Chapter 8
Ava’s POV
“Always with the disobedience, Ava.” he muttered, guiding me into his private interrogation room. The darkness of the room pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. I couldn’t stop the tears that streamed down my face.
He stopped, his eyes boring into mine. “You’ll never go anywhere if you keep disobeying me
What if I’m next? I thought, the image of my uncle gone. playing on repeat in my head. What if I’m the next one in a bor? I had to find whoever did this. Whoever took down the Romanovs, whoever killed my uncle. I needed to find them, before they found me.
I tried to stand, but he snapped. “Where do you think you’re going? Sit down.”
God, I hated him. I hated his power over me, the way I had no choice but to obey.
Then he rolled up his sleeves and approached. I flinched because I was expecting a blow, but instead, his gentle hand touched my face, wiping away my tears. “Stop crying.”
He tried to comfort me, but it only made me cry harder. My heart hurt, and I couldn’t stop sobbing. I need to stop this, I thought
Then, suddenly, I gasped softly as he hugged me. The warmth of his arms felt surprisingly good, a comfort I didn’t expect. I couldn’t help but hold onto him, and slowly, my tears stopped.
He gently pulled away from me, letting out a heavy sigh. “You should rest. We’re heading back to Venice tomorrow.”
Just as he was about to leave, I blurted out, “Why are you protecting them? Those traitors will destroy you. Don’t you see?”
He turned sharply and strode back to me. “Do you think I’m oblivious? A fool? I know exactly what they’re doing
“You know what they did. You know what they’re capable of. So why? Why this silence?” My voice trembled. “Please,” I begged softly. “For my family, for the ghosts of the Romanov, for every innocent life they shattered fifteen years ago…do something Prove I’m not just another victim waiting to happen.” I choked on a sob, my eyes burning with unshed tears. “Or are you just waiting for my blood to paint the same picture as theirs?”
“You ask questions you are not prepared for the answers to,” he said, his voice a low, almost silken threat. “You place yourself in a position of… vulnerability. A position I may not always choose to protect you from. So, you have to stay out of it or else I cannot help you.”
We looked at each other, and my lip shook. I looked down, trying to stop myself from crying. Even though he spoke coldly, I felt a little relief knowing he was doing something. His eyes moved to my lips, and he swallowed before looking away.
Suddenly, the chief guard entered. “Sir, your grandfather has arrived. He’s with your two brothers.”
His grandfather? Alessandro Moretti Sr. The legendary 85–year–old Don. He’d once held the reins of the ironclad organization, passing the leadership to the Romanovs after his time. Then, after my father’s death, the throne fell to Alessandro Moretti, Fabio’s father. When he fell ill and passed, it was given to his son, Fabio,
It was becoming painfully clear: the Moretti family owned this organization.
He walked out, and I followed. I never thought I’d meet his family like this at my uncle’s funeral.
The old Don, in a wheelchair, smiled and spoke in a raspy voice when he saw Fabio. “Fabio…”
“Grandfather, Fabio replied, his jaw tight.
Then, I looked at his brothers, Diego and Dante. They were Fabio’s half–brothers, and they were just as ruthless and cruel. They weren’t like the men I knew, they were more violent and power–hungry.
“We’re here to honor the dead,” Alessandro Senior said. “And I brought Diego and Dante. They want to talk to you about something we should have discussed ten days ago”
1 frowned as Diego and Dante looked at me. They exchanged glances, and one of them said, “So, who’s this beautiful girl,
brother?”
1/2
Chapter 8
Fabio glanced at me and said. “This is Ava Romanov, Dimitri’s daughter”
*+8 Pearls
Alessandro Senior said, “Ah, yes. Dimitri’s daughter. How are you, my dear? It’s been so long. It must be hard, losing… your family.
“Yes, it has been difficult,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “But I’m managing.
Dante looked at Fabio. “You never mentioned her, brother.”
Fabio replied sharply. That’s none of your business, Dante. She’s under my protection. Don’t be foolish.”
Alessandro cleared his throat, trying to diffuse the tension between Fabio and his half–brothers. “So, Ava, these are my grandsons, Dante and Diego. They’re excellent fighters, you know. With Fabio so busy, perhaps you’d prefer one of them for protection and support?”
I bit my lip. All of them were watching me intently. Dante’s gaze made me uncomfortable; it was filled with lust. Diego wasn’t as intimidating, but I didn’t trust either of them.
“No, I’m fine with Fabio,” I said, moving closer to him. “I’m not a burden, and I don’t cause him trouble. Thank you.”
Dante smiled. “She really sticks by you, Fabio”
Diego smirked. “Well, if you ever get tired of Fabio’s help, Miss Romanov,” he said, looking at me in a way that made me uncomfortable. Just let me know. I’m here to help.”
After that, they went inside to greet the people at the funeral. Fabio and I were left outside, standing awkwardly next to each other. He said, “Don’t get too close to my half–brothers. And avoid my grandfather. Avoid all of them.
I frowned. “Why are you telling me this?”
His gaze swept over me, lingering on my face, neck, and my waist curve. “Ava,” he said, his voice roughened, “do you not see how they look at you?”
I glanced down, suddenly self–conscious, then back up at him, my heart pounding. “What’s wrong with me?”
“You’re beautiful…“
