Love Shot

Chapter 18: Brotherly love

ASTRAEA'S POV

I found Carlos walking in the huge garden. As I walked out, two bodyguards greeted me and I returned the greeting. Now that I think about it, I've never actually walked through it. I'll be sure to do it more often. Anyway, he had just finished a call when he turned around and saw me. It took one look into his eyes for my anger to almost diffuse. Those bright green eyes which soften at the sight of me. Those bright green eyes that are full of love. Those same bright green eyes that watched people suffer at his hands.

Now, it might seem like I'm overreacting about this because all mafia dons have tortured and killed people. Even I think I'm overreacting about this. But I value my family over all else and I would do anything to protect them. It angers me knowing that the person I fell in love with made my family suffer.

Carlos: How did the talk with Nadia go?

My breath caught in my throat. I almost forgot why I came here, but all at once it came back. The segments of my conversation with Nadia replayed in my head, like a broken record.

Astraea: It was great, actually. Speaking of that, when did you plan to tell me that you made her watch as you killed her best friend for something her parents were plotting, and then hurt her in the process? When did you plan to tell me that you and Enzo worked together to attack my dad in order to start a war between our families? Before or after you made me fall in love with you and trust you completely?

He stayed quiet. His mouth hung open for a minute before closing again. He clearly couldn't find the right words to say.

Carlos: I would've preferred it if you heard it from me. I thought you would've known from your dad, or at least the soldiers.
Astraea: That's right, he should of told me which is why I'm going to talk to him next. For now, I want to know why you didn't tell me. If I'm being honest, I would've hoped that I really was naive and Nadia lied to me.

His eyes widened for a split second.

Carlos: I know you're mad but-
Astraea: Mad?! Hell yes I'm mad.
Carlos: Look, I never said I was an innocent man. My codename might be "Angel" but I am no where near that. I'm the don of the Devil's Mafia. I was young and I abused my power, same in Nadia's case. I knew how powerful my mafia and I was power hungry. I made attempts to destroy your father's mafia but not once did he fight back. I thought he was a coward but he was protecting you and his family. Eventually my mom proposed a truce via this arranged marriage.

I paused for a second. He sounded genuine about it. I always knew he was a bad man, but I guess part of me wanted to believe it was just his exterior. I didn't want to think of how my father especially must have suffered through all his attacks and attempts to start a war.

Carlos: That's not all, and I'm glad you get to hear this part from me...

I waited for him to continue. He took a deep breath and dragged his hand through his hair.

Carlos: I almost killed you, a few years ago.

Another bombshell, great! This time I waited for him to explain before letting myself react.

Carlos: That day, I got drunk with Enzo and he persuaded me to launch another attack. He suggested taking one of his family member's hostage or killing them because he thought that would be enough to break him. I was a stupid, drunk 19 year old who looked at my brother like he hung the moon and stars, so I agreed. We snuck into the house and I was tasked with taking you, or it was initially supposed to be Camilla but I entered your room on accident. You were peacefully asleep, like an angel who was born in a world of pain and violence. Now that I think about it, that was the first spark of attraction I felt for you.