Leonardo POV
I rested my head on the desk, the world around me fading as the conversation with Salvatore played on repeat in my mind. His voice was so clear, full of malice, too alive in my thoughts, and every word was like a fresh reminder that he never left.
****** The Day Of The Explosion
I was sipping my morning coffee when my phone buzzed. It was an unknown number. I picked it up regardless.
Silence hung in the air before a voice cut through it—cold, smooth, and maddeningly familiar.
"Hello, Mr. Leonardo," he greeted.
The sound of his voice was enough to make my blood run cold. I gripped the edge of the table, forcing myself to stay calm. "Salvatore."
"Nardo," he purred, his tone thick with mockery. Only Salvatore called me that, his favourite insult hidden under a thin layer of sarcasm.
"So quick to remember me"
My teeth clenched, jaw tight. "What do you want?"
"Ah, straight to business, as always." He chuckled—a low, grating sound that made me clench my fist around the coffee cup until my knuckles turned white. "Nothing much… Just a simple request. The warehouse—you know the one."
The blood pounded in my ears, anger mixing with a sharp edge of irritation. "You're out of your mind if you think I'd ever hand it over."
"Perhaps," he said slyly, dragging out the words. "But ambition has its price, Nardo. And if you're unwilling to negotiate, well, there are other ways to make a deal."
I swallowed hard, feeling a cold dread settle in my stomach. "Stay away from my family."
"Your family? Oh, I wouldn't dream of bothering them—unless, of course, you left me no other choice." He let out another one of those insufferable laughs, like he was savouring every second of my discomfort. "Your sister, Emily—isn't that her name?"
The world narrowed to a single point. "You lay one finger on her, Salvatore, and you're dead."
"You'll be out of the house by 9, right?" he asked instead.
"What do you mean? Who told you that?" I asked back.
Salvatore laughed again, further angering me. "You've got a parrot in your house of course," he chirped.
"Salvatore," I growled.
"Tsk, tsk. Such a temper, Nardo. I'll take that as a no to my proposal, then. Well, at least you can't say I didn't warn you." His voice softened, like he was sharing a private joke. "Tell Emily that none of this was my fault."
And just like that, he was gone, the line dead, leaving his words to hang in the air like a toxic mist. Making me wonder who the "parrot" is.
I barely had time to think. I was on my feet, shouting for Mario before I even processed what I was doing. He appeared instantly, his expression concerned, but there was no time for explanations.
"Keep watch on Emily. Salvatore's back," I ordered, my tone sharp and unyielding.
Mario's brow furrowed. "Salvatore? But I thought—"
"There's no time for your thoughts Mario ," I snapped, my voice like a whip. "He wants the warehouse, and he's willing to go after Emily to get it. No questions—just go."
The look in his eyes was all I needed to see; he understood. He nodded, then turned, rushing off to gather the men.
The adrenaline pulsed in my veins, the rage twisting inside me. I sank into my chair, my hand still gripping the cup of my coffee, and it was already cold, the milk floated on top. I was about to drop it, when I saw Kimberly racing down the stairs. That moment, guessing by her past behaviour, I remembered—
Salvatore's statement: "You've got a parrot in your abode." Could he be referring to Kimberly?
"Leonardo," she called, tears already welled up in her eyes.
"I'm sorry... I..." Then the explosion interrupted whatever she's got to say. Throwing her against the wall.
And in that split second, I understood. Salvatore had set me up. By threatening Emily, he knew I'd send my best men to her, leaving my own mansion defenceless. I'd played right into his hands.
It was a game well played. But the game wasn't over. Not while I was still standing.
*******
Dawn came in cold and gray. I'd managed only a few restless hours of sleep, but it didn't matter. Emily was safe, and for now, that was enough.
As I opened the front door, I saw Kimberly huddled on the steps, I stood there, watching her sleep, something heavy settling in my chest. , yet I couldn't deny the strange feeling that kept me rooted in place.
*But she betrayed you,* a voice inside me snapped. *She sold you out to Salvatore.*
"Maybe I had been too harsh on her" I told myself.
She rested her head on the wall and folded her legs. I bet if she wakes up, she might not be able to move, because her legs are cramped.
I wanted to shut the door and go back inside. After all, I already asked her to leave. But suddenly the weather changed and it would be raining soon.
I got outside, careful not to step on her. I lifted her up and she didn't even wince. I carried her to my room and the moment I dropped her on the bed, I heard her murmur, barely audible.
"I'm sorry, Leonardo," she mumbled, barely audible.
The words hit me in a place I hadn't expected, piercing through my anger. I placed her gently on the bed, watching her face relax as she drifted back to sleep, the shadows gone, replaced by a calm that only sleep could bring.
I stood there a moment longer, watching her breathe, my chest a tangled mess of feelings I couldn't name. Part of me wanted to turn my back on her, to leave her to the consequences of her betrayal. And yet…
Quietly, I left the room, pulling the door shut behind me. I leaned against the wall outside, my mind racing as I tried to make sense of everything.
The rain began, a soft splatter against the windows, and I closed my eyes, steeling myself. Salvatore thought he'd won this round, but he'd forgotten something.
A game isn't over until the Queen falls.
I turned around to the woman sleeping on my bed, wondering if I'm doing the right thing.