Aurora’s POV
“You can’t be serious about that uncle Lorenzo, I’m your blood and I initiated the idea. Don’t I have the right to change things anymore?” My voice was filled with horror as I began to evaluate the consequence of any choice I’d make.
I was full-blooded Mancini and I couldn’t just forget about my roots.
“Uncle Lorenzo, there has to be a way out please.” I cried as I kept pondering on both options.
I was sure that Matteo hated me now more than ever and even if he took me with him, he would never love me the same way he did some months back. He’ll probably be with me because of his child which was the last thing I wanted.
But one thing was for sure, I wouldn’t allow him to continue being tortured by my psychotic cousin who looked like he was ready to keep feasting on Matteo’s body.
“It’s not a hard choice you know, and as they say, family is everything. Aurora, I’ve always known you as a smart woman and I don’t think you should leave your family because they will hurt you immediately when you leave this place.” Erizo cut in.
I didn’t spare him a glance as I fixed my eyes on the man that I loved. I wasn’t even sure he was the one groaning earlier because his present expression didn’t give out any emotion, rather he looked like he hadn’t gone through any pain.
Cold chills ran down my spine when he stared back at me. His emotionless look felt like a stab on my heart and quickly I looked away, making a decision.
“I want to save Matteo and his brother and I’ll be out of your lives for good.” I said hastily, surprised at the sudden confidence I had to make such a decision.
Uncle Lorenzo stared at me like I had made the worst choice of my life, but I wouldn’t go back on my words. He had been in love before and I expected him to understand my position, but I guess that his last heart break had changed a lot of things for him.
“Love is really a bastard.” He growled, shaking his head as regret and sadness washed over him.
My emotions were on the loose and if I didn’t leave, I might lose my sanity. Suddenly, the air became too hot and I felt like choking. I couldn’t bear the stares that bore unspoken words of regrets, disappointment and anger.
“Good riddance then, though I really wanted to carve him further but you just had to spoil things for me.” He said through gritted teeth and quickly the darkness in him flashed with the speed of light and disappeared.
“Thank you, Uncle.” I whispered and watched them untie Matteo.
“The family chopper will get you out of here immediately, and we’ll keep an eye on you till you leave. So you all including Giselle and Sofia should be out of here in an hour. If I ever see any of you in Chicago again, you won’t have an easy death.” He uttered firmly and stormed out the torture room with his shoulders drooped.
Tears flowed from my eyes as the memories I had with my uncle came pouring into my mind. I’d lost the man who was the only father figure in my life that I loved so much all because of the wrong decision I made a year back.
And now, I was going to lose another important man in my life.
What was it with me and losing? Why was I always losing the people I loved?
Matteo staggered behind me after being untied but stopped when they brought Angelo to us. He looked more battered than his brother and a long cut bordered from his forehead to his upper eyelid. There was dried blood and I really hoped that it hadn’t been infected.
“Angelo.” Matteo grunted, his tone filled with relief.
“Brother,” Angelo replied and they both embraced each other, the sight was rewarding and it filled me with joy.
“You all had better leave now before I change my mind.” Erizo shouted from the door, causing them to separate briefly from each other.
Aunt Giselle stood beside me, holding my hands which were shaky on mine.
“Let’s go, Matteo.” I urged them, leading the way out of the torture room with Aunt Giselle’s torch light since she was too shaken to do anything.
I noticed the strain between the both of them but I didn’t give them much thought because I had bigger problems to deal with.
I tried to make small talks so that he would respond but he kept mute, his coldness eating me up as we made our way out of the house. I could bear his fierce anger but not his silence. A lot of things were going on in his head and it was sad to know that he was blocking me out.
My hands reached for his hand as we got out of the gate of my late parents’ house, but he froze when our hands met.
“Don’t touch me.” He spat, causing me to flinch.
A jeep wrangler axe stopped in front of us. “Let’s go in, please.” I pleaded and we all entered including Sofia who had been informed ahead of time that she should be waiting for us outside.
He hesitated together with his brother who was waiting for him to act. They couldn’t kill anyone or have their revenge in this state, besides, Matteo was too smart to act without having well thought out plans in place.
They got in and the chauffeur took us to the Camorra’s private airport.
**********
It felt nice to be in Matteo’s mansion again and back in my own room, but his love and warmth was missing. He hadn’t spoken to me yet and I wondered when that would change.
But I was ready to wait till he came around and forgave me.
It was already morning but I didn’t see the need to sleep even though I was exhausted. Bile rose to my throat as it usually did every morning so I rushed into the bathroom and threw up the little dinner that I managed to eat last night.
Doctor Luca was taking care of his wounds and that of his brother. Francesco had called him immediately our feet touched New York City.
I returned to my bedroom and nearly tripped as I saw a figure sitting on the bed. My fingers reached for the switch and I quickly turned on the lights to find Matteo on my bed, half naked save for his shorts.
The wounds on his chest and arms were covered with plasters and I didn’t want to imagine if he had cuts in other hidden places.
“What… what are you doing here, Matteo?” I stuttered, “You are supposed to be resting.” I added.
“My choices shouldn’t concern you, Aurora.” His name on my lips sounded bland and hateful. “You are my sex slave, remember?” He smirked evilly and then it dawned on me that the Matteo I knew was gone.
The devil himself was sitting in front of me.
“Don’t do this, please.” I pleaded.
“Your pleas irritate me, Aurora, and you are in no position to object to my orders. Now strip!” He ordered in the coldest tone and I found myself taking off my clothes.