MATTEO’s POV
I held her close, my arms wrapped protectively around her as we tried to navigate the throng of people. The crowd was pressing in on us, and I was afraid that we might get separated. I held her tight, refusing to let go, determined to keep her safe. We pushed and shoved our way through the crowd, trying to make our way out of the chaos.
As I turned the corner, I caught sight of Carter standing in the distance. Relief flooded through me, knowing that he was there to help us. I turned to look at the woman in my arms, her eyes wide with fear. I could see tears streaming down her face, and I wanted nothing more than to protect her. I knew I had to get her out of there, to somewhere safe. But the crowd was closing in around us, and I could feel the panic rising in my chest.
“Go with Carter”. I could feel her grip on me tighten, her fingers digging into my shirt. “Go with Carter Aria”. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. But the woman in my arms wouldn’t let go, her grip tightening even more. I knew I had to get her to safety, and the only way to do that was to push her towards Carter.
I reluctantly released my hold on her, watching as she landed safely in his arms. I watched as he led her away, towards the back exit. I gulped my eyes burning and my anger rising. I raced back to my father’s side, my heart pounding in my chest. He was lying on the floor, his body limp, and still. I could see the blood pooling around him, and I knew that he had been shot. I sank to my knees, taking him into my arms. He was pale and still, and I knew that he was dying. I held him close, my heart breaking as I realized that he had been protecting me. Tears stung my eyes as I realized the severity of the situation.
The chaos around us was only getting worse, and I knew that we were in danger. I managed to pull my father’s body up, his limp limbs making the task difficult. I dragged him across the floor, leaving a trail of blood behind us. I found a corner hidden from view and placed him there, hoping that he would be safe. As I tried to tend to my father’s wounds, I could feel myself growing increasingly anxious. The chaos around us seemed to be escalating, and I knew that we were in danger. I kept thinking about what I could do to help him, my mind racing as I struggled to come up with a solution. My hands were shaking as I tried to stop the bleeding, but it just kept coming, and I felt helpless.
“Son” he called out, as I ignored him, still trying to stop the bleeding “Matteo” He snapped
“I can fix this”. I replied with a grunt.
“You’ve got to go. Now. He’s after you, not me. Keep Aria safe Matteo, she deserves much than you can imagine, ” He forced, and I refused to cry out, my heart shattering as I watched the life fade from my father’s eyes. I held him close, but I could feel his body growing limp in my arms. I felt him take a last, shuddering breath, and then he was still.
Getting up, I picked up the gun, my fingers curling around the cold metal. My heart was racing, and I could feel the anger coursing through my veins.
Another gunshot echoed through the room, and this time, I saw the shooter. He was standing a few feet away from me, his gun still raised. Without thinking, I rushed towards him, my anger and grief fueling my actions. I slammed my fist into his face, my knuckles connecting with his nose. He staggered backward, but I didn’t stop. I punched him again and again, the sound of my fists hitting his flesh filling my ears. I was consumed by a blind rage, and I felt like I would never stop.
I felt my hands wrap around the man’s throat, and I began to squeeze. But then, I heard my Carter’s voice in my head, telling me not to give in to my anger. I let go, my hands shaking as I stepped back. Another gunshot rang out, and I saw Alonzo standing there, his gun trained on another shooter. The room was suddenly silent, the only sound of the heavy breathing of the two men. I felt numb as I saw Alonzo carry my father’s body out of the room.
I saw a bat come down towards my head as I pulled the shooter through the back hall, and finally we were outside, and a wave of dizziness hit me. I stumbled, losing my grip on him. I could feel my consciousness slipping away, but I tried to stay upright. My vision was blurry, and I could feel my body weakening. As I struggled to stay conscious, I saw a shadowy figure emerge from the bushes. I couldn’t make out any features, but I could tell that they were watching me. I didn’t know if they were friend or foe, but I knew that I needed to stay on my guard. I pushed myself to my feet, trying to focus on the figure in the shadows. Suddenly, I heard the sound of an applause. I turned to see a man standing a few feet away from me, clapping his hands slowly.
I could tell that he was enjoying the show and that he was in control of the situation. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. This man had orchestrated everything that had just happened. Alonzo shot the man holding the bat twice in the head, but my entire focus was on the man behind the bushes.
“Show yourself!”. I shouted. “Show yourslef you son of a bitch!”. I shouted again. I heard another gunshot and felt my body tense up. But then, I heard Alonzo’s scream, and I knew that he had been hit. I saw the blood gushing from his arm, and I felt panic rising in my chest. He clutched his arm, his face twisted in pain.
“Boss, run”. Alonzo said, “Run!” Alonzo yelled at me, but I stood my ground. I wasn’t going to run away like a coward. I pulled out my own gun, aiming it at the bushes. I fired off a few shots, but I knew that the man had already escaped. He was toying with us, and I was starting to feel like a pawn in his sick game.
I crumpled to the ground, my body shaking with shock and grief. I looked at the bodies around me, the scene of violence and death. I felt my anger boil over, my emotions raging out of control. I let out a scream, raw and primal. It was the only way I could release the pain and fear I was feeling. My hands were shaking, and it hardly did that. Despite the horror of the situation, I found myself smiling, a dark laugh bubbling up from my chest. I knew that this man had it out for me, and I wasn’t surprised that he had gone to such lengths to get revenge. I was the leader of one of the most powerful mafia families in Italy, and I was used to encountering danger and violence. But this was different, and this was personal. I sat there, staring at my father’s lifeless body, feeling nothing but anger
“I’ll have your eyes.” I whispered to myself in a dangerous tone.