The Mafia reluctant Bride

Chapter 5: The Proposal

|| Aria ||

“The Boss needs you inside.” A man tapped my windscreen.

My hand shook on the steering wheel, and I wanted to ignite the engine. He took a step backwards and c****d his pistol.

“It's not an order. I was asked to bring you in, dead or alive,” He said.

My heart skipped again; perhaps my death was around the corner. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Alessandro walking towards me. He beckoned to the guard to step backwards while he knocked on the windscreen.

“Aria, step down, please. You're needed inside”.

I nodded slowly and unlocked the door. It's been almost an hour since Alessandro threw me out. I had lingered in the vehicle, hoping Damian’s men will come for my head after killing the entire Morettis. Now, I felt some sort of relief that I may meet my death soon. Life was already tiring me out. My uncle walked by my side as he led me back to the house.

“Try not to do anything funny” Alessandro advised.

I ignored him and kept on walking but he stood before me and held my wrist, “Aria, the most dangerous men in Florida are in that room. Don't speak until you're told to speak”.

“Damian killed my father and he is in there” I replied him.

“We are trying to figure things out” He said calmly.

I ignored him and walked past and he hastened his steps to keep up with me. As I walked into the room, my eyes locked with Damian, and my heart skipped. He just smiled and tore his gaze away. It seemed he enjoyed punishing me. It was already enough that he killed my father; now, he was messing with my head.

“This is Don Viktor Volkov, one of the members of the Quadrant. The Volkovs are one of the founding families. Alessandro introduced and sat. “You must have met Damian already”.

I just stood there, staring into space as I couldn't afford to look them in the face. Was my Uncle dining with the man who killed his brother? What happened to vengeance and all the crap he preached earlier?

“I honour you all as kinsmen and fellow outlaws. That's why I came myself. As per tradition, I am also supposed to be in a seat as we deliberate matters surrounding my son's marriage. Killing Williams Moretti was a necessity to protect the founding families and the archive. Deep down, I knew he was going to betray every one of us,” Don Viktor spoke. His voice took charge of the air as no one dared raise a voice.

“Aria Moretti, there is a deal, and I want us to come together, let's settle. I can't bring back your father, but we can sue for peace. Your Uncle and your cousin are wise, and they are ready to bury the hatchet for peace to reign,” Don said.

I just stared at the floor, boiling and shivering. As I lifted my gaze, there was a half-empty glass. If I could reach for it, smash it, then I could stab Damian in time before the guards reacted.

“Don, my niece may not be able to speak at the moment. So, permit me to speak for all of us,” Alessandro said.

Don nodded, “Go on…”.

“We are not settling for peace because we are scared. We are doing this because what happened isn't worth spilling blood on. My brother made a grave mistake when he began investigating the archive. And, I knew the CIA was onto us a few times during the operation. Opening those records would have caused a leak, and those bloody agents would have gotten something to nab us. But he claimed he was doing it to clear his conscience. Alessandro chuckled.

With slow, deliberate steps, I approached the glass. At least my sword dancing skills would come in handy.