Chapter 60 Are You Listening?
Serena's POV
I turned my head to the side, giving her a look with my brows lifted.
She didn't hold my gaze for long, looking away after a deep breath.
“What more happened, mom?” I asked after a few seconds.
She smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes, then she sighed. “Your dad didn't just leave me, he left me with debts,” she confessed.
“What?” I asked as I nearly got up from where I sat.
“I don't know what he did, but a few weeks after he left, a few men came around looking for him,” she explained.
“Did they say what they were looking for?” I asked, jumping in immediately.
“They didn't say much at first, they just asked for him and when I couldn't explain, they left. It became a repeated show as they came nearly every week afterwards, and so, nearly every day,” she said softly.
“Did they ever touch you?” I asked, placing a hand on her shoulder gently.
She shook her head. “No, they never tried. But with each passing visit, they grew angrier and soon began dropping threats,” she continued.
“What did they say?” I asked.
“They warned me to tell him to live up to his own end of the bargain, or they would burn everything he has down,” she replied.
I put my head between my hands and pulled my hands down my face.
“The threats got worse over time and it wasn't long before they began thrashing a part of the house each day they came. I knew it wouldn't have been long before they would take me, so I ran,” she added.
I nodded, realizing now how bad the situation had gotten. “Do you think they really burnt down the house?” I asked.
“I have no idea, but from their manner when they came looking for your dad, I won't be surprised if they did. I don't know what Papi did to them, but whatever it is, it got them pretty mad,” she remarked.
“Whatever it is, mom. We are here with you now, nothing can ever happen to you again,” I tried reassuring her.
But she just laughed it off. “You have your own battles, my dear. Luca won't rest till he feels his brother's death has been justified and you all need to do what you can to get him off your back,” she shot back.
“We've been handling him so far and I'll do what I can to reach out to the Moretti family head to see if there's any better way out,” I said in a firm voice.
But mom simply laughed it off again. “I love the optimism my daughter, I just hope that this life you are about to begin doesn't swallow you up like it did to your aunty,” she said.
I took a deep breath and flashes of moments with Aunt Maria passed by my eyes. She had truly been scared, but I couldn't help but hope to be like her one day.
I didn't tell my mom that though, I just nodded my head. “You know what mom?” I asked before looking away.
“I know it's my fault, I very well know that. I pulled the trigger, and if I don't fix this, I will die, but while fixing it, I may still die. So why not die trying?” I said while looking away from her.
She pulled me into a side hug, where we remained like that for a few minutes.
And when she pulled back, her face got serious again. “And what is this with you and Dante?” She asked. “Already bonding with someone else?” She added with a smirk.
I leaned away and laughed playfully. “Stop being creepy, mom,” I joked. “And no, there's nothing really going on between Dante and I, it's just a mutual agreement till everything is settled,” I added, feeling a bit guilty for playing down everything I had felt with Dante till that point.
“Are you sure my daughter?” She asked, still with that smirk on her lips.
“Yes, mom. I'm hundred percent sure,” I added with a smile, trying to hide the guilt boiling up in me.
“If you say so, my daughter. Just be careful, men like Dante aren't easy to shake off if they grow on. And he certainly ain't the type you send a bullet to his head without receiving a couple at the spot,” she with a warm smile.
“I understand, I don't think he will be growing on me anytime soon,” I said with a sense of hope more than belief.
Dante's POV
A mutual agreement?
Is she for real?
I didn't want to eavesdrop on their conversation, I had finished discussing with a director at home to send a jet to pick us up as early as possible the next morning.
Then on my way to Nico's room, I heard voices from outside and when I heard hers, I decided to check it out.
I should have stopped immediately but when I heard my name, I couldn't help but stay back. And now? I'm wondering why her response got to me so badly.
The plan had already been settled and it was all in place for me to use her and get all the power I need. But I couldn't help but feel a sense of anger at her feeble dismissal of what we had.
I hadn't asked her out and was not planning on doing so, but the nights we had felt realer than everything else and I thought she felt the same too.
I refused to believe I was catching feelings but the more she waved it off, the more the anger waved on.
“Eavesdropping on a conversation between mother and daughter? That seems pretty low, especially for you,” I heard from behind me and startled from the first word.
I had come face to face with Maria who had changed into a long flowing gown and was staring right at me with a smirk.
“I wasn't eavesdropping,” I flatly lied.
“Of course you weren't. The great and highly feared Dante Russo, listening to a conversation between a reunited mother and child? That's unheard of,” she remarked with sarcasm lacing through her voice.
I flexed my jaw and nodded my head. “Fine, I was planning on leaving when…” I trailed, struggling to find the right word to use.
“When?” Maria asked with a huge smirk on her face.
I shook my head and she laughed. “Look, you know you can always talk to her,” she added.
“Serena? Of course I can talk to her,” I responded immediately.
And she rolled her eyes. “I mean about the way you feel,” she elaborated.
“Please, there's nothing to talk about. Serena knows her place and I want to keep things that way,” I retorted.
She smiled and raised her two hands defensively to the air. “Alright,” then she leaned in closer. “But remember it's my niece you are dealing with. One mess up, and you'll have a good part of the Ramirez family to deal with two,” she whispered and pulled away with a smile.
I nodded as her warning sent chills down my spin.
“Wonderful, now I'm gonna do something for you,” she remarked and before I knew it, she stepped beyond me and yanked the door open.
I feared she would announce my presence, but was shocked at her actual statement.
“Oh little baby sister?” She called out, referring to Serena's mom. “I need your help in the kitchen please,” she added.
Serena's mom looked up at her. “How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?” She asked.
“Don't know, but you can tell me more in the kitchen. I'm starving and I'm sure Serena is too,” she added.
“Oh, then let's all go,” Serena chimed in.
“Nonsense, you need to rest and think, my child. And besides, you've got your time with your mother, it's my turn now. We've got 20 years plus to catch up on,” Maria replied with a bright smile.
Serena's mom got up and rolled her eyes. “I don't like the sound of that. I'm only following you cause I remember how bad of a cook you are,” she retorted and stepped past Maria into the house.
I went behind the door better so she wouldn't spot me.
“You just wait here, my daughter,” Maria said to Serena and slowly closed the door before winking to me and rushing after Vanessa.
I guess it's time to check out the area.