The Don

51

Kiara

"The tension is pretty high in here. What the hell is going on Kiara?"

"Let's just get to the vehicle and I'll explain." Kiana was accompanying me to my newly opened restaurant along with two CUV's filled with guards. It's a bit excessive if you asked me but apparently somebody killed Milana.

I won't act like I feel any sympathy for the woman. She literally hated my gutts. If it wasn't for her—no scratch that it's not only on her. It's on the devil I married too. They're the reason I have people trying to kill me. My life is in even greater danger since Dario found out that I cheated on him. I've been trying my best to pretend like everything's fine mainly because I don't want him to see me sweat and also babies have a way of sensing their parent's distress. Truthfully, I don't know how much longer I can pretend.

I've been missing out on sleep, afraid that if I shut my eyes Dario won't allow me to open them again. I have bags under my eyes but coffee and exercise helps a lot with keeping me alert. It's barely been a week but I still can't bring myself to even look at Dario. Every-time he enters the room I get goosebumps. I have never been more afraid of this man than I am now. I am truly terrified of what Dario may do to me. Something tells me this isn't mercy Dario is showing me. I suspect it's more like a grace period. That terrifies me more than anything else. I feel like he's waiting for something. Not knowing what it is nerve wrecking because the right time could be any given time.

I was so deep in my thoughts I hadn't even noticed how close we were to the restaurant. Who could blame me though? Anyone in my position would be consumed with worry. I feel so silly for getting myself in such a mess. This could have been avoided so easily. Why didn't I just stay in that night? I should have been smarter. I was beyond reckless. Sneaking out while the mafia is at war. I could've gotten kidnapped or even killed. I may have avoided the first but by having sex with him I think I just signed my own death warrant. Then I had the nerve to lie to Dario again, making him believe I had no idea who I slept with. I degraded myself for the sake of saving a man's life. A man who I owe nothing, a man I don't even really know.

Kiana must've sensed my uneasiness and discomfort but she clearly chose not to speak on it. I wish I had never gotten her involved in this cruel lifestyle. With a heavy heart and clouded mind, I got out of the vehicle as we arrived at our destination.

"We can go back if you're not up for it you know." Kiana spoke softly rubbing my back as if trying to comfort or assure me. I can't explain the love I have for this woman but if I went back to that mansion I would probably cry.

"Trust me, this is better." I said as we walked in. The place was pretty crowded. It's safe to say that business is going well. I only wished I enjoyed the music that was playing in the background. It had sweet melodies but I'm not an Italian music lover just yet. It was appropriate for my customers though.

As I walked in I gained the attention of most. I don't know if it had anything to do with the bodyguards I entered with or if I was recognized as Mrs.Romano. Either way, it wasn't really sitting well with me. It made me uncomfortable more than anything.

"You're either the Queen or an alien cause baby this attention is a bit much for me farless for you." Kiana uttered loud enough for me to hear.

We were escorted to a private area of the restaurant reserved for VIP's. This part of the restaurant was secluded, away from the eyes of everyone in the front. Everything about it was different from the furniture to the flooring and even the waiters who were on stand by. As soon as we sat we were attended to and they took our orders. I sat at a table for two with Kiana while the men stood guard around us. Even a lunch date with my friend felt overwhelming. I felt like I was suffocating. On one hand I'm surrounded by Dario's men who are to protect me against the people who want me dead. On the other hand I have to go back home to yet another man who may very well want me dead after my act of betrayal. My anxiety was through the roof and honestly the menu didn't even look too appealing anymore. I felt sick to my stomach just thinking about the bad joke that is my life.

I held my head in my hands just trying to calm my fast beating heart. My life feels like it's surrounded by destruction. I can't believe I brought a child into this chaotic lifestyle. Such a brutal world doesn't deserve my sweet boy.

"Kiara are you alright?" I was so lost in my thoughts I almost forgot that Kiana was here with me.

"I just need to wash my face, excuse me." I had barely taken two steps and the guards were already down my throat like an after pill.

"I'm just going to the restroom, there's no need for you to follow me. I know my way around, it is my restaurant after all."

"Understood but-

"Please, I'm asking for one minute to go to the ladies room to return. Surely that's not asking for too much."

"But ma'am our orders from Don Romano-

"ENOUGH. I am well aware what your orders are and I'm giving you a new one. Are you choosing to defy me? Or did you forget that you are not only my husband's employee?" I spat with such venom, I almost believed my performance was a brave front. I often forget my position in this world. The Romano surname has given me alot of power but I don't use it nor am I interested in using it except in this case ofcourse.

I can't even explain my surprise when he bowed his head like a priest and stepped aside. That actually worked. It definitely would not have went my way if I were dealing with Lorenzo and Valentino. They take their work extremely serious as my personal guards. Valentino is recovering from being shot four times and Lorenzo was needed by Dario for something he did not disclose which is why neither of them are here now. They are more stubborn than me and they hardly speak at all so their absence is a bonus for me in this matter.

I quickly made my way to the restroom and I almost jumped out my skin at the sight in the mirror. I looked so awful. The makeup on my face couldn't hide the lack of life. My eyes were dull with bags underneath them and my skin looked pale. When was the last time I truly looked at myself? Like really analyzed my features. I Can't say simply because I don't know. I do know though, that if I stay in here too long the big bad wolves will come looking for me. I washed my face with cold water hoping to bring some life and energy to myself. Then I dried it with a paper towel gently enough to avoid removing or messing my makeup. Satisfied, I made my way out of the restroom but this man standing in the way clearly had other plans. The look on his face was enough to make me scream or run but he moved quicker than me. He grabbed me and swiftly placed a cloth over my mouth. Sure, I had a damn good idea what it was but in the heat of the moment I could not avoid my panicked actions to avoid inhaling the smell. It didn't take time for the darkness to consume me.