Prisoner to Mr. Mafia (Book 1 In PTMM Series)

Chapter: 12

  Love is an untamed force. When we try to control it, it destroys us. When we try to imprison it, it enslaves us. When we try to understand it, it leaves us feeling lost and confused. -Paulo Coelho  

Gianna Pov

Once I left the office, I needed to get away. I made my way straight to the garden. The sun was setting, casting a beautiful blend of pinks, oranges, and reds across the sky. It was a sight to behold, and sitting here alone, I finally had a chance to think clearly.

I had to confront the harsh reality that my brothers might die in just a couple of days. I had to give up my brothers to save their sister. There was a cruel irony in that situation.

It didn't seem fair, it didn't seem just. But nothing in my life had ever been fair or just. Nothing in the Mafia was.

"A flower for your thoughts?" A voice murmured behind me.

I turned my head to find the source of the voice. Adriano had plucked a flower from the field. He came to sit on the bench next to me, handing me an orange and red tulip with a lopsided smirk.

I took the flower and smiled, then looked back at the roguish man next to me.

"Isn't it supposed to be a penny?" I asked, smiling.

"Well, we are in a garden. I thought a flower would be better," he reasoned.

I nodded as silence enveloped us. We both sat there quietly, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The sky gradually darkened, revealing the multitude of stars and the bright moon. I cherished the silence, the presence of Adriano beside me, and the unspoken connection we seemed to share. It was comfortable, and no words were necessary.

"I don't want my brothers to die," I whispered softly, breaking the silence. I met his gaze, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine.

There was a heavy pause, and finally, he responded, "I can't promise that," in his usual deep, emotionless voice.

I sighed and turned my head to face forward, breaking the intense eye contact.

"Come with me," he suddenly said. I turned my eyes back to him, confusion evident on my face.

"What?" I asked, bewildered by his request.

"Come with me tomorrow. You and Yana. You can finally say goodbye to your brothers," he stated matter-of-factly.

"I don't want to be there for my brothers' deaths," I scoffed, resisting the idea.

"If you come, I won't kill them," he stated calmly. I scrutinized his eyes, searching for any sign of deception, but I found only sincerity.

"Why?" I questioned, my curiosity piqued.

"Because... I could never do that to you," he replied, his voice revealing a hint of vulnerability.

I hesitated before admitting, "I don't know if I could go back there," my voice barely above a whisper.

His expression hardened, and he growled, "I am not going to let anything happen to you."

Instinctively, I reached out and touched his hand, trying to soothe him. "Okay," I agreed, hoping to calm his growing anger. I didn't want to see him upset.

"Adriano! Troops are waiting for you!" Matteo's voice rang out from across the garden, breaking our moment.

"I'm coming," Adriano yelled in response, and with a sigh, I took the opportunity to withdraw my hand.

"Goodnight, amore," he murmured, offering a small smile.

I returned the smile as he got up and began walking back to the estate. As I strolled along, I couldn't help but feel like I was in way over my head. The situation was becoming more complex with each passing moment.