18
Emilia’s POV
“Emilia?” Allesio’s voice rang out while I quickly braided Francesca’s hair and pulled her dress over her head. She was ready for her lessons now.
“Yes?” I called back. Maybe he didn’t know I was here. I picked up the bags containing her books and held her hand, leading her to the door.
Allesio met me at the door.
“Are you ready to go?” He asked.
“Go where?” Francesca asked before I could even answer him.
“I’m going to the hospital to see Matteo,” I explained to her and her eyes brightened.
“Really? Can I come with?” She asked eagerly.
“No, sweetie,” I replied with a shake of my head.
She tugged on my sleeve with that pleading look I was coming to know so well.
“Please, Mommy?” Francesca pouted, stretching the word out like it would change my mind. “I want to meet him! He’s your family too.”
I knelt down and brushed a loose curl from her forehead. “I know, sweetheart. But this isn’t a visit for you, okay?”
Her face fell, instantly making me feel bad. It would have been nice to see she and Matteo get along. But I knew she wouldn’t be coming. Even if I wanted to take her, I knew Alaric wouldn’t allow it. I had noticed he didn’t really like having his daughter out of his sights or out of the house. That probably explained the reason for her homeschooling.
She gave a reluctant nod, crossing her arms. “Fine, but you have to tell him I said hi, okay?”
“I promise,” I answered, ruffling her hair. “And maybe someday, you’ll meet him when the time is right.”
That seemed to brighten her up because she grinned and began skipping to the library where she was to have her class today. I slipped out and climbed into the car that would take me to the city. I was anxious to see Matteo again, to see if he looked even a little better than last time.
As I walked into his room, I found him sitting up, looking a bit more alert, his eyes less clouded by pain. Relief flooded me, but his first words plunged me right back into reality.
“You look tired, Emi,” he said, his voice low. “Are they being hard on you? Are they treating you roughly?”
I managed a smile and pulled a chair closer to the bed. “No, they are not. Apart from watching me take care of Fran, they don’t meddle in my business. I came here to see how you’re doing, not to talk about me.”
He gave a small, skeptical chuckle, but his face softened. “I’m doing better, thanks to you. But Emi… why’d you get involved with these people?” His tone held a mix of worry and frustration. “Do you have any idea what you’re dealing with?”
“Matteo,” I sighed, choosing my words carefully. “I did what I had to. When you were in that hospital bed, and I didn’t know if you’d make it, I would’ve done anything to save you. And… I did what I had to. That’s all.”
“That’s not all,” he replied, his voice firmer now. “Emilia, you’re working for a mafia family. You’re risking your life every day for… for what?”
I felt a pang of frustration but tried to keep my tone calm. Why couldn’t he see that I didn’t this for him? What couldn’t he just he appreciative anddr it end there? “For you. I did this to save you, Matteo. I don’t regret it, so you shouldn’t either.”
“But, Emi,” he shook his head, looking almost desperate. “This isn’t the life I wanted for you. I know I wasn’t around a lot, but I never thought you’d have to get caught up in something like this just because of me.”
“It’s not just about you,” I said softly, reaching out to take his hand. “Its that I’m your older sister and when this sort of thing happens, I have to make the hard decision to protect who I love.” I stared at him for a few minutes. “Plus being with Francesca is way more fun that you thing,” I added, then cringed at my attempt at forced lightness.
He looked away, his jaw tense. “I just… I hate that you’re stuck in this mess. You deserve better, Emilia.”
I could see the guilt in his eyes, the way he blamed himself for making that choice. It broke my heart a little to see him like this, to see him feeling as if he’d somehow dragged me down into the chaos.
“Matteo,” I said, squeezing his hand to get his attention. “This was my choice. I could’ve walked away, but I didn’t. Please, don’t make this harder by blaming yourself.” Lies. Alaric pretty much made it clear that I didn’t have a choice. I just played it to my advantage.
He let out a long, shaky breath, leaning back against the pillows. “I know. I just… I hate feeling useless, like I can’t protect you or help you.”
I felt my throat tighten. “You don’t have to protect me, Matteo. I’m fine. Alaric’s… well, he’s made sure of that.”
At the mention of Alaric, Matteo’s gaze sharpened. “And what about him? This Alaric-is he treating you well?”
I hesitated, unsure of how to explain the craziness of my relationship with Alaric. That was if there was even a relationship to begin with. How could I tell him that the man who saved him was also the man who held my life in his hands?
“He’s… a complicated man,” I admitted, choosing my words carefully. “But yes, he’s been fair. He’s looked out for me in his own way.” Lies. But it was the right thing though. It would stop Matteo from worrying.
Matteo raised an eyebrow. “Fair? You know that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, Emi.”
I couldn’t help but laugh a little, despite myself. “I know. But Alaric isn’t… he isn’t just some monster. He’s a man, and he has his own burdens, his own struggles. In his own way, he’s trying to protect his family too.”
Matteo was silent for a moment, studying me with those perceptive eyes of his. “And are you a part of that family now, Emilia?”
I felt a strange twinge at his question. “I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “I’m there because of Francesca, and she’s… she’s like family to me. I think that’s why Alaric keeps me around. For her.”
Matteo nodded slowly, as if piecing things together. “Just be careful, Emi. These people-Alaric included-they live in a world of violence. I don’t want you getting hurt because of them.”
“I’ll be okay,” I said, trying to reassure him. “I’ve learned how to deal with it. And Alaric… he’s not as heartless as you might think. He’s got his own sense of loyalty.”
Matteo gave me a skeptical look but didn’t press further. Instead, he reached out, pulling me into a hug. I melted into his arms, feeling the familiar comfort of his warmth and scent. .
“I’m glad you’re here, Emi,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
I pulled back, giving him a small, reassuring smile. “You’re stuck with me, Matteo. I’m not going anywhere.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” But his expression quickly grew serious again. “Just… promise me you’ll look after yourself, Emilia. Don’t get too wrapped up in their world.”
I nodded. “I’ll be careful, Matteo. I promise.”