The rest of the day passes in a blur, but I don’t see Kira at all. I keep her tucked away in her room. I’ll see her at dinner, and I’ve already arranged a dress for her.
At eight, I get into the car with two guards and leave the estate for Central Park. We’re there early, and my guards patrol the area while I sit on a bench near the entrance.
I see a large figure walking toward me. I don’t stand. I have no respect to give Alessandro, so I won’t give him power over me.
If it bothers him, he doesn’t show it. He sits beside me, and we don’t look at each other.
“What is it you want, Don Rossi? In exchange for Kira?” he asks in a low voice.
I see his guards join my guards on patrol. They eye each other warily.
“I haven’t decided yet, Don Sorvino,” I say. “But what I know is that if you continue to attack my establishments or my warehouses, if you continue to destroy my products and income, then you will get her back,” I pause before saying, “in pieces. Consider her payment for damages.”
“I think not,” he says. He sounds pissed.
Good.
“State what you want, Don Rossi. You don’t just kidnap a Sorvino for fun. You wanted something when you planned this. Let’s get it out in the open and get on with business.”
I shake my head. “I know what I originally wanted, but things have changed. I think Kira is worth far more than what I initially wanted or who I initially wanted.”
“So she wasn’t your intended target,” he comments. “You should train your men better.”
“You Sorvinos all look alike, so I’m not surprised my cousins picked up the wrong girl.” I let that sink in. “But I didn’t bargain on getting Kira. That is quite the prize. More valuable to me than you could even know.”
“How so?” he asks.
“I have my reasons. If you want to know what I want, I’ll give it to you in a list if it’s easier for you to comprehend. Start with item one, call off any attacks on my family and businesses.”
“Fine.” I didn’t think he’d so readily agree. I wonder what card he has to play.
“Then I’ll be in touch, Don Sorvino.’
“Don’t take too long, Don Rossi.” He stands and finally looks down at me, a power play I didn’t think of myself. Well done to him.
“I am not a patient man.” He says it with an air of finality before he strolls off and out of the park, his two men following him.
I give him a chance to get ahead in case there’s an ambush. I stand and allow one of my men to go ahead and one to follow me as I walk out of the park, glancing around for any potential attackers.
There are none.
At least Alessandro plays by what few rules the mafia has.
I get into my car and head back to the estate. It’s late, but I still expect Kira to join me for dinner. Can’t waste a perfectly good meal.
Chapter 15 - Kira
Being cooped up in this room is driving me insane. The least Miguel can do is bring a television in so I can watch something. I understand he doesn’t trust me to stay put, but God, this is the most bored I’ve been in a long time.
I spend most of the day resting on the bed, staring at the ceiling and worrying about Raphael. I know Alessandro will take care of him, but my bigger fear is that Miguel will discover his existence. I don’t want Raphael to have this life. I want better for him.
Maybe it’s inevitable, though. You aren’t born into a mafia family and get to choose your fate. You are forever tied to your family and their name and the things that they do.
I can’t take it.
I get up and dress in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, the comfy clothes I had requested when I made my list. I knock on the door and wait.
Jarred opens the door and looks at me. “You’re not dressed.”