Chapter 35

How long has she been here? How long has she been listening?

“Amore…” I called despite my dumbfounded state. I could hear myself almost begging for her.

She gave me a weak smile and shook his head. She then whirled around and walked off. Leo studied her with a worried look and shifted his eyes to me.

I nodded at him to go after her. He understood my signal right away and followed Hailynn for me.

I turned my attention towards Vassily who was slowly getting up from the ground. I scowled at him. “How dare you jeopardize our relationship?” I growled.

“Jeopardize?” He scoffs before wiping the blood that dripped from his mouth. “You’re the one who’s jeopardizing her life, what's more the child she’s bearing. Don’t be a fool, Angelo. You are born in the mafia and you will die there.”

I strode threateningly towards him. “I guess you don’t know me well, brother.” I spat at him face to face. “The mafia life isn’t what I want. It’s ironic really. Cara was the most ruthless among us three. We used to be so thrilled at her capabilities and yet she’s the one who understood me right now.”

He was silent as he stared at me. From the glint in his eyes, I knew he was reeling the past.

“She should be the one who should’ve hated my decision. But she supported me instead… like a family should.” I continued.

I was disappointed in Vassily. Even though we’re miles apart, we were close. He and Cara had the same age and I was like their older brother. We used to go back and forth between Italy and Russia. Our fathers were very close because of the alliance. We were brothers. We were family. I thought for sure he would understand.

“Angelo.” He called as I backed away. “Even if I supported this insanity, you know you will only put their lives in danger.”

“That’s my problem now, is it?” I said through gritted teeth. I walked off ignoring his calls.

Vassily was right though. It’s going to be a huge burden for us knowing that we will be walking on thin glass and we don’t know when it will break until one of us gets hurt. The mafia will always be an annoying shadow that I can’t get rid of… even though it’s fucking broad daylight.

Ever since I decided to drop everything from my previous life and settle my future with Hailynn, I vow everyday that I will protect her and our twins. Our family. Selfish but I wanted this for a long time. I’ve always wanted this. How can I deprive myself of this knowing it’s already right in front of me?

And no one will ever stop me turning this dream into reality. No one will stop me from loving Hailynn and the growing family we have.

---

After dealing with Vassily, I came looking for Hailynn straight away. I peaked at the library just in case she went here before going to our bedroom.

She wasn’t in there apparently since the library was quiet and empty when I opened it. I saw Leo coming out of the bedroom as I was approaching. His eyes met mine with a mirthless smile.

“Leo, how is she?” I asked as soon as I was in front of him. I didn’t like the look on his face. Bad news was written all over it.

“She and the twins are okay.” I waited for him to continue talking since that wasn’t the only answer that I was waiting to hear. “I think it’s better if you two talk. Vassily said some things that might make her misunderstand.”

“Cazzo.” I grit my teeth in anger.

I stepped towards the door and twisted the doorknob. I was even angrier knowing that she fucking locked the door.

“Amore, open up!” I banged the door non stop hoping she would open the door for me. “Let’s talk. Let me explain! Amore!”

I pressed my forehead against the door in frustration. My hand kept twisting the doorknob, forcing it to open. “Fuck. I’m going to blow this fucking door.” I muttered through my breath.

I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I realized it was Leo. He didn’t leave surprisingly considering I’ve been noisy here for god knows how long.

“Perhaps it’s best to leave her alone for now. Let the situation cool down a little. Come back later when you also calmed down, si? I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to talk to her right now when you’re also still in a mess. You will surely have an argument instead.”

I sighed heavily. I clenched my fists in disappointment and anger. But Leo is right. I’m just afraid that she’s going to be distant again to me.

I have never loved a woman like I have with Hailynn. My heart is attached to her. I will fucking kill every living thing if she will leave me.

---

I followed Leo’s advice and even hours had passed, she still won’t talk to me. So I wasn’t calming down at all. I felt like I’m beginning to whine like a fucking dog. I could not even sit still and just paced back and forth in my study.

The maids were able to send her food. She would take it but she would ask first if I was there and would tell them she will not eat if I try anything to burst into the bedroom.

I have had it!

I stormed out of my study like a man on a mission. I will not be sleeping out of the bedroom tonight. Like hell I will!

I went to Vassily’s room and confronted him again. I plan to let him submit to me and admit that he was wrong. I will let him apologize to Hailynn. I will fuck my wife after that. I will fucking tie her to the bed and make love to her until another baby comes in.

That bastard even has the face to stay in my house. Even chose a room for himself. But this is good. I won’t have to travel to a hotel and leave Hailynn here.

Without any warning, I barged right into his room, opening his, luckily, unlocked door with extreme force. I stopped short of what I had heard from his phone that he is currently listening to.

“Fucking idiota! Come back here and I will fucking skin you alive myself, Vassily! I told you not to step afoot there and you did not listen to me.”

The familiar voice surprised me. Vassily’s eyes immediately travelled to mine when my sudden presence took his attention.

“I came here to say what your brother needed to hear.” His sharp eyes remained in mine as he answered Cara’s rebuke. “Such fairytales don't exist in our world.”

I remained in my position while listening to them intently.

“Don’t make me come there, Vassily. War will arise if you do not listen to me.”

Vassily only gritted his teeth at my sister’s blatant response.