Mafia's Obsession [18+]

37.

Sofia

I park the Porsche on the curb one block from the gallery after circling around to find an empty parking spot. My mom didn't even reserve one for me even though she knows I'm meeting her here. And obviously, she forgets to mention that she's hosting a social gathering.

I swear she's always hosting something these days.

I'm wearing a Valentino couture mini-dress for the evening. It's bright red with a little bow in front, likely being off-theme in the sea of blacks as soon as I'm entering the gallery.

Ugh, I hate this kind of event.

I spot Mom before the tall classical sculpture. She's making quite a crowd. Maria Fiori is always grabbing attention wherever she goes. People are flanking her left and right, probably listening to her artistic idea about this new season's collection.

There's no way I'm going there and joining the conversation. So, I choose to wait until she notices her daughter's existence in the same room.

I saunter to the less occupied section, right before some surrealism painting. The subject is odd-looking, creating almost an eerie atmosphere. The illustration feels ghostly, setting a dimmest mood amongst the others.

I don't know how long I'm standing there, lost in the colors of the object. Gazing at it until I feel like I understand it completely. Art is equally mesmerizing and confusing. And sometimes I let my curious mind wander too far.

"It feels haunting, doesn't it?" a masculine voice from behind me cuts my gawking. It sounds kind of familiar, but I can't place it somehow. Still, I can't tear my eyes away from the painting.

"In a calm way, yes." I reply after a beat or two, feeling him step to my side. A tall figure, standing with confidence from my periphery. I don't know why I feel goosebumps on my skin. As if my body notices some danger nearing.

"You seem to adore it." All of a sudden, the man gives away that thick accent. The one I obviously recognize. My eyes widen in shock as I slowly turn my head, realizing who he is.

Xavier Serrano Cortez is standing beside me like he belongs here. Here, in enemy's territory. In the same fucking city as someone who wants to kill him the most.

God, he's in the fucking Sicily. I kind of hope my mind playing tricks on me right now because he can't be this stupid?!

"What the hell are you doing here, Xavier?" I whisper harshly while scanning the room to check if anyone notices him more than necessary. He's a dead man if they do.

"Hello to you, too, mami." His lips twitch a little at the panic in my face. No traces of worry on his features as though this is some kind of joke.

"Are you fucking crazy?" I snap angrily, trying hard to keep my voice down. The last thing I need is garnering attention in the room filled with gossipers. Rumors spread fast in this circle. And this man ridiculously chooses my mom's gallery to make his presence known.

"I just need to see you." He shrugs nonchalantly.

I look at him like he's insane. Why can't I be surrounded by normal people? Like, why? Am I only attracting crazy?

Again, I look around warily. He can't be seen with me. Hell, he can't be seen at all. This place is too public.

"Meet me outside. We can't talk here." I hiss.

Luckily, he doesn't argue, striding toward the exit door that leads to an alley. I'm praying there's no one out there smoking.

I follow him in five minutes distance, knowing fully he'd get back here if I took longer.