The Shadows We Keep

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

MATTEO'S POV

As much as I wanted to hear what Gabriella wanted to say, I didn't want her to be here. After our last argument, I decided it was best I stayed away. Both for my good and for hers. I couldn't afford those feelings I felt when I was around her. They did more harm than good. They were dangerous.

"I got you this." She said and pulled up a little box from her bag.

I eyed it suspiciously. "What is it?"

"A music box. I went out the other day and got some. They have the most beautiful tunes. They're calming, you might need them."

"Why?" I said as I took it from her hands. "Because of how much wrong I do?"

"I never thought of it that way, and if it is so much of an offence to you, perhaps you should just return it back. I apologize for being thoughtful. I almost forgot that you might lack a heart."

I smiled at that and opened the box, letting the tune play out while what looked like a miniature cat twirled around on some rug.

"It's…nice." I said and closed it back. "Thank you."

She shrugged, her face holding that of boredom. "You're welcome."

There was a beat of silence before she finally spoke again. "I don't want to fight with you, Matteo."

"I don't either."

"So," she said after a pause. "a truce?"

I arched my brow. "A truce?"

"Yes. We both tolerate each other. You keep me safe and let me have my freedom, while I don't butt my nose into your business."

"Hmm, okay. But what do I get in return? You want my protection and tolerance, yet I gain nothing."

"I said I wasn't going to butt my nose into your business."

I couldn't help but smile. "Even if we don't hold this truce, Gabriella, There is no way you're going to be nosey about what I do. So, be reasonable about this, what do I really get in return?"

"I'll pay you. But I'm going to need your help, all my father's assets and houses, I need a hold of them."

Now, this was interesting. I kept obtaining Gabriel's assets to later because of Gabriella. But here she was offering me everything on a silver plate. Gabriel Russo sat on a goldmine, and also one of the biggest Mafia thrones in Miami which I'm already slowly gathering his loose factions. But if I can also get his money, then that'll be a double point.

"Are you trying to buy me?" I asked, my voice laced with amusement.

She scoffed. "I'm trying to pay you back for your kindness. Help me pay you back for your kindness. Help me get control of my father's assets, and I'll make sure you're well compensated. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get what's mine."

I leaned back in my chair, linking my fingers together. "I'm listening." I said, my gaze locked onto hers.

Hurt flashed in her empty eyes. "My father's murder.. it's still raw. I need to know who did it, because if I don't, Matteo, I'll forever live my life in fear. I'll forever need your protection. The plan is to secure my father's assets while also looking for that murderer. "

"How do you want to find who it is? You didn't even see the person's face, and let's not forget your father has multiple enemies. He was a Don, murder attempts aren't supposed to be a surprise."

"I'd recognize his voice anywhere. Look, I don't care if it takes years, but I'll use all I can to find that bastard."

There was no point talking her out of it, she was determined, and angry. If I was still chasing after revenge this long, then I shouldn't be surprised hearing her say she wanted to spend her life going after it.

"When do you plan on getting out of my hair?" I asked.

Gabriella needed to go. It was enough that she lives here and it was doing things to my brain. Any longer and wasn't sure I'd be able to control myself. And I never lost control, that was how bad she was sinking into my skin.

"Once I gather my father's assets and get the killer."

"Getting your father's assets is one thing, what if you never find the killer? Do you plan on being around me for the rest of your life?"

"Any more longer with you, and I might just finish the killer's job." She replied, but then pursed her lips together.

She let out a sigh, and shook her head. "I apologize, I didn't mean to say that."

"Yes you did." I replied, my tone clipped and cold.

Why was I angry about her statement? I mean it was just minutes ago that I was thinking about how much of a bad idea it was being around her, but then my reason was different. She didn't want to be around me because she hated me.

"Gabriella, if you want this to work then you're going to at least pretend to hate me less."

Her eyes widened slightly at this. "I don't hate you. Yes, I might have said that…but, I…I don't hate you, Matteo. You saved my life."

And you just might save mine, I thought.

"Well, I'm flattered." I said and leaned forward. "Fine, Gabriella. I'll help you gain your father's assets, I'll protect you from any form of harm, and I will try, try being the key word, help you find your parents' killer."

"Okay, Matteo. I promise to compensate you handsomely for all you are doing for me."

She stretched out her hand, her eyes darting around like she wasn't sure it was in the right position. So, I took her hand and gave it a gentle shake.

"Deal." She said, giving me one of her smiles.

"Deal." I replied, grateful for the first time that she couldn't see my face, that she couldn't see me smiling back at her.