91

MILLIE
Initially, I had misjudged Dario’s demeanor, assuming he was posing a threat. But as events unfolded, it became evident that he was gripped by worry. The gravity of the situation hadn’t fully registered with me at first.
However, I must confess that I had a notion of just how dire things could turn out if I aided Harper’s escape. Despite the potential consequences, I couldn’t turn my back on her. After all, she was my sister, and my love for her ran deep.
The tranquility of the moment was shattered as the door to the guest bedroom swung open, and Gabriele stumbled out in a rather disheveled state. His shirt hung untucked from his pants, and his appearance was marked by a disoriented pallor. A complex mix of emotions played across his face when his gaze fell upon me first, a flicker of anger, swiftly replaced by a reluctant submission as he noticed Dario standing beside me. In my actions, I had inflicted a blow to his pride, an affront particularly injurious for someone entrenched in the ranks of the Made Men.
Concern edged my words as I inquired about his well-being. It was true, I had resorted to drugging him, a decision that weighed on my conscience. But considering the circumstances, his cooperation would have been hard to secure otherwise. Gabriele made his way to the sofa, sinking into it, his body language heavy with silence.
Turning to Dario, I inquired about Gabriele’s condition, sensing that his physical state might be the least of his worries. Dario’s response was laden with an air of gravity, underscoring the idea that Gabriele’s blunder would lead to even greater predicaments. My heart sank at the realization that his misstep would likely invoke the wrath of Gio, a man who brooked no incompetence.
Gabriele’s discomfort was palpable, etched across his features.
Desperate to intervene on Gabriele’s behalf, I was swiftly shut down by Dario’s curt remark. His words were a stark reminder that self-preservation should be my immediate concern. I was left momentarily speechless, my thoughts a tumultuous whirl.
Just as the elevator started its descent, my gaze flicked towards the display. It was headed to the underground garage Gio’s destination.
Anxiety twisted in my gut. Dario’s admonitions had unsettled me deeply. Still, I clung to the conviction that Gio, in his wisdom, would understand my motivations. I hadn’t defied him; my actions were driven by the desire to aid Harper, nothing more.
Yet, an unsettling notion crept in that appearances could be deceiving. Fear crept up within me, and I turned my attention back to the window, using the panes as a shield to collect myself.
Had my choices irreparably damaged everything?
Abruptly, the elevator halted on our floor, the heated exchange between Gio and Sebastian filtering through. Through the window’s reflection, I caught sight of Gio’s towering figure engaged in a confrontation with his brother. Sebastian was certainly tall, but Gio’s presence was commanding, almost regal. His eyes met mine in the mirrored glass.
A gulp traced its way down my throat.
He was striding towards me. The apology I was about to utter stalled as his firm fingers closed around my forearm, pivoting me to face him. Suppressing a gasp, I met his gaze. The intensity of his barely contained anger sent a shiver through me. His silence spoke volumes, a confirmation that the situation had taken a dire turn.
Advancing with purpose, Sebastian’s voice sliced through the tension. “Where’s Harper?”
Lost in Gio’s intense gaze, I found myself disregarding the presence of the others around us, letting his magnetic pull consume my attention. It was a charged moment, one that held unspoken words and unexplored emotions.
“Answer,” Gio’s voice broke through the silence, a quiet command that held an underlying intensity.
I attempted to extricate myself from his firm grasp, a futile effort as he refused to release me. In that instant, a spark of anger ignited within me. It was frustrating to witness his display of dominance, a calculated act designed to showcase his power and authority as if he were the embodiment of strength and control.
“She’s gone,” the words left my lips, tinged with a mixture of resignation and defiance.
A derisive snarl escaped Sebastian’s lips, his voice dripping with cynicism. “Oh, really? Do you think we’re unaware of that fact? But where has she disappeared to? Both of you vanished, concocted your little plan together.”
A nonchalant shrug was my response, a feeble attempt to downplay the gravity of the situation. “I don’t know. We decided it was best if I remained unaware.”
“Bullshit,” Sebastian’s smile twisted into a cruel expression, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling glint. “You’re well aware of her whereabouts.”
“Millie,” Gio’s voice sliced through the tension, his tone unyielding as he redirected my focus towards him. “As of now, no one else is privy to this information. Not even your father or the rest of the Outfit. But soon, we’ll have no choice but to reveal that your sister managed to escape while under my protection.”
The implications were clear it was a blow to his image. Gio, the Capo, the symbol of unassailable authority, now faced the humiliation of his charge fleeing right under his nose. It was a struggle for dominance, a battle of egos that I detested, a reminder of the toxic power dynamics that seemed inherent in their world.
I pressed my lips together in a mixture of frustration and resignation, feeling trapped in a game I had no desire to play.
Sebastian’s frustration simmered, erupting in a low growl. “I will find her, even if I have to scour every corner of New York. She wants to provoke me, to challenge my authority. If I catch her entangled with another man, she’ll regret the day she was born.”
A surge of anger surged through me, and I couldn’t contain my retort. “You’ll never find her. She’s gone to a place where you’ll never reach. And Harper won’t return, not to you.”
“Too far away,” Sebastian’s eyes narrowed as they shifted from me to Gio. “So you do have an inkling of her location.”
I tensed, bracing myself for the impending confrontation.
“It’s irrelevant,” I stated firmly, a renewed determination settling over me.
Gabriele’s mocking snort reverberated in the charged atmosphere.
Gio’s already stern expression darkened further. Sebastian closed the physical distance between us, his presence almost suffocating. A plea was exchanged between the brothers a silent exchange that spoke volumes. “We must locate her, not just for my sake, but for the reputation of the Famiglia,” Sebastian’s gaze scrutinized me, an unsettling sensation creeping over me. I had let my guard down around him, perhaps forgetting the depth of his and Gio’s capabilities. “We need to extract the information from her.”
An involuntary swallow betrayed my apprehension. I was poised to repeat my resistance when the true gravity of his intentions dawned on me.
“If you find it difficult, Gio, let me handle this,” Sebastian’s words carried a murmur of persuasion, a chilling proposition veiled within. “I don’t anticipate needing to subject her to severe torment. She’s not accustomed to enduring pain.”
Shock propelled me to jerk within Gio’s grip, my gaze darting between Sebastian and Gio. My voice escaped me in a harsh whisper, disbelief tingeing my words. “You can’t be serious.”
“Silence,” Gio’s growl punctuated the room, quelling any further outbursts. A sharp inhale was my only response, his authority rendering me mute.
His attention returned to Sebastian, a flare of dominance in his stance. “I am your Capo, Sebastian. I will handle my wife as I see fit. Lay a finger on her, and you’ll be challenging my authority.”
Sebastian’s response was nonchalant, his tone defiant. “Then deal with her, Capo,” a reckless edge colored his words. Was he openly challenging Gio’s authority, daring to test the boundaries of their relationship? Was his obsession with Harper so consuming that it eclipsed even his allegiance to his brother?
A wave of realization crashed over me. What had I done? I had jeopardized my connection with Gio for the sake of Harper. But deep down, I knew the motives were different my actions were driven by sisterly love, while Sebastian’s desires were steeped in possessiveness.