AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What exactly is the situation, Katie?”
“Where do I start?” I’ve not known Emmaline for long, and although I feel I can trust her, I don’t want to offload everything onto her. Plus, knowing things about the Guerra’s could prove dangerous. I tell her the bare minimum, missing out on the contract and how I’ve been threatened with legal action and goodness know what else if I don’t comply. Thinking about the difference in Leo and our relationship now, it’s so different from when I first arrived. Maybe if I spoke to him, he would call off the wedding, and we could just date and see how things go. If only things were different. I’m starting to fall in love with him again. Or maybe I never stopped. But this life he leads, I can’t see myself in. Yesterday in the shop, that woman wouldn’t let me pay. She was scared. I don’t want people to feel like that around me. The night at the opera, people shooting at Leo just because of who he is. I don’t belong in that life; I don’t want that life. Maybe Leo knows that, and that’s why he has arranged this ludicrous wedding.
“I suppose in a weird way, and if he wasn’t some mobster, it might be quite romantic.”
“Yeah, I suppose it would.”
“So, do you want to marry him?” I can’t answer that question.
“Leo is…” I’m saved by Alfie coming in demanding a drink. After that, I manage to keep the conversation away from my and Leo’s relationship.
At dinner, Leo seems more relaxed.
“I heard you had a discussion of sorts with Mia today?”
“You could say that. Who is she anyway, and why does she think she can just walk in?”
“She’s the daughter of my father’s number one.”
“I know that, but why does she just walk into your home? Have you two had a relationship? Or are you still in a relationship?” The question makes me sick to my stomach.
“Katherine, I am a loyal man. I can promise you that as long as you are with me, I will only be with you. That stands for you also. I am very protective over what belongs to me. Do you understand? You are mine now, only mine.” He strokes the side of my face and kisses my forehead. “With regard to Mia letting herself in, she and Marco have something going on between them. I’m not sure what; I’ve never asked; that’s his business. Though I doubt after your little performance today, she will walk in unannounced again.” He chuckles. I love when he is happy like this. I decide now is a good time to ask about the wedding.
Chapter 18
Katie
“Leo, I want to speak to you about the wedding.” He puts down his knife and fork and straightens in his chair.
“Hear me out, please. Just let me say what I need to say before you say anything.”
“I’m listening.”
“Could we postpone the wedding for a while?” He grunts.
“We can stay engaged, just get to know each other more. I’ve always had feelings for you, Leo, and there’s something amazing growing between us. Forcing all this will just ruin us. Why can’t we just have a relationship like normal people? Let me introduce you to my family; let them get to know you before we get married?” I can see his brain ticking over what I’m saying. “And that contract, do we really need that?” He rubs his chin as if considering what I’ve just said. Before he can answer, Marco bursts through the door.
“Tuo padre.”Your father
Leo stands, and they both quickly leave the room.
“Katherine, you’re coming too!” I guess I’m going as well.
On the way to the hospital, Leo looks extremely worried. I don’t know what to expect when we get there, and I’m too afraid to ask. His hand is on the seat at the side of me. I put my hand over his and give him a little squeeze. He doesn’t respond, just continues looking straight ahead.
When we get to the hospital, we are shown to a room where his mother waits outside. Her face red and puffy.
“Leo.” His mother hugs him. “Katherine, thank you for coming.” She hugs me too.
“How is he?”
“Not good; come sit with him.” Maria opens the door.
“Do you want to come in, Katherine?”
“No, thank you, Maria, you two go ahead. I’ll get us some coffee.” Leo nods to Marco, instructing him to come with me. I roll my eyes. I didn’t notice on the way in, but the hallway leading up to the room is well-guarded by Guerra men. They all look as mean as each other. Each one nods at me as I walk past them. When I get to the café to get the coffee, my phone rings; it’s my dad.
“Hi, Dad!” it's so great to hear his voice.
