Chapter 89 Favor
CHAPTER 89
Favor.
SCARLETT – POINT OF VIEW
I brace myself for his next line of questioning, but it never comes.
He nods, and we sit in silence. For the first time in weeks, it’s not uncomfortable. It feels like an inception, the beginning of something transcendent, but at the same time, I’m not quite sure. Perhaps I should jump in, but I’m scared. He always pulls the rug from under my feet often, and I’m not quite sure I should allow him do it again. Things have changed now, though. He saved my life. He got hurt because of me. He would have given his life for mine. He knows nothing about me, and did it anyway.
“I need to check on Adeline and Luca. Do you want to come with?” I ask, getting up.
He nods, and we walk out of the room.
It’s a brand new day, but the dangers of yesterday linger heavily. Emiliano is not gone. He will be back. We’re just beginning. He would never let me go, and I don’t understand why he thinks he owns me. He truly believes I’m supposed to be his when we didn't even interact often back in Mexico. He was my father’s business partner, and that’s all. I respected him, but never thought about him.
I look at Roman, who is doing a good job of hiding his pain.
Perhaps he’s made of steel, indeed.
We walk into the mansion and find everyone there.
Eve gasps and runs to me. I sigh and hug her softly. I had hoped to postpone this interaction, but they’re here, so we might as well get it over with. Damian, Caleb, Elena, and Rick are fussing all over us. It’s almost stifling, but I allow the comfort and soothe their worries.
“We were so scared.” Eve rambles, and I nod, listening while searching for Adeline with my eyes.
“Roman came home alone, covered in blood, and you were nowhere to be found. He didn’t even wait to talk to anyone. He just got so many weapons, ready to risk it all for you. We were all so worried. Rick wanted to go with him, but he told him to remain behind in case it was an ambush. I didn’t understand it. It felt like a scene out of a movie. I know you felt like a fish out of water, thrown into the whole chaos. I am just glad you’re here and safe …” She continues speaking, and I nod.
The reunion lasts for the next twenty minutes.
Finally, I escape their hold, only to be hugged tightly by Chiara and Francesca.
Vincenzo hugs me lightly and says, “We’re glad you’re safe. Adeline told me you saved her life. We owe you, Scarlett. You will always have a home with us in Sicily. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to reach out. Do not worry, the men who hurt you are all gone, and you’re safe now.”
I nod and catch Adeline’s gaze. She winks at me, and I frown at her.
I walk to Milana, and she nods at me, a lot unsaid hanging in the air.
Luca sits at the head of the table, frowning, tapping his finger. His body is basically thrumming with anger. It is understandable. His father died about a month ago, and now, his bride was kidnapped by the same people who killed his father. It’s not a good look because he’s Don now.
“I say we burn them all.” He declares, sitting up.
Everyone stops speaking and looks at him.
“What?” Francesca frowns at her brothers.
“We burn them all. The entire Cartel need to die. We take the war to them, and set the whole place on fire.” He grows and gets up.
Vincenzo sighs, “As much as that seems to be our next action, we shouldn’t. We still have allies in the Cartel. Men and women who believe in what Diaz started.”
I freeze, heart pounding. My father is Diaz.
“Ever since he died, that place has descended into hell. Emiliano killed him, he killed his own, burned Diaz and his family alive, his innocent wife and daughter. He has no mercy. He is a monster, and we will make him pay, but in due time. He wants us to attack him, give him a reason to rain hell down on innocent people, but we can’t do that. We increase security, and we have a wonderful wedding in Sicily.” Vincenzo articulates calmly.
“And, if they attack again?” Alessandro asks.
Roman answers, surprisingly, “I might not know much about your politics, but they won’t attack again. You sent them packing with their tail between their legs. We burned down the ship and sank their men. We sent a warning, the biggest warning of all. They know they messed up. They had one chance, and they blew it. Luca might be new, but his reputation precedes him. Taking his wife and mine, hurting them was a mistake on their part, but fortunately, they weren’t able to do what they wanted. We found and rescued them on time. This doesn’t mean they won’t be another attack; there probably will, but we’re ready now.”
Luca nods and sits down, “They’ll probably attack during the wedding, so we will move the date?”
“Move the date?” Adeline frowns.
“We get married tonight.” Luca declares.
She pales immediately, “T … tonight? My mom isn’t here. Gianna, either.”
“We’ll go home. We’ll get married at home. No one needs to know. We keep it in the family. We can let people know after the wedding, but it has to happen this night. They’re trying their best to stop the union, and we cannot allow that.” Vincenzo expresses.
Adeline nods and walks away.
I follow her, understanding her fear.
I find her outside, in the throes of a panic attack.
“Calm down, Addie. You knew you were going to marry him. This is for the best.” I whisper, wishing I could be more helpful.
She looks at me, “I saved you out there. That bastard who held you almost revealed your secret. He almost told Roman who you truly are, but I stopped him before he could. I did you a favor and I will come to collect soon.”
“What’s in the flash drive?” I ask, dropping all pretence.
She grins, “Trust me, you don’t want to know.”
“Try me.” I insist.
She sighs and confesses, “The Cartel is involved in a series of child and women trafficking.”