The Don

30

Kiara

"He is so overly controlling. I feel like a puppet with him. Everything he says I'm supposed to do. It's like he'll tell me to jump and I'm supposed to ask how high."

"He can't be that controlling if he allowed you here."

"He came here to speak to Rafael. I'm only here because he wants me around like a dog on a leash." I expressed.

"Hm still, you look good." She smiled at me.

"You don't look too bad yourself." It wasn't a lie. She at least looked better than the last time I saw her but the dullness in her eyes was evident.

Lord knows how much I've missed my bestfriend. I truly wish I could steal her away and save her from the likes of Rafael. I don't even want to ask how things have been with him. My imagination is bad enough and I really don't know think I want the reality of things to taint my mind. I might just break down all over again at the fact that this really is all my fault. If I hadn't been in Dario's ears about how much I missed Kiana she would've never been kidnapped and Rafael would've never laid eyes on her.

"Your wedding pictures were actually nice despite you know.."

"You saw them?!"

"Yes.. Rafael has allowed me access to the library and he even makes me watch Tv now so I saw it aired on the television. I didn't understand much of what was said because it wasn't an english channel but you looked beautiful to say the least."

I remember those days when I didn't understand the italian language. It was frustrating. I was always surrounded by persons speaking fluent italian leaving me to sit there like the lost sheep. It used to make me feel stupid because for all I knew they could've been bad talking me right in my presence. Ridiculing me right under my nose.

"How about I teach you some italian."

"Woah so she Mrs.Romano and suddenly such a pro that she gets to teach me italian." I know she meant it as a joke but it's like as soon as the words left her lips the reality of the situation just killed the joke instantly. I'm not sure how long I was here for but I didn't want my time with her to be in vein especially since I had no idea when I would see her next.

"This is so depressing—too depressing. We need to really change the mood in here because it's draining the life out of me." I sighed.

"Things were just so much easier before huh." She said.

"Never thought I'd see the day where I'd refer to working in that dreadful place with the despicable excuse of a boss as easy." I said with a smirk and she started to laugh remembering the times we worked as waitresses at the diner. When life was simpler.

The door suddenly swung open stopping our conversation as Rafael now held our attention as he entered the room.

"Sister." He smiled playfully earning an eye roll from me.

"Vorrei un po 'di privacy con la mia ragazza. Facci entrambi un favore e renditi raro, giusto?" He spoke to me but his eyes were fixated on Kiana.
(would like some privacy with my girlfriend. Do us both a favor and make yourself scarce, yes?)

Girlfriend? What a sick joke.

"Like hell I wi-

The clearing of a throat made me swallow my words instantly as my husband emerged from behind him. Dario was now standing in the doorway looking irritated. I hope to God that this fool did not upset his brother or else I would be the one paying for it.

"Ce ne stiamo andando"
(We're leaving)

I wanted to protest and demand more time with my bestfriend but the tone of his voice made it clear that there was no room for argument. He was not asking no he was telling me. I sighed as I walked over to Kiana and embraced her in a warm hug.