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I can feel him weighing his options, just like I am.
He presses his lips into a thin line, and then, he steps forward.
His steps are slow, measured, and almost cautious.
Beside me, the Don nods, his face impassive, though I do notice his gaze dropping to my daughter’s unconscious figure.
My heart feels heavy in my chest.
I knew it was coming—fuck—I just didn’t think it would come so soon.
But it is all my fault.
If I had not done it, if I had listened to the Don, and if I had remained calm, I would not have owed him this.
I would never have needed to give in.
“We cannot keep fighting, not like this.” I say, my voice gravelly, but also surprisingly calm. “This…animosity is destroying both sides. We need peace. For ourselves. For our families.”
The words sting more than I care to admit, but I know they are true.
I look down at my daughter again, tears pricking the back of my eyes, as something inside me cracks. I hate that this is the reality of it all—that even after everything, this alliance between us remains.
But what other choice do I have?
“I want Chiara to be safe.” I continue saying, my voice becoming tighter with every word that leaves my mouth. “That is all I want. I will agree to whatever it takes.” I look away from Chiara to Isaak, feeling my eyes narrow in his direction. “But ifanythinghappens to her, I will burn this place to the ground.”
He nods, the barest flicker of something like respect shining in his eyes.
“I understand, Francesco. Chiara is important to us too.”
His words sent a chill down my spine.
I want to ask him what he means by that, but I do not.
I do not need to.
Isaak’s involvement in this is already too deep, and too personal.
And in some strange way, I understand it.
He has lost more than he is willing to admit, just like I have.
“I…I can forget about the past.” I say, my voice firm. “But for Chiara’s sake, we need to agree to something peaceful.”
Isaak’s lips tighten as he glances over at his sons.
Both are still standing there, looking ready to charge at any moment.
As Isaak looks back at me, there is something in his gaze which I cannot quite place, but it’s enough for me to know that this is a moment of mutual understanding.
This is a moment to remember.
“You have my word.” Isaak says. “We’ll keep things peaceful. There’ll be no more animosity between our families.”
And with that, the air shifts.
It does not matter what our pasts hold.