Mafia's Obsession [18+]

31.

Sofia

The moment Ezio steps into the room, he rushes to the bed, looking distressed and worried as if I'm not real until he touches me. He takes my hand in his, kissing the back of it tenderly, apologetically.

"I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry, dolcezza." He chants an apology over and over again, some incoherent Italian among them.

I don't know what to feel. I'm just so tired with everything. I want to sleep on my bed and engulfed in darkness. I want this all to be over.

Perhaps it's unfair for him to get this side of me after everything he has done to get here. But I can't help it. As much as I don't want to admit it, Ezio's the one I trust enough to witness every breakdown I feel. I never need to hide the emotions that are eating me inside out. I feel safe enough to be fragile and small. And that's kinda scary in a way.

"We're leaving tonight." I opt to say, sighing. "Xavier's letting us go."

There are questions on the tip of his tongue and I appreciate that he holds them back and settles with a nod.

"Okay. Are you alright? How's your wound?" His eyes are searching for some signs that suggest I'm in pain, but I don't show any. Not physically.

I shake my head. "Just tired."

"How can I redeem my mistake? Tell me. Please." It's as close as a plea coming out of his lips. The desperation in his voice tells me he's truly regretting it all. His hand cups my jaw, thumb stroking my cheek gently. Soft against his calloused. Bare against his tattooed.

"I just want to go home." I say.

"The jet's ready. We will—"

"My home, Ezio. I'm done with this shit." I insist with the remaining adrenaline that I have.

He seems surprised of my brutal statement for a second before gaining his composure. He's not expecting it. My tone, my demand. I can tell from the hot rage behind those eyes and that clenched jaw. He's trying to calm it but failing miserably. Calm never suits him anyway.

The air thickens, simmering in anger and unspoken longing. He's here only for me to push him away as if that's the easiest way out. It's unfair, but I need to keep myself sane.

I'm going home for good.

Far from the bloodbath and violence. Away from all this mafia business. I swear I'm gonna stay out of it. I should seek for a safer distraction. Perhaps, moving to a new city is a good idea. Or I can go to college in America. Anything that will be less... traumatic.

"What do you mean?" He emphasizes each word like a warning. Like if I tell him what it really means, he'll go rampage.

He knows exactly what I mean.

"I want it to end." I force my gaze on him, not willing to let him deter my resoluteness.

"What is?" He asks slowly, threateningly, daring me to say it out loud.

I swallow the lump in my throat, almost backing down by his tone alone. "Everything between us."

"No. Fuck, no. Don't do this to me. Anything but that, dolcezza." He replies immediately, anger and frustration lacing in his voice. His hold on my jaw tightens, but not enough to hurt me. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess. But don't do that. Don't fucking leave me."

"I don't want to be involved deeper in your world." I look away eventually, avoiding his burning gaze.

"I promise you—"