SWNOVELS Distance: Chapter 25
If someone told me I’d be declaring my undying love to a British bombshell a year ago, I would have laughed in their face. Now I’m here searching for houses to buy us to get us out of this penthouse. Somewhere we can start a family and avoid her ever having to use an elevator again. That memory will torment me for the rest of my life.
Me, the masked mafia hitman sworn off love. I thought I was put on this earth to fight, nothing more, nothing less. I had never even entertained the idea of having my own family. Until her.
The enchanting goddess brought me out from the dark and into her light. Shattering the mask I safely hid behind.
The darkness still lingers beneath the surface. It’s there, waiting to be unleashed. Simmering since they made the threat to Sienna’s life. They say a man with nothing to lose is dangerous. They should just wait to meet the man who has everything to lose.
I’ve given Luca time to do this his way. Falcone has backed off. They have made no new attempts on Luca’s territory. Everything is running smoothly, too smoothly. Do I honestly believe mere threats would stop a rival mob from their attempts for power? Not a fucking chance.
The Falcones are ruthless; they have no morals. Which in one way is their weakness; they are too rash. But it makes them dangerous. You have to know your opponents inside and out to defeat them. It’s the same motto as boxing.
I’ve spent the last few weeks meticulously watching my upcoming opponents’ fights. I know his favored combinations, his southpaw stance. His preference to start a fight all guns blazing, which leads to him slowly tiring himself out. I have a clear plan on how to defeat him. I’ve never paid so much attention to detail to winning a fight before. This is now more than just a unification fight, a fight for my freedom. I’m fighting with all I have to be worthy of Sienna. To keep her.
Grayson’s given me the day off training today. I need to rest before we jet off to Vegas tomorrow.
I start measuring and chucking spinach and a concoction of fruit into the blender, to create one of my usual disgusting looking green slop meals. At least after this fight, I can sink my teeth into a greasy burger with fries and enjoy an ice cold beer. I somehow need to persuade Sienna to drink her smoothie. She has barely eaten in the last few days. I can already see the weight dropping off her. Her face looks drawn. The sudden whirl of the blender startles her from her nap, where she’s sprawled across the couch nestled in a white, fluffy blanket, almost the color of her complexion.
She has spent the last three days alternating between chucking her guts up and sleeping. Yesterday I had to carry her in my arms to bed as she was too dizzy to walk. At first, I thought it was a knock on effect after what happened to her in the elevator. She promised me it wasn’t that, and after a good night’s sleep and lots of comforting she was okay. That didn’t really settle the guilt I felt for putting her in that situation though. So, I panicked and called the doctor out who assured us it’s just a viral infection that will pass. Not that it puts my mind at ease, knowing I have to leave for Vegas tomorrow and she is still not improving. The last thing I want to do is leave her. Not like this.
No matter how much she assures me she will be fine, even Maddie coming over to look after her doesn’t ease my worries. What if something happens and I can’t get to her? What if she needs me? I know she’s strong, but I can’t shake this feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach.
“How are you feeling, baby?”
“I’m okay Champ. Stop worrying.” She croaks as she yawns, nestling her head back into the pillow.
Pouring the contents of the blender into a tall glass, I take it over to her, letting her use my arm as a support to sit up as I bring the glass to her lips. She gives me a sad smile as she places her mouth gently around the glass, her nose turning up as she does.
“I-I can’t,” she stutters as she dry heaves, pushing the glass from her face.
“Baby, you really need to try something. You can’t not eat or drink for days on end.” I try to keep my tone light, not to sound too harsh. I’m worried.
“Let me just have another quick nap, then I’ll try again, I promise.” She offers me a smile to try and sweeten me up.
Before I can reply, her head hits the pillow again, and soft snores leave her lips.
Gently lifting her head, I slide in close and rest her pillow and head on my lap, stroking her hair as she smiles. Her breathing steadies, and she falls back to sleep.
“I love you, Baby,” I whisper.
“Hmmm,” she softly moans.
It’s only four days. I can cope with four days without her. I coped for 29 years on my own. But the thought of being separated from her just for a pathetic four nights makes me feel sick to my stomach.
Luca assured me Enzo will be standing guard to protect her 24/7. The rest of his men are busy protecting the territory. A war is brewing. I can feel it in my bones. What the catalyst will be which finally set it off, I don’t know.