Balotelli-Bale Series Book #6: Regina Mia & The Godfather Part 1

Chapter 47: The Mafia Bride Part 2

Keira's POV
Why did Paulina die? What changed in between her being at his house when I last saw her to today? What happened between them that was so bad that he shot her?

With shaky hands I have been cleaning my face and my hair. I can't seem to get out the pink matter that splattered from Paulina's head. I think it would be best to shower. But I'm not at the hotel. I'm still in his estate, alone in the first bathroom I found. Over an hour later and I'm still unable to pull it together.

A gentle knock on the door drew my attention to the man with the greyish hair. He came into the bathroom and closed the door.

The prenup doesn't allow room for even mistaken affairs. "Please get out." I almost whispered.

"I'm merely checking on you. You shouldn't have seen that."

"But he did want me to see. Wasn't it timed perfectly? At sunset just when he wanted me here."

"Perhaps it was to scare you into submission. My name is Bianchi. I am his consiglliere."

"What does that mean?"

He came close and dampened some tissues in water. He began to gently clean my hair.

"His advisor."

"Why didn't you advise him not to kill Paulina?"

"Because I advised him to." He paused to look at me. He took a fresh batch of tissues. "But not to do it on front of you."

"What did she do?"

"She cheated on him." He leveled his gaze with mine.

"How could Paulina to cheat on the godfather?"

"Overfamiliarity. Just like you were with him before today. Keira, I have heard you have a penchant of cheating with Nicko. This time, don't be stupid. He has been married to Paulina for close to thirty years. He knows her more intimately than he knows you. He won't hesitate to end you if you step out. This marriage means Nicko is dead to you and I will advise you to be faithful to Mancini. You should wash your hair. It's a little sticky. Ciao bella. All the best."

When he left me, I ran to the toilet and I threw up. I dry heaved too and eventually sat on the floor crying until there was nothing left. I eventually got up and right outside the bathroom, I met Russo. He is in the company of  another man with a very serious expression.

"Keira, this is Manuel. He is your assigned bodyguard from here on out. Manuel, go get her car."

"I don't have a car. I've been using cabs-"

"No more of that. You will have your own cars, your own convoy and your own bodyguards. Your life has changed and it is in your best to adapt."

"Where is he?"

"He asked to be left alone." He answered solemnly. "You should take off. Good night."

If he knew all along he was going to shoot Paulina, then I understand why he got suddenly cold and withdrawn.

***
A good night's sleep would have done me well if I had actually slept. All I keep hearing is the sound of a gun going off. It startled me awake at every second. I think at some point, I screamed and Manuel stormed into my hotel room. I'm scared and exhausted.

I don't understand what is different. When he shot Scarlet, shouldn't I have felt what I feel now? What is ws so different about Paulina? Her pleas still echo in my ears.

Amidst all this, I am so expected to be at the godfather's estate tonight. Russo informed me that it's our official engagement party. He said that all Mafia families will be present. Other mobs affiliated with Mancini will also show their support. I cannot get through a social event.