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This time, I do slam on my breaks. Fortunately, we’ve reached home. I ease up and pull into the driveway. Once I stop, Adelina and Serafina rush out of the car. I’ll deal with them later.
I turn to Pia. “You wanted to leave me?”
She shakes her head.I wanted to see more of the city. I’m sorry.She ducks her head, and it takes me a moment to realize she’s crying.
“Hey,” I say softly, lifting her chin. “You don’t need to be sorry for that. I understand you’ve been locked away most of your life. I get wanting to see and experience more in life. And I promise you’ll be able to. Just not until I’ve dealt with your father. He’s now shown he has men looking for you. They took you without a moment’s hesitation. Your father will stop at nothing until he gets you back.”
Those men told me that my father wanted to kill me. That’s why he wants me back.
My chest constricts. “Even more reason to stay inside our house. You can’t leave, Pia. Not until you’re safe.”
She nods, a sad expression on her face.I understand. Dario, I’m so sorry.
Her tears come out harder. Those silent cries.
I pull her into my arms and kiss the top of her head. “I got you, Pia. You know I got you. Let’s go inside and let me take care of you. You don’t need to keep fighting. I’ll do that for you. Just trust me to handle this.”
She nods, and I wipe the tears away from her face. As I look into her eyes, a sudden realization takes over me.
I’m falling in love with her.
CHAPTER13
Pia
Dario helps me out of the car, but I stumble once my feet hit the ground. I’m still shaken from the whole ordeal and not sure when I’ll feel steady again. Dario catches me and scoops me up into his arms, bridal style. I lean into him, enjoying the comfort of his arms.
He asked me to let him handle my father. After today, I’m inclined to agree. It was terrifying being forced into that car, not knowing if I would die. Adelina and Serafina’s presence helped, so I didn’t feel so alone. But I would hate to be the reason why they get hurt or, worse, die. My father wants me, not them, but he showed today that he’s willing to go after anybody to get to me, even hurting two innocent women in the process.
When the car flipped over, I thought for sure I would die. But I don’t even have a scratch on me. It’s a miracle of sorts. Or maybe it’s just Dario. Somehow, he’s managed to make me feel so safe within such a short amount of time. He’s shown time and again that he only wants to protect me. I’m tired of fighting my growing feelings for him. I think I’m finally ready to trust him, even though the thought of being vulnerable scares me.
Dario sets me down once we’re in the foyer and looks at me with so much intensity that I have to look away. “I care for you so much, Pia.” His hand strokes my cheek. I lean into his touch, soaking it up. For a moment, we stay like that.
But then Serafina comes in and interrupts. “Don’t be mad at me, Dario.”
He pulls away from me and turns to his sister. “Don’t be mad at you?” His sudden mood change startles me. “Why would I not be mad at you, Serafina? You’re the one who had the bright idea to leave today.”
“I take it you’re being sarcastic.”
“Yes! I’m being sarcastic. This is your fault.”
“Hey, I didn’t ask for us to get kidnapped.”
“But that’s just the problem. You didn’t even think it was a possibility, but you know that Pia’s father is out there looking for her. I’ve made that abundantly clear. That’s why I didn’t want you to leave the house. But you went against my orders. Of course, I’m fucking mad at you.”
Serafina’s normal bravado drops. “But …”
He grabs my hand and tugs me along as he walks past her. “I’m not having this argument with you right now. Just know that you’re not allowed to leave this house. Not until things are safe again.”
“When will things ever be safe?”
Dario stops, and I stumble into him. He doesn’t even turn around to speak to Serafina. “When I say so.”
Serafina scoffs and storms out of the room. Then Dario pulls me along until we reach our bedroom. Unfortunately, its normal coziness doesn’t provide any warmth against Dario’s cold mood.
He sighs and sits down on the bed hard, putting his head in his hands.
I wring my hands, watching him. I’m not sure what to make of his mood. If he’s this angry with Serafina, why isn’t he with me? I agreed to leave, too. I tentatively take a seat next to him on the bed.
