~Chapter 68~
And now was not the ti for to think if I’m a good grandchild or not and definitely not the ti sit through one of my grandmother’s lengthy lectures, not when Katya, my feisty little princess, was safely back in her "cage".
I had so many wonderful plans for her, and I couldn’t wait to put them into action.
"No, no? Let’s go eat then, I’m starving," I said, forcing a jovial tone into my voice as I turned to face my grandmother.
I pushed her wheelchair forward, helping her glide smoothly across the floor. We made our way to the elevator, the only practical way to get her upstairs given her mobility issues.
Can’t move her up the stairs with her on a wheelchair can I?
We stepped into the elevator, the doors slid shut behind us. My nonna opened her mouth to speak, no doubt ready to launch into another one of her speeches.
But I was quick again to cut her off, holding up my hand, to silence her "Scusa, Nonna. Excuse , Grandma." I said, pretending to check my phone.
"I have an incoming call." I lied and the old hag’s eyes narrowed slightly, I just smiled innocently, keeping up the charade as the elevator continued its smooth ascent.
"Si?" I said, answering my fake call as the elevator doors slid open, revealing the hallway that led to dinner hall.
I pretended to listen intently, nodding my head and making occasional murmurs of agreent.
My grandmother shot sharp glances, all through the elevator ride and also now.
But as a perfected man in acting I maintained the charade, holding my phone to my ear and continuing my fake conversation.
My nonna silence spoke higher than her words, a clear indication that she wasn’t buying my story but hey, she didn’t interrupt my call.
We reached the dinner table and I helped my nonna settle into her seat, the maids scurrying around us to arrange the fine china and crystal glasses.
They had been alerted about and my grandma wanting to eat. "Roo," my grandma whispered, reaching out, her frail hand grasping for mine.
My fake smile faltered for a mont before I regained my composure. "Si? nonna."
She was about talking when her gaze swept over the hall and landed on Stella, who was hovering discreetly in the background.
I watched as my nonna face lights up and a warm smile spread across her face as she beckoned Stella over with a hand.
Ok ouch, she could give Stella a bright and cheerful smile but not . "Stella, cara!, Stella, dear!" she exclaid and Stella hurried over, a concern look on her face as she leaned down to hug my grandmother.
The two of them chatted quietly, clear that they still shared a close bond, one that had been forged over years of friendship and mutual support.
I quickly suppressed the nostalgia flickering to life within , using the opportunity to slip away unnoticed.
"Excuse , nonna." I murmured, pushing myself back up, "I need to go take a bath...or maybe check on sothing."
My grandmother nodded absently, too caught up in her conversation with Stella to pay much attention.
Making my way out of the dinner hall, I walked into my room where Katya was being held.
The lights flickered to life as I entered. And there she was, changed into a new outfit and lying peacefully on the be...oppsie, she was actually knocked out cold.
By who though?
Who knows, hahaha.
Stepped into the shower, I quickly shed my clothes, letting the dirt and blood of the day’s events wash away down the drain.
I scrubbed myself clean, feeling the tension in my muscles begin to ease as the hot water pounded against my skin.
Fighting the thoughts of my nonna that was waiting for , ready to pounce on . She had a knack for making feel like I was the one who had chosen this life, like I was the one who had willingly joined the Mafia.
But the truth was, it was in my blood. My family had been part of this world for generations, and I was just a product of that legacy.
She acts like she didn’t marry the Mafia. Like she isn’t the one who gave birth to my father.
Anyti she ca visiting, which was always without warning or invitation, she would inevitably launch into a tirade about the dangers of our organization.
She would lant about how I was making enemies left and right, as if I was sohow responsible for the animosity that had been brewing for generations.
Many of the enemies I had were inherited, foes that had been sworn against our family long before I was even born.
I wiped my wet hair backwards, the droplets of water flying off my skin as I walked out of the bathroom.
A towel hung loosely around my waist as I made my way to my closet, throwing on the first thing I found, not bothering to choose.
Too preoccupied with thoughts of my nonna’s impending lecture and the sleeping beauty waiting for in the next room.
Walking out of my closet, I glanced over at Katya, who was still fast asleep and I was satisfied, knowing that she was still under my control.
Good. I stood there for a mont, savoring the thought of being the one to wake Katya up.
It was satisfying that I held the power to rouse her from her slumber. And what a wake-up call it would be - a jolt of reality that would shatter the peaceful facade of her sleep.
I can’t wait to see her reaction to when I finally decide to wake her.
Turning to leave, my hand held the doorknob as I prepared to exit the room. But before I stepped out, I made sure to lock the door behind .
I wouldn’t underestimate her again, not after the surprises I felt when she escaped the mansion.
She was full of surprises and here I’d thought to myself that I was the unpredictable one, the master of this twisted ga we played.
But Katya, Katya my kitten had proven herself to be a wild card, full of unexpected moves and hidden strengths.
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