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

Chapter 48: Caught In Between

Keira's POV
I can hear hushed voices.

I want to ignore it and continue sleeping. It was a late night. The party ended close to 2am. Mancini invited me to spend the night but I told him I want to spend as much time as I can with Leen. He understood and let me go.

Manuel is still with me. Thee convoy is as Russo said. I'll be er be alone, especially after I marry him.

I hear voices, not so hushed anymore. I pushed the covers away, noting Leen's absence from the other side of the bed. The hotel suite I'm in, has a bedroom that is separate from the living area. I wrapped a robe around myself and dragged my exhausted body to the glass doors separating the space.

I was surprised to see the five faces. Bea, Dani, Naila and even Katya. She is segregated from the others, literally standing at the door. The hostile looks from Bea don't need an explanation. If anyone knows how to navigate the mob or will even understand my situation, it's Katya.

"Don't leave." I pleaded with her. "Stay. I... I'm happy you are all here."

"They all showed up for you. See? Even Dani."

"Thank you Dani." She had a bad experience with Giorgio Mancini.

"Love you look lifeless." Naila pointed out. "Definitely not a blushing bride."

"Thank you for staying the obvious." Bea broke into applause. She looks extra mean today. "She wouldn't even be in this position if it wasn't for her wrecking everything with Nick!"

"Bea, don't start."

"If Katya over there didn't have an affair with Nick, Kei would be in the Hamptons probably knocked up with her third set of twins! You better not come after mine. Oh... It will be off with your head!"

"I'm not into geeks." Katya isn't one to be quiet.

It took two of the girls to hold Bea back, catching her midair.

As tb y struggled, Naila came up to me and surprised me with a hug. "I was here before. Forcefully married to a boss. I know what you are going through." She pulled away. "I have never seen you sad. Really, it's disheartening. I miss your smile."

I offered her a small fleeting smile. "Thank you for coming."

"You saved me from a dark path. I wouldn't pass off a chance to give you some much needed advice. Trust me,it won't come from them."

The three of them are arguing. Dani is lost in her phone. I led Naila to the bedroom. We closed the doors.

"So... my story is... More or less like yours. I met this toxic guy. He was obsessed with me. He used my son to control me. I married him. In a nutshell, people may never understand your actions, why you are marrying Mancini. They judged you for Sinclair and man will they judge you for Mancini. But... You know why you are doing it. You know what is at stake. Don't fight with him. Don't try to run away. Don't try to be free. Be exactly what you vow. Be his wife and be damn good at it. Only by being submissive, do you get out of this alive. I want you to get out of this alive."

"Marianna said the same thing. Should I feel guilty for submitting fully?"

"No. Both you and Nick know what you're doing. He knows why it's happening and Kei, you can't fool that man. If you're marrying him, you have to be his wife. Don't let guilt eat you up. Do what it takes to survive. When is the wedding?"

"As soon as possible. I just want to get it over with."

"What do you need? We can throw a shindig together fast!"

I laughed.

"Seriously! Give us things to do! You have enough to worry about!"

"Fine." I agreed.