Conquering Drew

XXV

Giovanni kept his promise and allowed me to have free roam, but with an intense bodyguard regime. I was placed in a small house, located in a very suburban New York area. I told all of my neighbors I was a travel agent with no husband, boyfriends or children. I kept to myself to avoid creating temporary relationships that could blow my cover.

The guards watched my every move from a distance and made no effort to make contact with me. I talked to Gabi every day and facetimed her to see my godson. I was glad he wouldn't remember these times, I felt bad for having to ditch her during the time she needed me the most.

The first few weeks were odd without Giovanni, but I eventually grew used to it. We talked only twice a week over the phone because he was so busy fighting someone else's battles.

My phone rang and it was Giovanni calling, as promised.

"How was your day?" he asked politely

"It was okay. Didn't do much."

"I need to tell you something."

"What is it?" I sighed

"This situation is taking longer than expected."

"And what does that mean?"

"I might not be coming back for another couple of months."

I was silent.

"Drew, say something."

"What do you want me to say?"

"I'd rather you yell at me than to say nothing at all."

"And I'd rather you not fight someone else's war, but here we are."

"I just wanted to help-"

"Now look where that got you. Look where we are. You know what, nevermind. I shouldn't even be surprised. You love violence, you crave it, and I was stupid enough to go along with it."

"I live by a code and I broke that when I chose you. Now I'm trying to make things right."

"No one told you had to. You should've just married the girl if you were going to end up kissing her father's ass anyway!"

"Maybe I should!"

"Fine by me!"

"Good!"

"Good!"

I hung up my phone and threw it onto the couch. I screamed out loud in frustration. I didn't expect him to call back because he was just as stubborn as I was. And I didn't know who would apologize first or when.

I called Gabi because if anyone could help me with Giovanni, it was her.

"I think you both just need to talk it out."

"When are we going to do that?

"I mean when he gets back will probably be the best time. It's only a few weeks and it's more than enough time for you both to cool off."

"He's not coming back for another two months."

"Two months?" she asked quietly

"Yes and who knows if not longer.

"I mean I can see why you're upset..."

"Exactly."

"Look, I know he can be selfish and sometimes things don't make sense. But once you get used to this lifestyle, everything will be fine."

"I think I would be fine with it if I wasn't isolated. I had to change my whole life, while he's in Italy doing God knows what."

"I assure you, he's not having any fun."

"I didn't say he was." I sighed

"I think you two should take a few days to get your thoughts together."

"Doesn't sound like a bad idea."

I didn't sleep much that night due to the tossing and turning. I wanted things to be okay with Giovanni, but he couldn't hardly think I was okay with being left here while his life was in danger somewhere else.

My phone buzzed by my bedside and I reached over to see who it was.

Giovanni was calling me and I didn't know what I would say.

"Hello." I answered

"You're still up?" he asked baffled

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep."

"I just wanted to call to apologize for the way our conversation went."

"I do too. I'm just frustrated with this situation."

"I know and I'm sorry I put you through this. But it'll be over soon."

"I have a feeling it's going to take longer than two months."

He sighed.

"You were right, I am kissing his ass."

"But, why?"

He sighed.

"I guess I was just hoping if I helped him, then he would still offer me possession of the river."

"I can't believe this... actually I can. Of course you would risk your life for something so stupid."

"It's not stupid to me." he defended

"You know what? I hope it's all worth it to you, because I'm done."

"You're mad because I have a goal that I've been working hard for?"

"No, I'm mad because you didn't even discuss this with me and then you expect me to wait around hoping that you make it home. All you care about is money and I refuse to come second to it."

"I care about you and you are a priority."

"Then come back."

"I-I can't come back. I have a lot to do-"

"You have your own plane and you can't even see me for a day. That really shows your priorities."

He let out a frustrated grunt.

"You're making my life more complicated than it has to be."

I gasped in shock.

"Well, you don't have to worry about that anymore." I snapped

"What-"

Before he could respond, I hung up the phone. I wasn't going to stay around where I didn't want to be kept.

Instead of going to sleep, I stayed up all night, angry at him. I could feel the tightness in my throat, but I forced it down. Once the sniffles started, I furiously tried fighting back the tears.

I hated him for making me cry. I hated him for isolating me. I hated myself for letting my guard down.