Page 22 of Did My Heart Love Till Now?

“No, we cannot be seen together right now.”

Bowing my head, I took a deep breath. The other guys boxed me in, leading me toward the doors. The crowd spotted us, immediately swarming around like angry wasps. Both the sidewalk and street were full of strangers to me, yet they knew me. Cameramen filmed me. Paparazzi took photos. Reporters shouted questions at me. Two of the new bodyguards held my arms tightly, assuring my safety. I did my best to keep my eyes forward, ignoring them.

What is going on? Did your father really murder Donato Barone? Will this affect the other three families? Can you comment on the murder? Have you had any contact with Alphonse Barone? Are you and Sofia Barone dating?

Just as my father’s most trusted bodyguard, Johnny Ice Pick, opened the door, a particular question caught my ear. Who will replace your father now that he’s going to prison?

I froze, growling. I twisted toward the voice, marching to the one I suspected shouted the question. “What did you say?”

“Who will replace your father now that he’ll be away for a while?” He shoved a black, wireless microphone in my face.

I glared directly into the camera behind him. “I will be replacing him and don't fucking talk about my father's absence.”

Ice Pick rested his hand on my shoulder. “Okay, okay. Enough with the questions everyone.” He tugged me away. “Let’s go inside.”

Slowly, I turned away after glaring deep into the lens of that camera, hoping I made whoever was watching, very nervous.

When I woke up this morning, I made my way downstairs, groggily yawning. My father was in his office with his work friends, watching the television. I stuck my head in the door, pretending that I knew nothing, trying to act as normal as possible. I always greeted my parents.

“Morning, dad.” I tried not to raise any suspicion whatsoever.

He did not turn to face me as he intently watched the screen and sipped on a mug of coffee. I scanned the room, and I heard his voice.

What did you say?

My eyes snapped up to the screen. I leaned in the doorway, bringing my thumbnail to my lips. Gavino was wearing a crisp, black suit, but with a black leather jacket. His hair was slightly spiked and dark sunglasses concealed his forest eyes. Though I was sad, I fought back a smile as I admired how handsome he looked. Grabbing the rosary, I clutched it in my palm. I had not taken it off since he put it on me.

Who will replace your father now that he’ll be away for a while?

Instantly, Gavino became hostile.

I gulped, waiting for his answer.

He did not remove his glasses, but it was easy to tell he was angry. I will be replacing him and don't fucking talk about my father's absence.

The minute those words left his mouth, my father and his friends began to exchange mocking glances. My father roared with laughter, wiping tears from his eyes as he walked to his desk and sat down. I sighed, averting my gaze.

“Sofia.” My brother, Nick, snatched me from my thoughts.

This caused everyone in the room to turn their attention to me, noticing my sudden presence. I began to feel embarrassed, hoping that no one had noticed my sudden interest in the news. I offered a small smile.

Nick ran his fingers through his wavy, dark brown hair as he stood next to my father, towering over our dad’s five-foot ten-inch stature. Nick was just over six feet, eyes the color of mine and a much more handsome version of our dad. However, when they stood side-by-side, there was no denying the family ties.

“Sofia come in here.” My father smiled warmly. He was greying on the sides of his hair, yet he still maintained a youthful appearance. He spent a lot of his time in the gym when he was not spending time spoiling us. Though he was tough, he was also a loving man and a great father. He always wanted what was best for our family. I knew he did bad things, but at home he was my dad and nothing more.

Trudging toward him, I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around him. He hugged me tightly, placing a kiss on the top of my head as he did every morning. Right now, I just wanted to be alone. Between losing my uncle and processing the current events with Gavino, I just wanted to breathe with nothing hindering me. I pulled away, sighing.

“Your uncle's funeral will be this weekend.” My father put his hand on the side of my head, gazing into my eyes. He knew how close Donato and I were.

“Okay.” I nodded. “May I go now, please?”Thankfully, I had used makeup to hide the artwork Gavino left on my neck.

He bowed his head slightly. I hurried to the door but one of the men grabbed my arm by the elbow and yanked me back into the middle of the room. I spun around, mouth agape as he grabbed Gavino’s rosary.

“Where the fuck did you get this?” He inspected it then shook it in my face.

Tensing, I jerked my head back. Internally I trembled. Externally, I needed to remain calm. His eyes trailed up from the cross to my gaze.Be calm. Be calm. Be calm. I repeated in my head. He creased his forehead, calling my bluff silently.

“I asked you a question.” He muttered.

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