Page 13 of Claimed By a Capo

“Then let’s do it,” I whisper.

We both lapse into silence, thinking about what the future holds. The showdown with Giorgio will be crazy, but I know it’s inevitable. As long as that man is alive, neither Daniella nor I will remain safe.

“We have to leave here though.” I look around the building. “Knowing Giorgio, his men might be on their way here already. We need a place where we can be safe, then we can plan how to fight back. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life running. At some point we’ll have to face him. And when that time comes, we have to be ready.”

“Just tell me where and when and I’m there.” Daniella is still wiping her tears away, but I don’t doubt her words.

I nod and get to my feet. Daniella came here with nothing. I don’t have a lot to pack, outside a few guns and food supplies, and I made sure to have that all squared away before finding her this evening. We have to get on the road as quickly as possible.

“Where are we going?” Her voice isn’t belligerent the way it was earlier in the car. It seems our talk and agreement to work together has calmed the anger in her, at least for now.

“A friend’s place near the water. It’s the safest place I have access to at the moment. I can guarantee we’ll be fine there.”

Daniella stands. “So we run now and fight later?”

“Yeah. We need to stay alive to get revenge in the first place. The first rule in this game is that if you can’t land the killing blow, don’t let someone hit you with it.”

She purses her lips and nods. “We should go then.”

I pack up the few remaining supplies I can get my hands on while Daniella stands by. In a few minutes, we’re on the road. By midnight, we’ll be at the new hideout. Once we’re safe, we’ll be able to regroup and re-strategize.

Don Giorgio must pay for his sins.

CHAPTERSIX

DANIELLA

I’mone step closer to Don Giorgio. He had my brother killed, and ruined my life. Truth be told, I’m exhausted after spending nearly every hour when I’m not at work trying to get closer to the man responsible. It’s been a long, hard road to this point.

I just want it all to be over. To return to some sense of normalcy.

Who knew grief would turn me into this?

The car turns in to Grandview Heights, one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the suburbs of New York City. Shocked, I glance over at Marcello. His intense expression is a direct contrast to the manicured surroundings.

He turns onto a private road but we’re stopped by ornate, wrought-iron gates.

My breath catches at the sight of the enchanting, multi-story mansion before me. The house stretches skyward, adorned with grand arches and intricate stonework, exuding an air of wealth and class. The landscape showcases vibrant blooms and lush greenery, casting a spell of peace and serenity.

I roll the window down and the fragrance of flowers fills the air, adding to the sensory symphony that welcomes me. I exhale and the tension in my shoulders relaxes a little.

“Welcome,” Marcello exhales. He opens his door and I do the same.

“This feels more like a retreat spot than a hideout.” I step out of the car, peering at the tranquil scene to my left. A soft breeze tickles my face and the leaves whistle in the wind.

“I’m glad you like it. Come on, let’s go in.”

We enter the house, and my eyes run over the modern decor. The cool tones feel like an extension of the grounds. I glance travels from the hardwood floors to the landscape paintings and across the room to the oversized furniture.

“Is this place yours?”

Marcello nods as he starts turning lights on.

“How do you cope being all alone here?”

He tosses the car keys on the glass table. “I don’t come here often. And when I do, I’m not looking for company. I’m in need of…”

“Peace,” I finish his sentence.

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