The Lost De'Luca

Chapter Seventy

After the call with Alessio, I decided to talk to Antonio. I went to his room, where he was, as usual, engrossed in work. "Tony," I called out to him, and he turned to look at me with a smile. "Hey, bambina. What brings you to my room this fine evening?"

I took a deep breath before speaking. "I was thinking, maybe it's time for us to go back to school."

His expression hardened instantly. "Not yet," he said curtly.

I tried to reason with him. "Tony, we've skipped so many weeks of school. You don't want to admit it, but you know it's not good for our education, especially Stephano. If he keeps skipping, he might not graduate."

Antonio looked at me for a long time, his eyes searching mine. Then, he sighed, ran his hand through his hair, and set his work aside. "Bambina, you got poisoned at school. None of you are safe anywhere outside this house. Why can't you understand that?" He spoke with a desperate look in his eyes, his voice laced with concern

"I know, but we can't continue living our lives in fear," I said, my voice shaking. "We've done that for too long; it's enough now, Tony. We can't keep hiding. I'm tired of running." Tears fell from my eyes as I spoke.

Antonio's expression softened, and he pulled me into a hug. "Okay, okay, you can go to school. Just please don't cry."

I wiped my tears away, surprised by his sudden agreement. "Really?" I asked, and he hesitated before nodding.

"But there would be guards all around the school, ready to intervene if something were to happen," he added, his eyes serious.

I opened my mouth to protest, but he glared at me. "That or nothing," he said strictly.

I nodded, knowing I had to compromise. "Can we go have dinner now? Stop working so much," I said, pulling him with me.

"The mafia is still number one thanks to my work," he said cockily.

I rolled my eyes. "I know that, but it doesn't mean you'll ignore your health for it. You have eye bags; did you sleep yesterday?" I asked, concern etched in my voice.

Antonio remained silent, avoiding my gaze. I decided to drop it for now and focus on dinner.

When we got to the dining room, everyone was already seated so we took our seats

"This looks amazing" I said looking at the art on my plate

"Thank you" Emilio said softly and I clamped my mouth shut, silently cursing myself for saying anything

"You guys are going to school tomorrow. So get your things ready" Antonio said and it was quiet for some time

"Fuck yes" Xander said and we all stared at him in shock

"This kid has never been excited to go to school before. Are you okay?" Xavier said looking genuinely concerned for his twin

"Shut up. I'm tired of staying at home all day everyday. If going to school means I can go out then I'll take what I can get" Xander said

"We can really go?" Matteo asked

"Yes bud" Tony replied plainly, I can tell he really doesn't want us out of the house

"We can't protect them at school Antonio" Ales said

"I'll place some men at every corner of the school, they'll be safe" he said softly and started eating

That was a sign for everyone to drop it. He wouldn't change his mind about the issue, thankfully

After eating, I took a shower and went to bed. I hope I can get some answers from Alessio