An Ally

Cara paced across the room. Her phone in her hand as she waited for a call. She looked at the message displayed on the screen.

Wait.

Just one word. She had repeatedly checked it to be sure since she got it yesterday, but it still was one word. It didn't change. 

It was her last day before she was to return to the Bernardi Mansion. After her passionate moment with Adonis, she packed her things and left early the next day, found a simple hotel near the funeral parlour where her father's remains were and logged in there for the day. 

It was an emotional time, but she finally got to pay her last respects. It was a reminder about why she was doing all this. 

Revenge. Revenge for her father who died unjustly.

Adonis hadn't allowed her to leave the mansion without a car and the card, even if she didn't want to. She still had some spare cash saved up, but it was either she took them along or stayed back. 

She'd visited her workplaces to inform them of her resignation and cleared out most things from her old home. It felt eerie visiting her home once again. The place that used to hold most of her happiest memories was now a place she could barely go into without feeling a wave of nausea.

All was finally done, and all that remained was a call from Antonio. She waited till the end of the day but got nothing.

Had he forgotten? Yesterday was the end of the two-day deadline he had given. 

Cara got her answer in a simple message in the early hours of the day.

Wait.

It stated. And so she had been waiting, but now it was evening, and still not a word from him.

Was he no longer interested? Had he decided to back out of the deal?

A lot of thoughts ran through her head as she placed around the room.

Her stomach rumbled and she remembered that she hadn't had anything to eat all day.

Grabbing her coat, she pulled open the door, deciding to have dinner at a nice diner not too far from the hotel.

It's better to worry on a full stomach than an empty one, Cara thought.

She was just a few blocks away from the diner when she felt a hand pull her into a quiet ally. 

She opened her mouth to let out a scream but felt a rough, calloused palm placed over it instead. 

"I'm going to let you go now. Do not scream." She felt the fellow whisper into her ears, and her body relaxed at the familiar voice.

"Antonio?" She said the moment he took his hand away. "I've been waiting all day, but you decided to show up now?"

He leaned against one of the buildings.

"You were being followed." 

"What?"

Antonio rolled his eyes.

"You don't think Adonis would let you leave the mansion without guards, did you?"

Cara opened her mouth to reply, then thought better of it; she closed it again.

"You're more gullible than I thought, future Mrs. Bernardi." 

She folded her arm across her chest.

"You now believe me." 

"I must admit, I was quite surprised when it was confirmed." He gave her a once-over. "You and Adonis is not something I expected."

"I'm getting paid for it."

Antonio gave her a sceptical look.

"Oh really, amore?"

She rolled her eyes at the word amore.

"Yes. It was to protect my family from you and pay off my debt. I get an extra one million per month; what else do I need?" She divulged. Cara had concluded that she'd need to communicate effectively and truthfully to gain his trust.

"Adonis has really outdone himself this time around."

She glanced around. If it was true that she was being followed, then she'd have to tread carefully. 

"So do you accept my deal? Help me take him down, and I'll help you secure the crown. Just tell me what to do." 

Antonio nodded.

"For now."

"For now?"

"You don't think I'll easily put my trust in you, amore? You could be working with Adonis, for all I know. Moreover, if this all blows up in your face, Adonis would not be very lenient with you. Wife or not." 

"So you're scared of Adonis."

"No amore. This is not fear. It is knowing when to bite and when not to."

Cara sighed. She already expected that she'd have to prove her allegiance before he could trust her completely.

"What do you want me to do? If I get it done, then would you trust me?" 

Antonio clapped his hands in excitement.

"Now you get me. You go back to the mansion. My men would be in touch."

"Again? Just tell me now."

"No. I wouldn't be surprised if your phone is already bugged." 

Cara looked at the phone in her hand. Was that possible? Was Adonis that thorough? She'd have to find out and be sure to take caution. She eyed Antonio.

"It's not as easy to infiltrate the mansion as you think.

Antonio smiled again.

"I have my ways." His gaze moved towards the entrance of the alley, and he offered a mock salute. "They're returning. I must take my leave now. I'll be in touch." 

Just as quick as he came, he was gone. Leaving Cara to wonder what exactly those ways are.

****

Italian Vocabulary

Amore means love