Page 21 of Did My Heart Love Till Now?

“Just because you’re in charge now doesn't mean you can see her.”

I brought my eyes to his, scowling.

“It actually means you will now have to make more difficult decisions.”

“I will do whatever the fuck I want.”

He shook his head. “Gav, our families are at war now.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but he corrected himself.

“A much worse war.”

I stood, sliding my hands in my pockets, staring off at nothing. “Well, I hardly know her, anyway, right?” I narrow my eyes on his.

He sighed. “Gavino, I—”

You will attend the ceremony with me tomorrow.”

He nodded, striding toward the door. He stopped and spun around. “I cleaned the sand out of the gun for you, like you asked.” Without saying a further word, he left.

“Get up, Gavino!” I heard the familiar voice of Maria. “No strange girl today?” Her tone dripped with mockery.

Cracking my eyes open, I blinked slowly. For once, I was not hungover, but I was still not a morning person. Groaning, I rolled over and pulled the pillow over my head.

“What time is it?” I mumbled into the fabric.

“7:00 a.m. You need get ready for you Papà.”She tried her best to speak English.

It had been a couple of days, and now it was time for my father’s arraignment. Maria plodded to my closet and returned a few minutes later carrying a solid black suit and shiny, black formal shoes.

Today, I did not fight or argue since I knew I needed to dress nice to earn respect. I did, however, omit the jacket, and slid on my favorite black leather jacket instead. I reached for my black Ray-Ban sunglasses on the dresser then headed out with my keys and wallet in my hand.

As I stepped onto the front porch, I froze. Cameras, news vans, and a swarm of people continued to lurk outside the gate, but that was not what caught my attention this time. Four of my father's men, along with his driver, stood next to two black SUVs. I had planned to drive myself to the courthouse. I had no intention of bothering anyone else today. This was an actual family matter.

I shook my head, snorting. “Yeah, I don't think so.” I held my keys up, dangling them between my fingertips. “I’m driving myself.”

Federico rolled his eyes and began to follow me to my car.

I spun around, flashing my palms. “Alone.” I remote started my matte black Mustang Mach 1 before yanking the door open. Offering a mildly annoyed glance, I got in the car.

“Follow him.” I heard Federico giving the men orders as I closed the door.

The gate opened slowly, and I crept through the crowd, revving the engine, trying to get them to move. Fucking media!

The exterior of the courthouse was packed. I realized quickly that I needed my father's trusted men after all. Being the stubborn man I was, I would never admit that aloud. I was going to try to make my way through the mounds of people all by myself.

The rules of my family were something I never played by, and I did not intend to now. Trying my best to conceal my identity, I parked behind the building. Keeping my sunglasses on, I stepped out of the car and marched around the corner. That’s when I felt someone grab my shoulder. I swiveled around to see Federico and the three other men scowling.

I removed my glasses, cocking a brow. “Here’s how this is going to work. I’m going into that building by myself and I’m going to be with my family. Like I said back at the house, alone!”

Federico offered a curt nod, sliding his hands into his pockets. “I understand what you’re saying, but we need you alive.” He nodded his head toward the front entrance. “You see those people waiting for you?”

I glanced over, then turned my attention back to him, nodding subtly.

“Those people want a piece of your family, and I can’t promise you some of them aren’t Barone’s posing as media.” Folding his arms over his chest, he anchored himself with his feet shoulder length apart. “So, I suggest you let them escort you through the crowd at the very least.”

Shrugging, I slid my sunglasses back over my eyes and took a few steps. Federico did not follow. Stopping, I glanced back over my shoulder. “Are you not coming?”

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