✍︎ 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐌𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃 [dark mafia romance] | 𝟏𝟖+

| 36 | 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍

**ONE MONTH LATER**

A month had passed since my life turned upside down, but somehow, the grand columns of the villa, the shimmering paintings, and the faces of the D'Angelo men began to feel like home. They tried their best to welcome me into their home and lives and for that, I had to be grateful – regardless of the circumstances forcing them to act this way, I had no desire to complain or resist.

The homesickness faded with each morning. Of course, I missed my family terribly, but there was nothing I could do. I tried to keep in touch with them daily (through calls or messages) – this somewhat eased the pain in my heart, but every time I heard their voices or saw their smiles on the phone screen, it tore me into thousands of pieces.

What hurt the most was Adam's situation. Both Mom and Uncle assured me that he was getting the needed treatment and was doing fine in rehab. They tried to assure me that 'he is trying to reclaim himself once again, step by step'. It should have calmed me, but yet I had no way to contact him, and that unnerved me. The D'Angelo family didn't allow me to visit my cousin, and I couldn't risk their protectiveness and sneak off alone, but I was kinda happy for that.

I tried to imagine how hard it was right now for Adam, but somewhere in the depths of my heart, I knew it was for the best. Although more than a month passed, I still felt his soulless gaze every time I closed my eyes. When I was rubbing my forearms, I imagined the marks left by Adam's hands and his unstable reaction.

I didn't know how I could face him after everything we had been through.

I knew I had to someday.

Maybe not today, but someday.

Despite the fact, that the grandeur of the villa was welcoming to me, it still remained oppressive.

For the past few weeks, Diana was forced to spend most of her day with me. Actually, I'm not sure whether it was her decision or not, but it looked like she was forced by the D'Angelo family's orders. Of course, we had plenty of activities, but it got tiresome after some time. Not even Diana could alleviate my homesickness, and that unnerved me even more.

When the deal was signed, my Mom and Uncle insisted that my safety would be ensured around the clock. From the recent actions, it seemed that Leonardo, who volunteered for this duty, took it literally.

Not rhetorically.

Literally.

Now we were always together.

If Leonardo decided that I would go with him to the headquarters, I had to go.

If Leonardo decided, that I would travel with him to meetings with other group members, whose faces quickly faded from memory, I had to go.

Not to mention, Leonardo never let me out of his sight – during all meetings, I had to stand close by or cling to his arm.

Sometimes it looked like I couldn't express my thoughts or opinions on my own needs, but I was too afraid to say something. I knew the risk the Red Lions had taken after signing the contract and I didn't want to interject my own stuff.