Chapter 22

Avery scowled as she tried to lunge at me. I raised my two hands to block her just in case she really will throw her fist. The woman could pack a powerful punch. I’m not even just saying it out of observation because I did experience it firsthand when we spar one time.

“You promised not to harm her.” She chastised.

“I didn’t harm her okay.” I was still putting my guard up, my two hands still full on display on the air. “M-maybe I-I took advantage of her but-”

“That’s the more reason I should kill you.” She exclaimed. She took a step forward and I automatically stepped back. “I don’t know if I should be glad that you didn’t hurt her or the fact that she’s pregnant with your child! Are you insane, Angelo? You should be thankful I didn’t tell him. If he finds this out-”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” I cut her off. "I’ll tell him myself, okay. Please. I plan on marrying her.” I finally put my guard down and dropped my hands along my side.

“And you think that all solves the problem? Does she even love you- wait, does she even like you? The last time I met you two together, she’s either nervous or scared around you. She only calmed down when I reassured her that you will not hurt her.”

“And I didn’t break our promise.” I brushed off the fact that Hailynn didn’t both like me or love me.

“You did. Just not physically.” She retorted.

I took a few steps towards her. “I’m serious about this, tesoro. Maybe we should sit down and talk in civil.” My face suddenly flew to the side, the pain making me slightly dizzy.

The fuck this woman felt like she’s been in the army all this time.

“Cazzo.” I muttered as I staggered. Something wet dripping down my lips. I wiped it off using my thumb and noticed that it was blood. I spat the taste of iron in my mouth. “Seriously. Will you calm the fuck down? Sit down, tesoro, and let’s talk.”

“Are you angry, Angelo?” She asked in a calm manner but I know better there was rage behind it. Her fists clenched ready to hit me any time.

“Maybe I deserved that but for the hundredth time please let’s talk.” I dodged her expected punch but I was met with a kick in the stomach. I groaned in pain while clutching my midriff. “Tesoro, please. You know well I won’t retaliate.” I pleaded in pain.

“Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes. “You challenged me back then and yet here you are begging for me to stop.” Her eyebrows then furrowed quizzically. Her mouth opened to say something but she was cut off when Hailynn suddenly arrived with a concerned look.

“What the hell’s going on here?” She shifted her attention towards Avery. “Avery? W-why- how do you know I’m here? W-what’s going on?” Questions came flooding in as expected. But the look on her face showed that she was obviously confused.

I sighed. “Amore-”

“Come, sit down, Hailynn. We need to talk.” Avery cut me off and glared at me. Hailynn followed her and sat down at one of the chairs we once occupied. Avery and I did the same but she stopped me. “No.” She held her hand. “You’re going to stand. I’m still mad at you, cousin in law.” She said in mockery. I sighed.

Avery sat down near Hailynn. “Now… explain. I want you to talk.” She pointed at me. "And I want you to confirm it.” She then looked at Hailynn. Hailynn then scowled at me. Avery chuckled. “From the looks of it, you’re treading on thin ice.” She said towards me.

“Believe me. I would rather see you beat him up.” Hailynn muttered and much to Avery’s amusement, she laughed out loud.

“Well, there you have it. Ask and you shall receive.” She starts to stand and I stop her.

“Wait!” I cleared my throat from the obvious reaction. I respect Avery so much but sometimes she just scares me. Stefano’s personality was rubbing off her. The couple don’t hold back when they’re angry. Like now, I knew that she cares for Hailynn from how she made me promise but I underestimated it. I am now facing the consequences, especially towards Hailynn when I finally realize that I wanted something more from her.

"No! You screwed up and you will pay for it." She exclaimed as she hit the table with open palms. "If she's acting like this, then surely you fucked up. All I ask is for you not to hurt her and what's even worse is that you took advantage of her. I have warned you that she's off limits and yet you still fucked up. I'm not going to let this pass, Angelo. Not on my watch."

"Please, tesoro, listen to me." I begged. My attention shifted towards Hailynn who seemed interested more at the table than the situation right now. "Please, amore. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what happened that night."

I'm glad that Avery stayed silent and not interrupted my plea on Hailynn. I know she was glaring right at me but she still managed to give me a chance to voice out my feelings.

"There's no excuse for what I did… except that I am attracted to you." I hesitated before admitting the truth in front of Avery. "You know how much I've been wanting to sleep with you." I stole a glance at Avery who was raising a brow at me. "It's just… that night I wanted you so much…"

The words were suddenly hard to pronounce. I don't know how to say this to her that she won't ignore me or get mad at me. Perhaps I just choked at this coming confession.

Since when do I exactly beg? I, otherwise known as the King of the Mafia, was helpless against this woman. Everyone respected me but how come I’m almost groveling my feet in front of her? But Cara had known why and she'd seen right through me. That all along I did not desire to lead a crime organization.

She once mocked me that I belong on the sofa because I was too soft. I returned her mockery with a bull’s eye in the shooting range we were practicing in. My sorella laughed at that. I didn’t pay that in mind back then because being nice would never get me anywhere if I am to become the don.

I hear Avery sigh beside me, the sound of the chair scraping against the ground when she decided to leave us be.

The long silence was broken by her and I was extremely surprised that she finally decided to talk to me. "I'm mad that you took advantage of me knowing I was drunk and not in the right mind but I was more furious at the fact that you left." She exclaimed.

“You left me, Dante.”