Mafia Prisoner: Book 1

Ch. 78 - Enemy at My Side

Niko POV

I walked away from Viv's cell uneasy with her plan. I didn't like her down here or alone. What if something happened? What if someone tried to get to her?

I walked to the first cell and laid in my suit on the thin metal bed. I wasn't leaving her. When she left next week, I wasn't sure how I would be able to stay away. I promised her freedom, but I feared I may turn into a stalker.

After a short while I fell into a deep sleep. Even though we were in different cells and well, in a cell, I still felt a calm in my heart. She was home and although she would never be mine again, I felt the tension slowly lifting between us. She smiled at me, teased me, even talked to me. Viv didn't hate me, even though she should.

I heard the door creak open and guessed Paul was coming to check on her. When I saw a tall woman slink by my curiosity was at a new high. This was what Viv was waiting for. Vanessa was coming to confess something important.

There was an army of men at the door ready to protect her against any threat but I wasn't taking any chances. Vanessa was a snake and I wouldn't doubt she would try something.

I listened to them speaking, trying to hold my anger back. What did she mean Roberto took care of it? Whatever she was referring to Vanessa seemed to already know. Then she threatened her life.

My word was final and it was time everyone understood that. There was no more room for uncertainty in my men. I no longer needed a reason to take one out. Anyone against my word was against the family and it was my job to protect us. If I was wrong, then let them come after me.

I sat there a long while, replaying Vanessa's words in my head. Did Roberto have Vivian beat with the intention of making her miscarry? My mind went back to the night he brought her home. Roberto said she drew a gun on his men and that's why they touched her. He assured me she was fine even though the second I saw her I knew she wasn't. Then everything spiraled out of control.

I could barely remember why I was so conflicted back then. It was always clear that I would choose Viv. Why did I try to hide it all the time?

I stood up quickly, rushing to her cell. Before I could begin my own interrogation of what the hell happened between her and Vanessa, I became frozen in my spot. She laid peacefully under a thick light blue comforter. Her brownish red hair in light curls fanned out around her perfect face while her one arm was bent on her pillow.

There was information I needed, but nothing would be more important than what Viv needed. I rested my head to the bars and watched my perfect woman sleep in her cell. What fucked up world was this?

"I've never seen you so... not you." Paul whispered beside me. I knew he would be down to check on her.

"I don't even know who I am anymore." I whispered back. All I wanted was to make things right for that woman. Things I destroyed.

"That might be a good thing, Niko." Paul had a hint of amusement in his tone. The asshole probably loved how lost I became.

"Open the cell!" I demanded but still in a hush tone.

"She asked to remain here and I won't break that promise." He smugly replied.

"Vanessa was already here. She got what she was looking for. Now she can sleep in her room." I turned to stare Paul down. I saw a fleeting moment of fear pass over him. He was getting used to my empty threats, like Viv already had.

"Fine! She is to go to her room though."

I nodded in agreement despite my anger towards him. He had no right to tell me to do anything. When it came to Vivian, I gave him as much leniency as he wanted. He was there for her when I should have been. That was a debt I could never repay.

He opened the doors and I walked in slowly, peeling away her blanket. She easily scooped into my arms, fitting perfectly against my chest. One day I hoped this pain would go away, yet I never wanted to desire another again.

We walked silently up the basement stairs. Once I made my way through the kitchen her men began following until they reposted outside her bedroom door. I knew they weren't just loyal to her, but to her father.

Chicago was once a great city with money that flowed easily into their pockets. Peter was a respected leader that when things went wrong, many didn't believe him to be a traitor. Under Roberto's rule they only fell into shambles. Then Grasso targeted the territory knowing it was already weak. Jonathan was betrayed by both Anthony and Roberto when my uncle took power. Anthony was more protected while Roberto was a weak power-hungry leader.

The men of Chicago wanted Marcusio blood back in power and they would back Vivian or any of our children to take that place. I don't think they understood she wanted no part of this world though. Or maybe they did and thought she deserved the freedom her father fought for her to have.

I brushed her hair from her face knowing Paul stood close by watching my every move. I wanted to punch him in the face for distrusting me with her. I knew he had every reason to though. I would prove to them both I was no threat to Vivian.

"Goodnight." I whispered then kissed her cheek.

"Goodnight beast." She whispered.

I walked to my room with a smile. We weren't ok, maybe never will be, but we are going to fight for what we wanted. Tomorrow I would find out what hand Roberto and Vanessa played in my son's death and I was positive it would end their lives in the process. Two lives that would bring me pleasure removing from my world.