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“Ana,” he says, walking to me and hugging me. “What is going on? How did you get mixed up with the Mexicans? Are you doing drugs?”
“I’m fine,” I say quietly, refusing to look at him.
He uses his finger to tilt my head up. “Have you been doing drugs? Is that how this happened? Tell me who I must kill.”
I shake my head and say, “I said I was fine, Papa. Why do you never listen to me?”
He frowns. “Like you listen to me. As head of this family, you should always abide by my word. You worried everyone. I’m still not sure of the entire story. If someone has hurt you in any way, you need to tell me so I can send that group a message they won’t forget.”
I shake my head. “It’s over, Papa. Can we just go back to normal?”
“No,” he growls. “You are not to go anywhere without a guard or escort at all times. No more clubbing. No more partying. You will do nothing without my permission, do you understand me?”
“So you’re going to control me with an iron fist for the rest of my life? Like a caged animal. I’m no better than the drug mules you use to smuggle narcotics into the country.”
“Anastasia, watch your tone with me,” he snarls.
“Why? It’s not like you’re going to send me away! How would you control me then?” I raise my voice, even though I don’t mean to. I just feel this wave of emotion rolling over me as I glare at him. “I am more than capable of looking after myself. I am more capable than you realize.”
“That’s why Luigi Sorvino had to save you from a bunch of Mexicans?” he sneers. “Is that what you call capable?”
“Oh, how I wish you and Mama had switched places that day,” I snap. “If she were here, she would at least understand. She wouldn’t be pigheaded and stubborn like you.”
“Don’t you talk about your mother…” he starts to say.
“Oh yes, we can never talk about Mama. She existed, and she loved us, and no matter how hard you try, you cannot erase her from our memories.”
I feel the tears forming, but I push past him. He shouts after me, but I hurry. I’m done talking to him. My body aches from the sex, my emotions hurt from the guilt, and my heart bleeds for my mother. I pass Tori, who is standing just inside the door.
“Ana…” she says softly as I pass.
“I’m fine,” I say quickly. “Really.” I go down the hallway to my room, shutting the door loudly behind me and locking it.
I throw myself onto the bed and sob.
My heart feels broken all over again.
Chapter 18 - Luigi
I stand in front of Alessandro. He has risen from his chair and is leaning on his table in front of me, his arms crossed.
“What is going on, Luigi? Tell me from the beginning,” he says.
I explain the story to him again, just as I told it to Dominic. My older cousin is already pissed enough with me to drag me in front of Alessandro if he finds out I lied.
Well, it wouldn’t end well.
Alessandro looks at Dominic, who is watching me. I keep my eyes focused on the head of our family. I remain as calm as I can.
Alessandro sighs and moves to stand in front of me. He’s taller than me, but not by much. I look into his eyes as he says, “Whatever it really is, Luigi, I hope you’ve got it under control.”
I don’t say anything. I don’t mean to be defiant, but I don’t want to give anything away.
“If you need help, you know you can ask me,” he sounds so charitable, but I feel bitterness rising inside me.
“I never ask for help because I am the help,” I comment, pulling a face.
“Watch yourself, little cousin,” my Don murmurs. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but there is a hierarchy in this family, and I’m on the top of the food chain.”
