Chapter 61

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Franco asked while munching on his breakfast that I had made for him. I guess I was used to cooking for them back in New York. When I saw him coming into the kitchen, I offered him breakfast right away.

He was smirking when he asked and I knew he knew why I’m staring at him like that.

“You deliberately sent me right in to him, didn’t you?” I crossed my arms to my chest.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He was trying to act innocent but his eyes said differently.

“What if that guy murdered me in here in cold blood? He looks like he won’t hesitate to kill me.” I said to make him feel guilty.

“And yet you weren’t even hesitant to show your possessiveness.” He teases. Warmth spread all over my face at his comeback. He sighs before speaking seriously this time. “Truthfully, he was already getting on our nerves. He pissed off most of the men here. If he wasn’t our boss’ business partner, we would’ve slit his throat.”

“And why exactly isn’t Cara doing anything about it?” I was already annoyed at the thought that maybe there’s something between them. If that guy was bad news, why is Cara not doing anything about it?

I’ve never thought I could be this jealous of a man. The feeling itself is eating me alive. It consumes all of my logic, unable to let me think rationally. And I swear I want to look for that asshole and beat him to a pulp. But I have to force myself to be logical about my every move here or it will cost Cara a lot or more.

“Chill, man. That green monster is not suited for your angelic face.” Franco continued to tease. I frowned at his remark, not ignoring the fact that he called my face angelic. “Anyways, our capo easily tolerates her business partners. It’s not unusual for us to meet people like him but we try to ignore it if they’re doing business with us. Alessandro was just on the next level, you know. But I guess I was right to assume that she would bring hell to those who even insult you. Thank god that puttana is out of the picture.” He smirks knowingly. His accent was showing the more he spoke.

“So you admitted that you made me your bait so you could get rid of that prick.”

He grins while shrugging. “Come on, amico. You owe me for pushing you here. You would’ve run away without meeting her.”

I bit my lip, blushing. “I cooked you breakfast.” Though my statement was more of a question.

“And you have our boss for the rest of your lives.” His lips tilt vaguely in amusement.

“Thank you, Franco.” I hope he could see the sincerity in my look. “I don’t know why you did it but I’m truly grateful.”

He shrugs. “Do you wanna know why you have my support?” I gave him a look that would tell him that I did want to know and I’m listening for an answer. “It’s because you’re a simple man and probably the most sincere. When we found out who you were, it was only natural for us to have an immediate investigation. When we learned what kind of person you were, I had immediately expected that you’d be spared. Cara usually has a soft spot for people who would do anything for their family. I mean we grew up in an environment where family always comes first. I just didn’t expect that you two would fall in love though.” His chuckle was intended for the last part.

“Word of advice, don’t let your insecurities consume you, amico mio.” I didn’t hide my surprise at that. “Don’t be surprised. It’s been written all over your face.” He said, smiling. “Seriously though, I don’t think anyone would match her but you. While Cara is so high up, you keep her grounded. You remind her of that with all of her status and riches, at the end of the day, she’s still human and a woman at that.”

Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. It made me realize millions of things in one thought. I feel like I just found light as I walked in darkness for a long time, like I found home when I thought I was lost. Granted that Cara accepted me for who and what I am but I can’t help but feel that I wanted to be perfect for her because a perfect woman like her deserves to be with a perfect man.

But now I get it. There’s a reason why blue matches with orange, red matches with green, yellow and violet. Because they complement each other.

“How do you exactly know all these things?” I asked, watching him in awe. I didn’t expect him to be the one to give me that something that would help my struggles. There’s just something about the way he said that made me feel more than enough for her– that she needed me as much as I needed her.

“Just my observation.”

I chuckle. “Bullshit.”

He laughs. “I figured you need it. You’re perfect the way you are, you know. If not, Cara would not have chosen you.”

—

I was woken up with the sound of my phone ringing. I reached for my phone at the night stand only to see that it was my mom calling.

Shit. I forgot to call them. I was too caught up with everything here with Cara that it totally slipped my mind to inform them.

“Mom…” I said while rubbing sleep in my eyes.

“Lincoln! Just because you’re happy doesn’t mean you have to forget us.” Mom chided but there was a hint of both amusement and concern in her voice.

I glanced at my side and noticed the empty spot beside me. Cara must have gone out. I looked at the time and learned that it was already past midnight. I can’t blame mom for calling right at this hour. She wouldn’t have noticed the time difference considering she’s too worried for me.

“I’m so sorry, mom.” I groaned. “I-It slipped my mind.”

“Sure you do.” She teased but I still noticed the concern in her voice. “I demand you to tell me what happened, sweetie. It’s the least you could do for not calling me, even though we clearly agreed to call me the moment you landed. If it weren’t for Leandro, I would have pestered you regardless if you’re doing the deed with my daughter in law.”

“Mom!” I could feel the blush rushing towards my cheeks. “Do you even know what time it is right now? You can’t expect me to tell you everything at this time.”

“Oh, shush. You always stay up late. Wouldn’t you give your mom time for that? I want to know if you two are doing alright. With how you sound right now, I'm sure you two are.”

I resisted a smile. “I will tell you everything once I get my sleep.”

“Aww…” I could feel my mom puting over the phone.

“Cuore mio, give him a break.” I heard Leandro chuckle over the phone.

“I miss you, Lincoln.” My mom’s voice saddens.

When I left, we had the silent understanding that there’s a possibility that if things would go well for Cara and I, I might not be able to see them again. And I know this call only meant mom is starting to miss me.

“I miss you, too, mom. I promise to call you back and I will tell you everything that happened.”

Minutes after we hung up, I was on my way back to sleep but heard the door opening. I knew it was Cara who was right at the door. Our eyes met and we both stilled. Not because I was awake or she came in late but because even if it was dark, I still recognized the blood that stained her clothes and face.