Seventeen.

"And if that mocking bird don't sing, Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring... And if that diamond ring is brass, Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass... And if that looking glass gets broke Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat..." I quietly hum to Sandro as he falls asleep wrapped up in my arms for the third time today.

Four months ago, I delivered my sleeping prince. I welcomed him three weeks early as a result of me falling down five flights of stairs. I was rushing back to my room before Ace got out of the shower and realised I had snuck out.

The labour pains were intense. It was gut-wrenchingly out of this world but I refused to allow the midwife to give me any pain relief. I wanted to remember the birthing experience in raw detail, to remind myself to appreciate my body more than ever after all the abuse it has endured. I was slowly starting to find my centre once again and when my son was born, he became the centre of my world.

They say a woman's love is contemptuous when it comes to her lover. However, no one has ever emphasised the dangers of a mother's love. That is, when I look down at my sleeping baby, I feel overwhelmed with a sudden surge of Pride. Protectiveness.  Paranoia.

I'm not sure the word Obsession can be added to raging feelings that consume me as the word can always be misinterpreted, but it's there. All those feelings can become deadly when pressed together and shaped into a single huge ball.

Just between us, for the last six months, Castello and I have been meeting privately to discuss his intentions for me.

True to his word. Trent has not touched me, and the insults from Trent's army of goons have seized along with the threats of me belonging to the Esposito Family due to a debt that I had with them.

I let my gaze wander over my sweet baby boys face. His cherry red lips, plump pudgy cheeks, and dark lashes fanning his olive face, all scream adorable. But his hair is jet black, curly and his eyes are Emerald Green with orange flecks.

Three traits that don't resemble myself, Ace or Trent. Confirming Castello's statement about him knowing who Sandro's biological father is.

A question I don't desire to know the answer to. He is mine and he will always be mine no matter who his real father is.

I will strive to be enough for him.

While I play with his small hands my heart stills in my chest and I compel my mind to mesmerize every second I spend with him.

Why?

Because time isn't promised to anyone and I have learnt that the hard way after witnessing everything that goes on in the basement of the mansion and if something were to happen to me...

Gods!! Why am I so bold as to invite these types of thoughts into my mind?

A knock at the door attracts my attention. I stand from my nursing chair and place Sandro in his bed as I fix up my blouse before turning around to see who has entered the room.

"Castello?" I say with a hint of surprise laced in my words. "I thought you were away on a business trip?" I try to keep the tone of happiness out of my voice.

"Sono tornato presto." (I returned early) He replies as he walks into the room and closes the door behind him.

"Is everything okay?" I step closer towards him so I can hear him properly as we speak in hushed tones between us.

Sandros' nightlight creates a rainbow of colours over the room, and I notice his eyes are bloodshot, with puffy tiny bags encircling his sockets.

He looks exhausted.

"Si (yes). I have returned early for two reasons. One regarding Trent and the other, you." He says as he averts his gaze to where Sandro sleeps.

"I take it you've heard the news?" I failed to keep the disgusted tone out of my words.

"I have, and he has gone too far this time. Business deals are struck to keep the peace between families and he is waging a war between the Russians for his own entertainment." He speaks as he runs his hand violently through his hair. "It is a war we will not win after we barely survived the one we just ended with the Irishmen by the skin of our teeth."

I nod my head in agreement, and it only took three shipments and one district to bring about a truce. The crazy Mc Carthy Irish family requested more, but it was only through Castellos's astute business judgement and mellowed attitude that he was able to persuade them to accept the offer on the table.

"She's only 15, Castello and you know he will traumatize her the whole time." My voice trembles as I think back and recall the sick shit he made me do just to get his dick rock hard so he could fuck me while everyone looked on and rubbed themselves to climax.

"Lo so (I know) and if the Russians were to learn of his true intentions for their princess..." He pauses mid-sentence, as if fearful of saying something I am not supposed to know.

"What will you do?"

"I will speak with him and if he doesn't withdraw his proposal things around here will change. There will be a line drawn, causing conflict between Trent and me."

"Meaning a storm of anguish will sweep through the mansion at any time?" I say with a loud sigh like things around here couldn't get any more chaotic.

"Si (yes). The other reason I have returned is because you start your new job tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" I whisper as I turn to face Sandro. "It's too soon to leave him with Ace. I thought I would've had more time to prepare myself and wean him off the breast."

"I did warn you he could fire his P.A at any moment and when he did you'd be going in."

"I know and I accept the mission, Castello. I just thought..." I pick up Sandro's favourite blanky, pressing it against my nose as I inhale his baby scent.

"Mi dispiace, ma è giunto il momento e devi rispettare la tua parte dell'accordo." (I'm sorry, but the time has come and you need to stick to your end of the deal.) He replies as he rubs his jawline with his hand, watching me with suspicious eyes.

"I know," A faint smile crosses my face as I understand him as he speaks in his mother tongue. "I owe you a lot, Castello and even though I should fear you. I can't."

His ocean baby blue eyes narrow slightly. "Don't mistake my kindness for weakness. If there comes a time where I have to eliminate you, Mila. I will." He states firmly as he turns around and exits the room.