Chapter 3

I stare at my father's text for the millionth time, he expects me to kill Leonardo? I mean yes I hate him but I am not a killer.

I hide my phone and go to bed thinking about what my father wants me to do. I promised to do anything he tells me but isn't this pushing it? I can't imagine holding a trigger or pulling a gun. I wasn't trained to do all of these things, I mean my father pampered me and treated me like a princess and now he wants me to become something I am not. Even as I'm sleeping on this floor mattress thinking of different ways to torture Leonardo I still don't want him dead. Sure he pisses me off but that's still not enough.

I sleep off thinking about everything and wishing everything that has happened so far has been a very terrible dream but when I wake up to see the same concrete ceiling I woke up to yesterday I know it's not a dream.

I open the door and realize it's still a little early, I hate waking up so early but I'll have to get used to it. This is my new life.

I walk down to the kitchen and see Angelica wide awake doing chores, does this woman ever give herself a break?

"Angie good morning" I give her a tired smile and she beams at me

"Oh how are you Maria? You're up early, that's new" I nod knowing she's just teasing. I'd take her light teasing than Leonardo's torture any day. That man derives pleasure from pissing me off and it's exhausting.

Maria and I work most of the day while talking and having small breaks to rest and eat. This whole slavery thing has made me appreciate all our house keepers at home even more. Doing it yourself is definitely stressful.

Fabio, Leonardo's elder brother walks into the kitchen in a good mood and his smile is infectious. I don't know where Leonardo gets his negative aura from because his elder brother is a breath of fresh air. They look almost identical but Fabio has blonde hair instead of Leonardo's black hair and Fabio looks evidently older I have to admit Leonardo is the more attractive version. Either that or I'm just a weird Italian woman attracted to toxic men. I'd like the believe the first one is true.

"Earth to Maria" Fabio says waving his hands In front of my face which is when I realize Fabio has been talking to Angelica and I for awhile now but I wasn't paying any attention so I snap out of my internal dialogue and decide to deal with reality

"Oh I'm sorry Fabby, I'm just a little tired from all the torment your brother is inflicting on me" I joke and he laughs

"You know if it was up to me I'd have let you go but my younger brother is stubborn and I apologize because I am not going to get involved until it becomes absolutely necessary. Besides he might have a crush on you" Fabio jokes but I don't laugh

"Not funny Fabby" I give him a death glare which makes him laugh even more and Angelica joins.

These two are such a silly pair. They look cute together though. Most especially when I catch both of them giving each otherside glances. I wonder what it feels like to be in love with someone completely opposite from you. I mean they have similar personalities but when it comes to their positions in life they couldn't be any further apart.

Fabio leaves Angelica and I to finish up so we can have dinner and rest a little. I decide to ask Angelica about her and Fabio

"So….you and Fabio look nice" she starts blushing which is the only sign I needed

"I don't know what you're talking about" she tries to deny it but after a little pushing from me she speaks

"Okay I might kind of like him a little but only a little and yes I know falling in love with someone involved in such dangerous business is a recipe for disaster. I know I'll get hurt but maybe I'm a masochist because I like Fabby so much. He is the reason I am still alive"

I look at her confused "what do you mean?" i ask

She takes a deep breath and sits so she can start "I was in an abusive family when I was younger, I went through so much torture and one day I snapped. My uncle tried to…"

I already know what she's about to say and I gasp

"Oh my goodness Angelica I'm so sorry you went through all that"

She gives me a sad smile then continues "it's fine, you didn't do anything but he did. I couldn't take it anymore so I stabbed him. It was dumb and reckless but I did it and I never regretted it. I still knew I couldn't stay home so I ran away, I was homeless for days barely having what to eat so I started pickpocketing one faithful day I tried to steal from Fabio. I thought he would kill me when he caught me but instead he asked for my reason, I told him everything which is why he took me in. That is why I am here and why I would do anything for these people. They feed me well and provide all my needs that's all I care about"

I hug her knowing how hard talking about something like that must have been. If Fabio is such a good person does that mean Leonardo might not be as evil as Papi believes he is?

"What do you think about Leonardo Sanchez" I ask needing to know if I'm losing my mind or not. If I should listen to my father or not.

Killing a man was the last thing I thought I would consider doing but I don't think I have a lot of options it's either I betray Leonardo or I betray my father .