Chapter 37 Lingering feelings

“Usually… I take things…by force,” Pedro's voice was low and deep. His hands were warm and cold at the same time. Olivia didn't move, such men. Such power.

“Men are just the same…same tactics…same mission,” she muttered. There was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. Focussing on her ears, Pedro played with her earlobe. He knew she was getting affected. She was always influenced by his touch.

“Can you…kill him?” Pedro asked unexpectedly, his fingers clasping the loc of her hair. Olivia stared at him without blinking.

“Revenge…what's revenge?” Pedro asked and moved away from her. Standing there all frozen and cold. Olivia followed his movements. A little graceful and aggressive. He sat down and crossed his legs.

“He killed you, in the most…cruel way possible …burned your family alive,” Pedro started, picking up a random object he swung it between his fingers. Every word pierced through her heart like a hot blade, “he killed your child…his child for that matter,” Pedro added with a smirk, still listing the crimes her lover committed. Olivia didn't argue, however waited for him to finish his words.

“Can you kill him for that…or do you feel sorry?” he said, this time his tone was dark. His expression was blank and carried anger. Olivia stared at the man motionlessly.

“It seems you don't hate him that much to put a bullet in his head,” Pedro remarked lazily while getting up. With a sarcastic chuckle, he tilted his head to look at her. She wasn't moving. Her head lowered.

“First tell me…why you want revenge…it seems you are using me for something,” Olivia said, glancing up. Her sharp eyes met with Pedro's questionable gaze…both stood face to face…none wanting to move.

“That's my business,” he said and prepared to leave, however, he soon stopped. “You are too soft-hearted…your revenge is just a bluff…if you can't kill him at first sight…then you won't…ever,” he remarked and walked away slowly. Olivia's hands were clenched, veins popping out.

“Aren't you the one who said I can't get my hands dirty?” she countered back before Pedro left the living room. The man stopped abruptly. Turning around, the woman was still rooted in one place.

“The fact is that you still love the bastard!” Pedro muttered, there was anger in his voice. Although Olivia saw how he was suppressing it. Looking at him, Olivia was helpless.

“That's your choice…because I know what I feel,” she shot back, if he believed she loved Luciano. Then that was on him.

“Focus,” saying that Pedro went to get his coat and phone. Olivia was helpless even when Pedro left. Reaching for her chest, the only thing she felt for Luciano was resentment.

***

When dawn approached, the city was busy, Sydney woke up early as usual. The thought of her family pushed to the darkest corner of her mind.

It was a weekend, Alfredo told her she didn't need to come on weekends; hence she stayed to have a little time to herself. Her apartment was small just for her, with a small kitchen to do her cooking and a small living perfect for her.

“Very soon… I'll make sure the enemies pay,“ Sydney muttered, running her fingers in Olivia's photo. She never missed a day when she didn't think about her friend. The last time she saw her.

“Soon…even if… I have to deceive someone and use my body… I'll do it,” she muttered, tightening her grip around the photo frame. Luciano played Olivia, he showed her fake concern and love. He deceived her with fake affection.

From the start, she didn't like Luciano's approach. His sweet words and flawlessness.

She hated such men, devils, at first sight, were better than angels with deceitful innocent faces. Jerking back to reality, Sydney wiped her tears. There was a knock at the door hence. She placed the photo frame on the table and proceeded to see who it was.

She didn't recall telling anyone her new location. Pulling the door open. Sydney was stunned to find someone unexpected standing before her.

“You…what are you doing here?” She did not ask why Alfredo was here. He didn't look so happy and angry; however, his expression wasn't his usual one.

“May I come in…or will you ask people to stone me to death?” Surprisingly, Alfredo said coldly. Sydney failed to understand him. Why did he come and why so cold?

“It's morning…may I know why you came here,” she asked upon letting him into her apartment? Alfredo didn't utter a word. His eyes darted around, taking in his surroundings.

“You are the only one…who wants my family humiliated…as far as I remember, this happened again,” Alfredo cut to the chase. Turning around, his sharp eyes met with Sydney's questionable expression.

“My hatred for your family is well known…believe me if I had the power to get rid of you… I'd do it with a snap of my fingers,” she shot at him, her voice holding nothing but anger and disdain. If he came to remind her about his ridiculous family, then she was going to spit on him and his last name.

“You had the guts…how dare you hurt my mother!” Alfredo yelled, startling Sydney, if he could get angry, so could she.

“Your mother is a monster of a woman… Alfredo opened your eyes for once…you can't keep covering up for what your family does to innocent people,” she failed to understand why he was so wrapped up in his mother's lies and didn't want to put her behind bars.

“So it was you…you asked those people to…kill my mother,” Alfredo said, taking small predatory steps towards Sydney. She didn't like him at all.

“I saw it…and I'm glad it happened…the only shameful thing is she didn't die!” Sydney spat it bitterly; however, that was a mistake because in one swift Alfredo grabbed her by the shoulders. His fingers dug into her flesh, causing her discomfort as he pulled her to him.

“I'm… I'm only tolerating you…just this once… I'm overlooking your mistakes,” Alfredo muttered coldly through gritted teeth. His eyes shone with rage, Sydney fought to get away from him. How dare he cause her pain.

“Let me go,” she whispered, hating the sight of him. His presence made her feel nauseous, “don't you dare lay your filthy, blood-drenched hands on me!” she snarled, hoping he would get off her. Alfredo did everything to calm himself. His eyes shone with contentment as he glared at her.

“Stop this…” he murmured, closing his eyes, his grip on her loosened, however, he didn't let go of her. Sydney stared at him without moving. Why was he tolerating her? Who gave him the rights?

“Leave…just go…you won't understand, and you will never understand,” with enough strength she shrugged him off and stepped backward. With a low exhale, Alfredo fixed his eyes on Sydney, as stubborn as she was, he didn't understand why he kept on saving her each time his mother did who knew what to her. Now Antonia was likely to rain hell on her.

“For Olivia…look after yourself,” Alfredo said and turned to leave. He didn't even look back when he slammed the door shut, leaving Sydney standing helplessly.

Her heart ached, her vision getting blurry as she reached for her head. She hated him and wanted him at the same time. She wasn't going to let her feelings for him get the best of her.