I covered his scarred hands with mine, holding his gaze as I gave him a reassuring smile. “I know you’d all die to protect me and I know I’m safe here but with the same certainty I know I’ll be safe in New York because Amo is there and he’ll protect me. Please, respect my choice. Please give Amo and peace a chance.”
Dad exchanged a look with Nino, kissed my forehead and stepped back. “The answer is no.”
I blinked, resignation filling me. “Dad, you can prevent peace but you can’t prevent me from being with Amo.”
Dad’s nostrils flared, and his mouth pulled into a harsh smile. “Oh mia cara, this is my city, my territory, my rules. As long as I take breath, I’ll stop you from seeing Amo again, even if I have to lock you in your room.”
“You can’t treat me like a captive.”
“I can and I will. Give me your phone.”
When I didn’t react, Dad reached for my phone purse and cut it off with his knife.
I couldn’t believe what was happening. I’d never thought that my family would react this badly. Maybe I was really naïve when it came to them.
“I hate you,” I whispered.
Dad tensed. I whirled around and ran out of the studio, even as I regretted my words. I didn’t stop running until I was in my room and threw myself on the bed. Momo and Teacup joined me, feeling my distress. I cried harder than I ever had. Soon a rough tongue licked my hand. I turned my head to the side to find Bear’s head perched on the bed. Beside him sat Dotty and watched me with way too understanding eyes for a dog.
I wasn’t sure what to do. This was really shaping up to be a decision I’d never wanted to make. A decision between my family and Amo. I sobbed.
A knock sounded and Mom came in without waiting for my reply. One look at me and she rushed over to the bed and sank down beside me. She rubbed my back gently.
“Dad told you?”
“I wouldn’t call it telling. He’s raging downstairs. We’ll have to buy new Christmas decoration.”
“He took my phone and wants to keep me away from Amo.”
Mom sighed. “That’s what I gathered.”
“What am I going to do?”
Mom looked away. “I don’t know what to tell you. I’d have thought I’d tell you to follow your heart but I don’t want to lose you. I can’t imagine not seeing you again. With this war…” She swallowed. “To be honest, right this moment, I truly realize how hard this must have been for my family. I didn’t really have a choice, and I want you to have one. I don’t want things to end like they did for me.”
“You think I’ll do what you did and leave so I can be with Amo?”
“Won’t you?”
I could see the fear in Mom’s eyes. Fear that filled me too. But there was also acceptance in her expression. She’d already come to terms with the fact that she might lose me. “I don’t want to be without my family. I don’t want to make this choice.”
Mom wrapped her arms around me, her cheek on my head. “I’ll talk to your father. But I don’t want to give you false hope.”
“I know. What about Nevio?”
“He left with Massimo and Alessio. I doubt he’ll return tonight.” Mom straightened. “You know Nevio…”
I did. He would spill blood tonight. He’d let his monster win, would unleash it.
I’d always felt responsible to cage it back in but I needed to learn to let go. I wasn’t sure how to do it, how to give up the people I loved so much. I still hoped I wouldn’t have to make this decision.
My fight with Nevio kept repeating in my head. His harsh words. I knew they’d come from a place of hurt and fear of losing me, but they still stung.
And Dad’s reaction? It wasn’t completely unexpected but I’d hoped he might see how serious I was and take me serious in turn. Mom’s words hadn’t changed his decision. He was determined to keep me in Las Vegas against my will, which was why I found myself at my sanctuary with two bodyguards that would guard me like a prisoner. I was only allowed to spend one night out here before I had to return.
The worst was that I had no way to contact Amo without a phone. I’d considered stealing a phone from the bodyguards but they were exceptionally careful around me. I didn’t even have the code for the front gates anymore, so I couldn’t leave the premises without them.
Dotty let out a whine and I sat up. What time was it? I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Two in the morning.