Page 26 of Did My Heart Love Till Now?

“I don't want you getting hurt in the crossfire, baby.”

“My dad might come after you and I can't let that happen.”She choked as a tear rolled down her flawless cheek.

I nodded, smirking. “He will most definitely come after me, but I got this.”

She shook her head. “It's all my fault.” She laid her head on my chest. “I’m so sorry, Gavino.”

Cupping her shoulders, I moved her back. “Look at me.”

Gaze meeting mine, she sniffled.

“Baby, it's not your fault.”

“It is.” She winced. “My dad has your rosary.” She began to sob uncontrollably. “One of his friends ripped it off my neck and told my dad it belonged to your family.”

I tried my best to remain calm. This was bad. Very bad.

“My dad said he planned to personally give it back to you.”

“I promise I will be okay.” I gave her false hope because the truth was, I did not know what to expect from anyone right now.

She threw her arms around my neck and pulled my face down to hers, kissing me fervently.

I could have kissed her forever, but I knew I needed to leave soon. It took everything in me, but I peeled myself away. “Can you meet me here tomorrow morning?”

“I will do whatever it takes.” She frowned, choking back tears once again.

“Okay and please forget about the necklace.” I smirked. “I promise I’ll get it back from him.”

Taking a deep breath, she placed her hands on my chest. “I don't want you guys fighting.”

“I swear to you I will only act in self-defense.” I shrugged. At that moment, I was not sure if that was a lie or not. My focus was doing whatever it took to get my father out of jail and have my life back to normal.

“I understand.” Closing her eyes, she bowed her head.

“You better hurry home and I’ll meet you at ten in the morning.” Locking my fingers with hers, I guided her to the back door by the beach. It was important she was not seen, and the front of the house was more than likely under watch at this point. I am sure security found me by now. “I’ll walk you to the property line.”

As we strolled along the area of the private beach, hand in hand, I knew that anything could happen between us. She was the daughter of my enemy. Before, it was a forced hatred. Now, it was real. As we approached the property line, I yanked her against me, sliding my hands into her back pockets. She gripped my sides under my open shirt.

“If you don’t show up, I’ll stay in touch as much as I can.” I offered a small, hopefully convincing, smile.

“I’ll be here.”

The next morning, I cracked my eyes open, seeing Joey hovering over me. I closed my eyes once again, rolling the opposite direction, hoping everything had been a dream. "What do you want?" The hoarseness in my morning voice caught me by surprise.

“Have you looked outside your house this morning?” A low chuckled swelled in his throat.

Out of habit, I lifted my hand to my chest, feeling for my rosary. Shit. I shot up into a sitting position. “What time is it?”

He glanced at his watch. “Seven.”

“Shit shit shit.” I threw the blankets back, marching to the closet. “I have to get ready and go.”

“Where are you going?”

My office felt smaller today. Family stress always made me feel greatly suffocated. As I sat at the desk in my home office, I stared into the distance. My men spoke among themselves about the recent events with the D’Angelo family. I picked my teeth with my thumbnail, waiting for my plan to fall into place. I knew my daughter would be awake soon. She had snuck off the estate grounds last night and I know she went to see that poor excuse for a human, Gavino D'Angelo.

My daughter. My own daughter had betrayed the family twice! More importantly, she had betrayed me; the man who gave her the entire world since the day she was born. Though the thought pained me, I knew she would have to be punished.Gripping Gavino’s rosary in my palm, I squeezed it tightly, tapping my fist on the arm of the chair.

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