Chapter One Hundred Two

*Gabriela*

“So, this is how everything is going to go down then? There’s nothing I say or do that will stop you?” Charlie asks Enzo one last time as the two of them face each other.

I was scared and yet proud at the same time. I hated that Enzo was thinking of taking this route, but a part of me too felt like maybe there was no other way. If he did this however, there may be no chance of going back.

Charlie then looks to me, and I knew he wanted to say something about the baby. I didn’t want Enzo finding out like this, so I shook my head slightly, enough to get a stern angry look in his eyes but he looks back at Enzo clenching his teeth.

“If you do this, there’s no going back. You know this Enzo. Your father will make sure that you uphold your promise.”

Enzo looks down at the ground, clenching his hands tightly. I knew he didn’t want to go through with it any more than Charlie and I wanted him too. But this had to end and there was no other way about it, not if we wanted to live a safe and peaceful life.

I slowly walk up next to him and carefully take a hold of his hand. I feel his palm relax in mine when he finally looks to me. I give him a look I hoped told him that everything was alright, that everything was going to be fine. He sighs carefully before releasing my hand just to softly graze it on my cheek and into my hair.

Looking back to Charlie he says, “I don’t want to do this, Charlie. But I have too.”

A frustrated look crosses Charlie’s face as he roughly rubs the back of his head. “Then…I’ll be right there by your side. I don’t like it, especially knowing this is something you never wanted to do in the first place, but…I’m in.”

He sounded defeated as he says this, but I was glad. Because as long as Charlie was still around I knew that Enzo would be safe from harm. Charlie would do anything in his power to make sure of it. Enzo patted him on the shoulder before bringing him in for a hug.

“Thank you.” He whispers to him just for Charlie to sigh heavily and hug him back.

Enzo then looks to me and gives me a reassuring smile that I knew he didn’t feel at all. He was risking his life and putting himself in a position he never wanted to be in. Coming up to me he gently takes the sides of my face in the palms of his hands, leaning down to tenderly kiss my lips. His warm touch and soft caress brought tears to my eyes; afraid this could be the very last time I felt it.

“I’ll do everything to come home to you alive and well.” He whispers, making me more emotional than I have been the last twenty-four hours.

“You promise?” I whisper back, needing to hear him say the words.

“I promise.” Even though we both knew it was something he couldn’t guarantee.

Taking another deep breath he lets me go and straightens out his shoulders, looking to me then Charlie. “Well…I guess I’ll go make the call.”

And with that he leaves the two of us alone. Once he was out of ear shot it didn’t take Charlie two seconds to ask the question he’s been dying to ask.

“Why aren’t you telling him? If he knows then he’ll change his mind.”

My chest tightens as worry flows through me. “I don’t think he should change his mind.” I tell him hating the words as they come out of my mouth.

He stares at me like I have gone crazy. “What? I thought you didn’t want him to be a part of the family legacy.  I know for sure he doesn’t.” He nearly snaps.

“I don’t. But think about it Charlie. Enzo’s right. Dario will never stop. He’s the type that holds grudges for a very long time and doesn’t sit well knowing that he’s been bested in any way. He’ll hunt us down to the very end. And I don’t want to live like that. My child shouldn’t live like that.”

I watch as his shoulders deflate. “But what if it all goes wrong and something happens to him? You’ll be alone and your child will grow up fatherless.” He presses.

I give him a small, sad smile. “I have confidence that he’ll be okay, I have to believe that. Besides, I know he’ll make it back to me alive.”

“How are you so sure?”

Grabbing his hand with both of mine, I squeeze it gently as I stare right into his eyes and say, “Because you won’t let him die.”