Page 53 of Ruthless Rival

When I reached the SUV, I collapsed in Alberto’s arms as he stood outside of it.

He caught me and held me upright, caressing the back of my neck to keep me close. “What happened, amore?” he asked.

“He died,” I breathed out before looking up at him with teary eyes. “He didn’t tell me anything.”

Alberto caressed my cheek with his fingers. “I’m sorry,” he said. “You deserved answers.”

Iso stood with us ever protecting.

I swallowed hard, keeping the rest of my tears at bay. I didn’t want to cry any more tears over Santiago. He didn’t deserve them. “I just want to go home,” I whispered.

Alberto nodded and guided me into the backseat. “Take us home,” he told the driver.

Iso finally got in the front after we were safely inside.

I leaned my head against Alberto’s shoulder during the entire drive back. His comforting words and light kisses he left on my head made some of the distress fade away. Maybe I still had a chance at finding my twins. He couldn’t be the only person who knew where they went. He didn’t do all of the dirty work himself.

When I got to the plantation house, the rest of the Mancinis were waiting for me. Alberto had been on his phone during the ride, so I guessed he sent them a message and told them what happened.

“I’m sorry, Gabriela,” Adriano told me, the others expressing their own apologies soon after.

I gave them a light smile, feeling glad that they were here with me. I didn’t want to be alone. I wanted to be surrounded by family who actually cared about me. They were the ones who mattered.

“Are you okay?” Giulia asked me with a sympathetic look on her face.

I closed my eyes for a moment as I leaned against Alberto’s side, trying to process my thoughts enough to give her a clear answer. “I don’t know, but I will be. My father was evil, and I’m glad that he’ll never hurt me again.”

Alberto kissed my temple as the others stood in a half circle in front of me.

“We’re here for you,” Alessia told me as she took one of my hands.

Adriano reached out to place his hand on my shoulder. “You’re not alone,” he reminded me. “You have all of us. A new family.”

I looked at all of them and smiled gratefully as tears rolled from my eyes. They gave me hope, and that was what I needed the most to move forward. “Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me,” I told them. I worked so hard to gain their trust and we worked together to save the children from my father’s planned massacre. I felt more connected to them than ever.

“New Orleans is safe again,” Lorenzo said as his eyes swept over everyone as we all huddled together.

“As safe as New Orleans can be,” Marco replied with a smirk on his face, receiving a nudge from Giulia.

I laughed softly and gazed up at Alberto to share a warm look, feeling safer and more loved than ever before in my life. It was a beautiful feeling that I cherished, and nothing made me happier than knowing my child would feel the same way.

“Why don’t we go out tonight? All of us?” Giulia suggested. “We deserve it.”

“We haven’t all gone out together in a while,” Lorenzo said with an agreeing nod.

“Really?” I asked them with an awed expression. I couldn’t believe they were doing all of this just to cheer me up.

“I like the sound of that,” Alberto agreed. “Everyone, get ready. Andiamo!” He gestured for everyone to hurry off. He took my arm to keep me still while facing me. Brushing my hair back from my face, he asked, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I have you guys. I’m perfect,” I assured him.

Alberto smiled and kissed my forehead before releasing me to let me get ready. He changed into a cream-colored suit with a black dress shirt underneath.

I decided on a black skirt and a cream-colored, off-the-shoulder top to match with him, coaxing him to chuckle and kiss me sweetly. My heart swelled and melted each time he kissed me like that. How could such a brave, firm man be so sweet and charming at the same time? He was truly a gift.

“Are you ready, my bella?” Alberto asked as I touched up my makeup in the bathroom mirror.

I glided the tip of my red lipstick over my lips one last time and put the cap on then walked out of the bathroom. “Ready,” I confirmed as I took his arm, letting him lead me out of the room and to the foyer of the plantation house where everyone else was waiting for us, including Iso. I smiled at them, admiring their nice suits and dresses. Everyone in my new family looked so incredible. I was honored to be a part of them.

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