Chapter 3 The name I loathe

Lucas

"You were not able to capture a girl! Una ragazza!" I threw the glass angrily across the room. "You all are well trained men. You should have been able to take her with ease. You are all useless!" I moved closer to them.

"We are sorry sir, she beat us–" One of my men tried to say but I cut him off.

"She beat you!" I spat, my voice coming out as a growl. "You let a girl beat you up!" These people were useless. I moved to the man who had tried to speak. "That means you are useless to me!" I drew out my gun and shot him in the head.

"Thud!" He dropped dead, the others cowering in fear.

"Take his body away. I don't want to see any of you here if you don't want to be next!" I went back to my seat as the men scurried away in fear. I took out a cigar and was just about to light it when the door burst open.

"Lucas!" That annoying friend of mine was here. I ignored him and went ahead to puff the cigar.

"I called you Lucas!"

"What is it, Giovanni? You can't just enter this room shouting out my name." I calmly replied.

"You just killed one of your men!" He screamed, his eyes widening in surprise.

"So?" Is not like this is the first time he saw me put a bullet in a person's skull.

"So? He was one of your best men!" Giovanni pulled a chair and sat across from me. "You are acting unbothered."

"Do I need to be bothered about killing someone who is no longer useful to me?" I threw the cigar to the floor, stomping my feet on it to quench the fire. "They couldn't capture a girl Giovanni! Just one girl!" I lamented.

"We all know that one girl you wanted as a captive is not an ordinary girl. She is the daughter of a mafia boss and that alone will make it difficult to take her."

I needed Isabella here. That is the only way I can be at peace.

"Besides, why do you need that young lady? I've been thinking about it but nothing seems to be making sense. I know you had something against her father but not her." He furrowed his brows in confusion.

"I have my reasons and I won't stop until I have her here in my house." I stared into space, losing focus for a while.

"So what do you intend to do now that your plan failed?" He asked again.

I poured myself a glass of wine and took a sip. "I always have a plan B." I responded. "I've spent a long time planning on how to get to Isabella and now that the opportunity is here, I won't let it slide." I focused on drinking the wine, ignoring Giovanni's existence.

I wouldn't have had her followed all this while if I had no proper plan. I know exactly what to do and how to get her.

"Man! You are far gone in thoughts. Is she that important?" I stared briefly at him before averting my gaze to the wine on the desk. I am well aware of what he is trying to do– Getting me to blow my cover someway.

"She isn't!" I grit my teeth in anger.

"Woohoo! Chill man! Just kidding!" I pushed away my chair, standing to my feet. "I have to go and check on Sofia. She hasn't seen me today." I darted forward heading outside when Giovanni's voice stopped me.

"But it's late now and she should be sleeping now." He stopped a few steps behind me.

"I know." My tone finalizes everything.

Moments later, I came to a stop in front of the pink door and slightly pushed it open. Just like Giovanni said, Sofia was asleep. I dragged my feet to her bed and sat a little close to her. My hand finds its way to her silky hair.

"Baby," I called calmly. "Daddy is sorry for being too busy today." I sighed heavily, placing a light kiss on her forehead. "I will make it up to you." I covered her up with her duvet and switched off her lights. I turned to leave only to find Giovanni standing in the room.

"I thought you left already." I eyed him questioningly, dipping my hands into my pockets.

"Have some heart Lucas, it's late already. I bet you won't want to find me dead the next morning." He gave a cocky smile.

"I won't be surprised. On the contrary, I will be excited to get such wonderful news early in the morning." I countered. He gaped in surprise, his smile faltering.

"You are heartless!" He exclaimed, holding his chest and squeezing his face as if in pain, forgetting we were still in Sofia's room. I gave him a bone-chilling look shutting him out immediately but it didn't last long.

"You know–" He moved closer to me, poking his finger on my chest. "It surprises me how gentle you become whenever you are dealing with Sofia. She really is your weakness." He backs away, smirking.

I closed my eyes, Giovanni's words ringing in my ears. 'She really is your weakness.' He is right. Sofia is my debolezza and I will do anything to protect her.

"Why are you still here?" I opened my eyes to see him smiling like a weirdo.

"Nothing." I noticed how his countenance changed at the response. I knew something was bothering him.

"Spill!" A silent huff escapes his mouth.

"Lucas, don't you think it's time for Sofia to meet Gabriella." I stared intently at him and I know he regretted his question from the look in his eyes. A ferocious growl left my throat unknowingly, my fist clenching and unclenching. I close my eyes to calm the anger brewing within.

My eyes snapped open moments later causing Giovanni to move back in fear.

"Don't Giovanni! Don't you ever mention that name in this house! Ever!"

At this moment, I cared less about the little girl sleeping in the room. I stormed out angrily, leaving Giovanni in there. A name I have come to despise – Gabriella!