04

Alora's POV

Luciano—my big brother—always told me to stay out of trouble. My whole life, I had been shielded from dangerous situations. And now, I just managed to drive myself into the most dangerous one of all.

"You’re in the Mafia now, Alora."

My breath caught in my throat. "Mafia?" I blinked, struggling to process his words. "You’re telling me that Gianni… you’re all… in the Mafia?"

Dante sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes.I am Dante Bellini, Don of the Italian Mafia."

My eyes were at wide as saucers. Why am I always getting into trouble? I should have stayed indoors and minded my business, but no. I had to be the heroine. But still, if I hadn't gone, Gianni would have died. So I guess God called me there.

"Gianni is my younger brother, and our family is deeply involved in the Italian Mafia. Gianni, being too inquisitive, stumbled across something he shouldn’t have—a secret that made him a target. They wanted him dead for it."

His eyes darkened. "Unfortunately for them, they underestimated us."

I stared at him, my mind spinning. I had always heard of the Mafia, seen it in movies, but I had never imagined being part of that world. "And now… they’ll come after me?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"They won’t get the chance. You’re under our protection now. But you can’t go back to your old life. Not after this."

I understood what he was saying. There was simply no way out. My house was no more, I had no friends, and I couldn't tell Luciano. He'd murder me.

"Alora, I appreciate your brave efforts in saving Gianni, though you owe me nothing. That is the reason why I am extending this opportunity to you."

"Opportunity?" I repeated, hardly audible. "What opportunity do I have?"

"You can remain here. Work for us, as a nurse," he said, leaning against the vehicle.

"We often require an extra pair of hands to look after our people. The medical team you saw? They come only during crises. But you can stay here and help with nursing the wounded, looking after the men when they need it."

For a moment, I paused. It sounded reckless, but then again, what other choice did I have? I could not simply up and leave at this juncture.

"For how long?" I asked, my voice low and sounding unsure.

Dante frowned. "That depends. Until the situation wears out. I can’t promise you how long that would take."

"I’ll stay," I finally said after a few seconds of thinking. This time, I spoke rather than asked.

Dante nodded, and for a moment, there was something approving in his look. "Good."

As he turned to leave, my gaze was drawn back to him. There was something about him that exuded danger and yet made him so handsome.

He was broad-shouldered, with muscles evident in the tight shirt he had on.

"Where are you off to?" I inquired, seeing him getting into the car.

Dante briefly looked back. "I have business to take care of. Don’t worry, Gianni is going to be alright. The medics are quite skilled."

"Just take care of yourself," I voiced softly, my mouth speaking without listening to my brain. Why would you say that, Alora?

There was a flash of a smirk on his lips, but he did not say anything. Rather, he got into the car and drove off, three other cars tailing him.

I shook my head to clear my mind. Then, I turned back and walked in the direction the medics had gone, wanting to get inside and look for Gianni.

The interior of the building was enormous, with its tall ceilings and broad corridors that seemingly went on forever. It also felt a little chilly, too quiet for a place of such magnitude.

Finally, I arrived at the room where they had moved Gianni. I took a seat next to him and swept the hair off his forehead. It was a relief to see him in a deep slumber, at the very least.

I stood up from the chair and drifted into my thoughts when suddenly a knock sounded in the room. My feet turned, and I stood up straight, my heart beating fast.

The door slowly opened, and a very good-looking young woman came in.

"Gianni… my baby," the girl called out in a worried voice while rushing to him.

I just looked on as I saw her lowering herself over Gianni, her hands tangled into his hair.

I was confused at the sudden turn of events. Who is this person? How does she know Gianni so intimately? Not that it was my business, but I was suddenly so protective of the little boy.

She finally turned around, and her eyes widened as she noticed me standing by the door.

She blinked first and then spoke, fixing her glare on me. "Who are you?" she asked, sounding commanding.

I tried to breathe normally, as my heartbeat suddenly increased, pounding against my chest. "I… I am Alora. And you are…?"

Her expression became darker, and a sinister look crept up her face. "I am Bianca."

And with that, the mood of the room changed so abruptly that it became almost unbearable.

Funny enough, I couldn't figure out why.

“So Alora..” she snarled. “What the hell are you doing in my house?”

Oh! She must be their sister then, or a relative. But does it mean she has to be rude?

Just as I opened my mouth to retort, a groan from the direction of the bed had us both looking there.

Gianni was awake. Finally!

“Gianni!” I exclaimed, rushing towards him, only to feel an excruciating pain run up my side. Bianca had just jabbed me with her freaking elbow.

She turned towards me, lips drawn into a sly smirk and mouthed, “loser.”

At that moment, I had a feeling that this girl was going to be a thorn in my flesh. Both physically and emotionally.