Mafia Love

Chapter 42

Grace

4 days before the shooting...

A warm embrace enclosed my body as my fingers were tangled between the satin sheets, and my head lay rested on a cold pillow.

My eyes open, and I'm looking at the grey painted ceiling of an unknown room. I sit up and look around only to notice that I'm actually in Alessio's bedroom. However, I'm alone and the sun has yet to rise. I take a quick glance at the clock on the nightstand. 5:45 a.m.

"Well, better late than never," I say to myself. I slowly crawl out of the comfy, king-sized bed and make my way to the bathroom. I look in the mirror and notice that I am in Alessio's buttoned down white shirt. "Hmm. I guess he changed me."

I turn on the shower, quickly strip out of the shirt and jump in. I let the water cascade down my body as thoughts begin to flood my mind as to what my brother had said to me yesterday: Javier Colón could not be trusted. Anthony actually knew about Abuelo's death. He...he wanted to help me?

I shut off the water after I finished bathing myself and grabbed a clean towel off the rack. I then wipe off the condensation that collected on the mirror, and I proceeded to dry my hair. I need answers, and I need them now.

I put my now-dry-hair into a ponytail and make my way to Alessio's closet for clothes. I turn on the light to see that he did indeed have some of my things in here from the first night I stayed in here with him. I drop my towel and slip on red lace underwear with a matching bra. I then grab a long sleeved, peach colored dress shirt, black jeans and leopard print, three inch booties. I then throw the towel into the hamper, put on some mascara and colorless lip gloss and glance at the clock once again. 6:25 a.m.

I sigh before stepping out of the room looking left and right. The house was silent. Only the sound of the air conditioning system could be heard along with the ticking of the clock downstairs. After looking a couple more times to see if the coast was still clear, I walk downstairs real fast and make my way to the basement.

Like I said before: I need answers, and I need them now. I open the door to the basement and descend down the creaky, old stairs. I flip on the single light that dimly shines in the foul smelling room, and I see my brother still tied to the chair asleep. This time I won't have any interruptions of my stupid crying and five pairs of eyes constantly looking over my shoulder.

I walk up to the chair and give it a good kick waking up my brother. I stand back with my arms crossed as he slowly comes to and lifts up his head to see me. I run my hand through my long, dried hair, which was in need of haircut, and tilt my head at Anthony. 

"I don't know how long we have alone together, nor do I know when Alessio will notice I'm missing and send his men down here. Therefore, I suggest you give me what I need, and I suggest you give it to me now and fast," I state directly at him. My arms crossed in front of my chest to let him know I'm not taking anymore shit from anyone. 

"As I said last time," Anthony speaks up with his scratchy voice, "I want to make up for what I did to you." 

"You can do that by talking. First off, tell me why you are so keen on me not accepting Javier's help." 

Anthony lets out sigh, "I know you probably won't believe me on everything that I say to you, but you will believe me on this matter." 

"What makes you so sure?" I ask, curiosity rising within me. 

"Because Javier and abuelo were friends, but when abuelo wanted to quit the 'business', Javier was furious." Anthony pauses before continuing, "Javier did help get abuelo out in order for him to watch you grow up, but it came at a very high cost."