Chapter 54

“I assume you already know everything considering how you didn’t let your mom finish explaining everything.”

“I already know Cara enough to expect that she’ll pull a stunt like that.” I responded quietly. I was no longer overwhelmed with emotions right now so I managed to talk to him level headedly. If he’s going to confess again another truth that they hid, I’m probably going to lose my shit.

I haven’t told anyone about my hopeless case or how I feel about Cara. No one I know knew her. I have been bottling this up ever since. Sometimes I get angry and at times I feel nothing, just numb. Most of the time, I feel hurt. My chest tightened in pain.

He sighs before speaking. “You know… before you came back, Cara sent her men here.” My head turned to look at him, suddenly interested in what he’s about to say. I feel like I’ll be facing another disappointment and pain.

“I was ordered to be extra vigilant. I talked with the men and they filled me in on what happened. Our boss was shot and was in the hospital for recovery. What I didn't get was why she was adding security here. It seems you got yourself in trouble again, my son.” He said while watching me with an unreadable look on his face.

“What do you mean? If you’re talking about Maxwell Reed, then the man is already dead. Cara killed him. I saw it myself.” I exclaimed, knowing I didn’t like where this conversation is going.

“Yes, but he has a son, Dylan. His son is after you.”

I looked at him both in fear and disbelief. “If he came for me, why did they target Cara? Are they aware of who she is?”

“The shot was meant for you. I mean, not in a literal way. They have been stalking you for a while and they found out you have a girlfriend. The shot was aimed indeed at Cara but not because she is Cara but because they thought she was your girlfriend.”

My breath hitched at the new information. I looked down at the ground feeling so guilty that I almost caused her death. “Why? I don’t understand. Why was it aimed at her and not me? Does that mean I was the cause of her getting hurt? She could’ve died.”

“Because they want to harm those who are closest to you. It’s why Cara decided to add extra security here. Your girlfriend, your family was next and then you.” I feel his worry through his voice. “They traced who killed Maxwell Reed. They didn’t exactly find out who but they did find out that it was connected to you.” I rubbed my face in frustration.

Fuck. I was the cause why she almost died. Damn guilt wasn’t giving me a break. It’s always one after another.

“I’m the cause of all this shit happening.” Anger seeping out of my voice. I’m so pissed at myself. I do everything I can for my family to support them. I love them so much and yet I still managed to put them in danger.

“Don’t blame yourself, son. It’s not your fault. It’s not like you were the one who approached them. You’re not the one who killed the bastard anyway. Whether you got involved or not, he already had it coming for messing with the wrong mafia. Cara will come after him and still murder him in cold blood. His son will find out about it and Cara will kill him too. That’s how it is. You are just a victim, Dylan, who got caught in this dangerous web. You’re lucky that Cara was the one who found you. It seems her interest in you saved you.”

I scoff. “Yeah, and look what happened. She almost got killed for that.”

Leandro shakes his head. “You don’t get it. It’s bound to happen one way or another. Even when we try to be good, the mafia is still not safe. Someone will always get hurt. I appreciate it if you don’t feel guilty or blame yourself, Dylan. The boss will appreciate it too. She… she did this for you.”

“What?” I exclaimed as I watched him in incredulity.

“We didn’t exactly admit everything just to relieve ourselves from guilt, Dylan. Your mom wanted to keep the truth from you and just go on with our lives. As you said, it’s no wonder she never asked about Cara. She wanted to wait until you told her yourself. But you’ve been acting strangely and out of character that she started to feel guilty, and the assumption that you’re not accepting our relationship wasn't helping. She’s really worried for you, Dylan.”

I sighed heavily, brushing my hair with my fingers in frustration. My knees jolted up and down as I bit my nail out of mannerism. I sensed he was going to say more so I let him as I processed everything.

“I’m sure there's no denying the relief she felt when we finally bonded. There’s also no denying that you and our boss really have a relationship. It was no secret to us and the fact that she’s open about it too. I was sure it’s more than just you getting upset about Violet and I’s relationship.” He said softly.

“And I assure you that I have no qualms over it, Leandro. I trust you with my life to protect my family. I’m not a fool not to notice how you treat and see them.” Sincerity evident in my voice and face as I spoke to him.

He nods. “Of course. I now know that. Thank you. Anyways, I don’t know if you remember what happened last night when you got drunk. You managed to blurt out your feelings in the midst of your drunken state.” My eyes widened. “That only confirmed my suspicion that you were heartbroken over her leaving.”

I looked down, feeling miserable and hurt. “I guess that’s why you’re really here, huh?”

“I saw your scar, Dylan. She hasn't done that to anyone but I know her capabilities enough to do that to you. I will not ask what happened but I can at least help ease the pain a little— by telling the truth.”

I chuckle dryly. “I don’t think it’s helping at all. You’re just reminding me of how much she’s a good person despite who and what she is. And it doesn’t change the fact that she actually doesn’t want me as much as I want her. I’m sure I’ve spoken about that in my drunken state last night. Even if I talk this out, the burden won’t ease. Because fact is, she rejected me. That’s that.”

“There must be a reason why she left you like that.” The hope in his voice only brought more pain for me.

“Leandro, please. Don’t get my hopes up.” I grunted, suppressing my tears. This is why I’d rather keep this to myself. Being emotional in front of my mom’s boyfriend is the last thing in my mind. Not only that, he’s one of Cara’s men.

“Did you know why she came after Romeo Reed?” I didn’t answer which made him continue nonetheless. “She found out that he was trying to hurt your loved ones and you as well. Even if she has to ruin their families’ agreement, she still came after him and his group. It’s obvious she risked it for you.”

My eyes widened as I stared at him in shock. I was too busy sulking that I didn’t realize what she’s actually done. I knew she was going to enemy’s place and torture the daylight out of him but I have forgotten all about it the moment she left and decided that I was no longer wanted.

What she did made their families' agreement at risk. She can no longer step in here because of her recklessness. She broke the treaty. She broke it… for me?

I swiftly rise to my feet in a fit of anger, facing him. He was surprised at the unexpected movement. “I said don’t get my hopes up! She’s very clear on how she felt for me. Don’t twist it for my sake.” I said, shaking my head.

I didn’t wait for his reply as I turned around and walked away. I guess he’s right after all about me running away in the middle.