of the blood you keep reminding me that courses through my veins."

"This is no joke Mario."

"That we can agree on. Listen to me-

He suddenly held my face in his hands and I forgot how to breathe as he looked into my eyes with search certainty.
"Everything about this situation is wrong, by all means that we can agree on but this isn't me forcing you into anything. I am not Dario. I am not about to force you to be with me because I want you to be. I know how fucked up that is. I'm simply going to try to keep you alive in all of this because of my feelings. I'm just trying to clarify some things for you to get some perspective."

"Feelings? Mario you don't know me." I spat shoving him away for some space. I could barely breathe with him so close.

"I know how stubborn you are at heart. How quick your slick mouth can get you into unwanted problems especially with the wrong people. I know you care greatly for your loved ones and would sacrifice anything including yourself for them. I know you were once an innocent woman who got roped into this life without a choice and at a tender age with no one to help you. I know you have suffered abuse and loss at the hands of the Romanos. You do not have to like me, or want me but if you stick around for a bit longer, I can arrange for you to have the life you wanted-

"And what is the life that I want?"

"One away from the mafia. A life anew, where you'd be at peace raising your son."

"I am Kiara Romano, those fairytale endings are long dead to me. It isn't realistic and I'd appreciate it if you didn't try to give me false hope."

"It isn't false hope. Give me time and I can make it happen once we win this war."

"You mean once you kill my fri-

"Your what, friends? Those people are not your friends. They're a family and they will look out for each other before they even blink at you."

"Oh and you wouldn't, right? Cause you're sooo different, right? How fucking gullible do you think I am?"

"I never really claimed to be different. As you keep trying to remind me, we are cut from the same cloth. I will claim to be better though. I am not the monster you make me out to be. I may be ruthless, a killer, dangerous and all of which the Romanos are as well. However, I have my limits, there are lines I will not cross. Dario rules with fear, that's why he is so powerful. Everyone knows him for exactly what he portrays himself to be, the devil. Me, on the other hand, I have earned my power because people respect me."

"Let's say I did buy this story you're trying to sell, where exactly does that leave me? I can't do anything with that information. When we leave here, we'll go right back to your home and I'll be trapped under your roof with the crazy people YOU married. Not to mention my best friend is still hospitalized. Am I suppose to just wait till this war is over, and what about Stefano and Valentina? I'm certain they will not be in agreement with your new terms, what will you do then?"