A/N
Hey! Thanks for the reviews on the last chapter. I hope you like this one as well. Enjoy!
SONNY POV
'Sonny, please call when you have the chance. I'm very upset to here that you're in ITALY and haven't said a word to either me or your father.. It says your phone is disconnected. We're very worried about you. It's almost holiday season and we're not going to see you again. Is this a work thing or a pleasure thing? I like Chad but I don't like him whisking you away without any notice. Love you dearly.'
I looked at my mothers name on one of the many emails that she sent me while I was here. I haven't been responding because I don't know what to say. I can't call because they don't know if her line is secure. I started a new email and entered her email address.
Mommy,
'I am alright! I'm in Venice right now enjoying the surprise vacation that Chad planned. I promise I'm safe and I'm so, so, so, so sorry I haven't called. I haven't had the time. My phone doesn't really work over here. It being international and all. I've been in contact with Selena but not frequently since my phone doesn't always work. This is the first time I've actually had access to a computer and NO! He's not holding me hostage. We're having a great time and one day we'll all come back here because I love it so much. I love you so much and I will try to be home for the holidays. Tell Daddy I said hi and that I'll see him soon. Love your very sorry daughter!'
I hit send and stared at the laptop. I had so many emails it was insane. It was raining our first day here but it didn't look too bad outside. It looked like a sun shower.
Bitch!
Why isn't your phone working! Why aren't you in the Hamptons? Where the hell are you? I know I've been a bitch to you and you've been a bitch to me but Tawni and I miss you and we need to talk. Can you sneak away from Chad for a moment and have dinner sometimes? Maybe?
Portlyn!
I miss you! I'm in Italy. I'll be home soon. I promise. Then we can all see each other and talk. I miss you guys so much. I have such exciting news! Love Sonny.
I sent that one as well, keeping it short and sweet. Just as I was about to start a new email, Louis walked into the room with a toothbrush hanging out his mouth and closed the laptop. He almost squished my fingers.
"Stealing is not a good thing." He scolded and picked it up. "You could've asked."
"You would've said no."
"Probably but only-"
"For my own good?" I finished with a snappy undertone. There are days I feel like I'm in control. Then there are days I feel like a prisoner. "My parents are worried about me. It's not fair. The email on my phone hasn't been working and I need the laptop."
"You don't think I've been keeping tabs on your life back home?" He strolled back into his room. Curiously, I followed behind him, tugging on my oversized t-shirt that wasn't really oversized anymore since my belly is making it appear shorter.
"Tabs on my life?"
He gave me a look, putting the laptop in its bag that I took in the dead of night and zipping it up. "Yes."
"How?"
He motioned for me to follow him to the bathroom. "Those emails you were looking at are months old." He spit in the sink and rinsed his toothbrush. "I've responded to them in a... orderly and convincing way."
"You're looking at my private emails?" I grumbled.
"We've had access to your emails since Chad met you. As well as bank accounts and phone records."
All my information. They tampered with it. My life. Has been tampered with. "Again... you do realize how fucked up that is? Don't go through my stuff! That's... illegal."
"So go tell the cops." He teased. He was being a jerk this morning. "You should get dressed so we can go get breakfast."
"My bank accounts?" I scoffed. "I mean, I know that Chad can put money in it. But he can't withdrawal."
"Yes, that is true." He confirmed. "But he can also pad it and pay off all your bills and student loans." I'm thoroughly creeped out. "He never told you he was paying your bills?"
"No." I exclaimed. "When did he start doing that?"
"When Michael started working at your job."
"Is he the reason I lost my job."
"No. You did that all on your own." No. I was distracted with him... and with what was going on. I sat down on the edge of the tub and rubbed my belly. "Your student debt is paid off as well."
"I don't appreciate that, you know?" Louis laughed loudly and turned to me.
"Most people would kill for that. You never noticed that you didn't have to worry about your mail while you lived with Chad? All the bills would be picked up from your mailbox at your apartment building by one of us who would give it to Chad."
No. I didn't notice. Part of me is grateful that he's done all that and the other part of me wants to slap him across the face for intruding so fucking much. I pushed myself up, holding an arm out for balance before walking out. I needed to get dressed for today. I didn't want to think about that stuff because it would stress me out. Plus, there's nothing I could do about that now so it doesn't make since to dwell over it. I took a quick shower, not washing my hair and dried off. I rubbed cocoa butter all over my skin to prevent stretch marks. So far I only have about two or three. I've been pretty good about keeping my skin well moisturized. I started at my body in the mirror in my bathroom and turned to the side. Maybe I'll name him Isaac. Or maybe Justin. Nah, I don't like Justin. Covered in a towel, I chose a dress and a somewhat light cardigan for today. It was easy and would keep me warm with all the wind blowing. I secured the dress on my shoulders and sighed. Get your ass over here, Chad. Or at least be still alive.
CHAD POV
I sat before all of the Bigs. They were in my almost finished house, sitting at the dining room table that was covered with a sheet. I was sweating, nervous and anxious as to what they were going to say. The only time I've seen them was when my father was alive. They liked him very much and often made visits to him. The one that terrified me the most was Abram. He was Russian and not to be fucked with. Don't get me wrong, he's nice... in a way but if I say the wrong thing... it's my ass. I waited for one of them to say something. I wondered who was going to speak first. It'd probably be Natasha since she does most of the talking but you could never know. Houston was here. He wasn't allowed to be here. This was a personal matter. I cleared my throat and placed my hands on the table.
Guess I'll talk first. "I'd like to start off by saying I'm sorry. Over the past year, things have gotten... out of hand. I let things slip by and had gotten messy with killing and trafficking."
"We can't do shit with a sorry." Tony spat out. His German accent made it sound so much worse than it was. "You understand the shit that we had to cover up?" He glared at me, making me look away from him. "Your father would've never let this happen."
"My father is a different man. But he's also dead so I think I'm doing better than him." I muttered and looked back at Tony.
"You think you knew what you were doing being his son. You'd think you'd be smart enough to know how much trouble you were making." They referred to Sonny. I inwardly rolled my eyes.
"I knew the trouble. I wanted to be with her-"
"I'm not finished speaking." He sneered, rising from his seat. "Rude little prick. I don't think you are capable enough to do this job. I never thought you were capable enough to. You never knew shit and you wouldn't ever know." He grumbled something in German before calming himself down and sitting. "All Tony is saying is that... you've never seemed right for this. Although you have contributed an amazing amount of revenue..." Natasha started. "Your ethics were always confused."
"Why were they confused? Because they weren't my fathers? Because I didn't agree with killing women? Why? My father was terrible. I never wanted to be like him."
"And you disgrace him." Kevin chimed in. I always knew I was a disgrace to him but I don't need people reminding me constantly. I sighed and sat back in my chair. My wrist was damaged and wrapped up. My side was still sore and I had to sit here and listen to this bullshit. "Never in my years have I seen the blood that's been spilled over a woman. She must have... Golden pussy. Lord only knows who's she's been fucking in Italy while you're here."
"Shut up." I snapped, not realizing what was about to come out of my mouth. "She's not like that. I don't know why the fuck we're having this meeting if all you fucking assholes are going to do bash me and my girlfriend." Before I knew it, there was blood spilling from my nose and stars in front of my eyes. Fuck! Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. "I'm sorry."
"You're really disrespectful." I knew the Russian accent before I saw his face. "We are trying to make you understand what you did wrong and you're going to call us assholes? After we cleaned up your mess and got rid of bodies? After we made sure Sonny was safe in Marcos' home. If it were up to me, both of you would be dead. You never speak that lowly about us ever. All we've ever done was guide you since your father died and this is what you fucking do?" He roared, pacing back and forth. I held my nose for a long time, trying to stop the bleeding. Fuck it hurt so bad.
"I'm sorry. I know I've been reckless but you can't fault me for loving someone." I interjected. "I... tried to keep these lives separate and none of this would've happened if Scott would've just signed the damn contract that included her in it. I wanted a truce... a middle ground but he wouldn't stop trying to hurt her. I don't care if he hurt me. But she had nothing to do with any of this."
Kevin stated, "She dated Michael Keese."
"She never knew. I swear she didn't know." I defended. "I know she wouldn't have continued dating him if she had known right away. They broke up because he cheated on her. She broke up with me at some point because she found out I was in this mess." I explained. "Sonny has done nothing. She has never taken part in any business I do except for trying to keep me sane and keep safe. I pursued her. She didn't pursue me. I kept her out of the loop as much as possible so she couldn't say anything. When she found out... she was mortified. She... damn near hated me and wanted to leave."
"H-How many people... have you killed?"
"I can't te-"
"Tell me..." She breathed out. "Tell me or I'm leaving."
I took a deep breath, shaking my head. "Nineteen."
She went silent. It's like she was paralyzed. I waited for any response but the only one I got was her walking up to me and trying not to cry. "I hate you..." She pushed my chest. "You're a terrible person!" She pushed me again before pounding her tiny fists on my chest. "I hate you!" Sonny sobbed. "I hate you so much! You're so stupid!"
"Baby-"
"You asshole! Stay away from me." She pointed to the door and exhaled shakily. "Get out."
I zoned back into reality, shaking off the feelings that pierced my heart as it did when it first happened. If I can take it all back, I would. "She's great. She's... like the sun after storm." I mumbled. "I've never felt anything for anyone like I feel for her. I know her. She's not going to say anything."
"She's still a liability." I don't know who said that. My vision hasn't come all the way back. "You want us to let her walk around like nothing is wrong with what she knows?"
"No. Sonny wouldn't admit to anything that's happening. She knows it would put me in jail. She also potentially knows that someone would find her and kill her. Honestly, if Sonny wanted to tell, she would've done it by now. She wouldn't have let me send her overseas." Not if she's had much of a choice. Once my vision came back, I looked at all of them. None of them had any kind of compassion in their eyes. "I'm turning everything except for the money I have now, in savings and in my Swiss bank account over to you. Everything that is in stocks and bonds stays with me as well."
Abram spoke again. His accent gave me goose bumps. "That doesn't pay back what we've done."
"You can have my club. I don't care." I pleaded. "I just need to be out. I'm done. I want an honest living. I know you all will never be out of my lives completely because it's your job but I need to bring her home. I have to make things right and safe for her. I want to be where she is. If it comes down to you really having to take it all... the money, the club, my accounts... I wouldn't care. You can take it. She's worth a lot more." I explained.
Natasha pursed her lips. "I want all the stocks and bonds you have as well as control over the Hamptons. You can invest in new bonds and stocks but the ones that have appreciated decent amounts, we're going to take." Shit. That's a lot of my money gone. I have a ton of money still. The accounts that are in my fathers' name, I still have. I still have his bonds and stocks but that still means less money for me. I thought for a moment. I know that they'll never… not take my money if I say no. So going with it might be what I need to really end this.
"Fine. The rest that I've earned on my own stays with me including all of my accounts." I agreed. "But! You must give Karen and Mariah, Grady's family, money every month. That's my only condition."
"We do not barter." Kevin chuckled, leaning back in his chair.
"This isn't a barter. It also wasn't a request. That needs to happen every month until Mariah is out of college. I worked hard for everything I have made here. I made a promise to keep up on Karen and Mariah and I'll be damned if they're left out to dry. I don't break my promises."
I walked around my empty house that had Sheetrock and exposed wires everywhere. I know this is the last time I'm going to see my house like this for a while but it was for the best. I can bring Sonny back to a house that is bigger and better and friendlier. I held a duffle bag in my left hand since I can't hold anything in my right. I had so many good and bad memories in this house. I know my mom would love to see how normal I'm going to be living but she's nowhere to be found.
"Chad, are you ready?"
I had packed some more of Sonnys' things that she had left here since she didn't get a chance to take a lot. There were some pictures… and some jewelry. Maybe she'll be happy to see her belongings.
"Yeah." I responded to Houston. He took my bag for me and carried it towards the car.
SONNY POV
"This place is so beautiful." I trailed my hand along the water as the gondola floated through the canal. "We should move to Venice." I smiled at Louis and urged. He snorted a laugh and shook his head.
"This is tourist central. You wouldn't like it here."
"Maybe I would." I turned my head back to the scenery and sighed. It was peaceful, and relaxing. "I want to see the opera house next." I told him. After I had practically had a mentally breakdown over if Chad was alive or dead, he's been trying to give me what I want. I still can't respond to my own emails yet but vacation wise, he can't say no to me. I know he's not going to want to see the opera house but I'm so excited to go. "What would you like to do?"
"Eat."
"You're always eating." I teased, patting his abdomen. "It's making me wonder who's the actual pregnant one."
"I'm pretty sure it's still you." As we passed a really pretty pink building, I sighed. "What?"
"Nothing." He gave me a look of confusion. "I know my mom would like this place."
"So she can come for Christmas."
"Can we still not go home?" I asked lowly. He cleared his throat.
"No. But soon." He assured me. "Soon." Maybe that's his way of telling me everything is fine and not to worry. I decided to let the topic go and move onto the next.
"Mhm... Once all this shit is finished and we're secure and everyone is safe, we can start making babies."
"How many?"
"I want five..."
"Five... you must be crazy if you think I'm pushing out five kids. Maybe three... and besides that; I want to be married first."
He looked hesitant. Like that word caused him mental trauma. "Marriage?"
"Yes!" I slapped his chest. "Don't expect to knock me up and not put a ring on this finger..."
He smiled his million watt smile. "Don't worry, Sonny, I got you." He winked. Only he could make me fall into a puddle.
Don't think about that stuff... "So, I've been thinking about names for the baby."
"Oh yeah? What'd you come up with?"
"So far... I have Justin... and Issac." He nodded while he pressed buttons on his Nikon.
"I don't like those names."
"Too generic, right?"
"Yeah. I mean, they're great names but not for Chad's son. They have to be a strong, dominant name. Issac is like... the name of someone I would beat up in high school. And I think I know about ten guys with the name Justin. It's too generic."
We both laughed. "What about Hunter?"
"That's a cool name."
"Bailey?"
"No. That's weak too."
"I thought about Chad Jr. But I thought that would be to... influential."
"What do you mean?"
"Like... I don't want Chad's name to influence my kid. Chad is a great guy but I think my sons name she be one of his own. It makes sense in my head."
"Naming your son after his father is usually very honorable."
"I know. But let's say Chad was named after Jack. You would expect him to have the same traits as his father but he's completely different and people know him as Chad."
"People still held Chad up to Jack. Even with a different name. You're making it sound like you don't want your son associated with Chad." He pointed the camera towards me and snapped a picture. "Can you try to look happy."
"I want him to be associated with his father." I giggled, putting my hand over the lens. "Plus, I don't plan on my son living that kind of... life."
"Okay. You'll think of a name. I'm pretty sure of it."
"Well, I'd like some help." I moved my hand. He took another picture as I was smiling. "I want pasta."
"I love pasta." Louis said happily.
I leaned back on the pillows that were propped up behind me. Louis took some more pictures and I sat in silence. I could live here; right off the canal. I could sit on the windowsill all day and just live peacefully. I don't know what I'm naming little bug. I don't even have the slightest clue. I suddenly wished Chad and I talked about kids before all this happened. He probably would've had some better ideas than I do. But he also wanted more kids than I do. That made me chuckle. There was no way I was pushing five kids out of me. I don't even know how I'm going to pull this one off. It's going to hurt like hell. I think I'm going to try to do it natural. As we pulled into the small dock, I sat up as much as I could. Getting out of this boat with my belly is going to be hard.
"You think things are going to be the same when you go back?"
"No, I'll have a lot of explaining to do." I chuckled. Louis stood up easily and got his stuff together. Once he hopped out of the boat, he reached out for me and pulled me up with all his strength. I laughed loudly. It was hard to get up and use my hands since reaching towards the ground was almost impossible at this point. I have to squat to do anything. I stepped onto the dock safely and thanked him. He grabbed my purse and handed it to me. "I have to see people I ended it so abruptly with."
"True."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
"It's not going to be different for you?"
"I doubt it. I don't really have a lot to look forward to."
Right. His family isn't with him. "So... you can hang out with me." I nudged his shoulder as we walked towards the Main Street.
"Oh joy." He said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes when he smiled. "As long as you don't have any more mental breakdowns, we should be fine."
"Oh shut up!" I chuckled. "They're not mental breakdowns. They're... moments."
"Right..." He drawled out.
"My sister would probably love you."
"Don't try to set me up with your sister." He scoffed
"Why not?! She's cute... and nothing like me... if that's what you're worried about." I felt a few rain drops and urged Louis to walk faster.
"I would like to not date a Monroe. You've already caused enough trouble in... our world. Another one might start another world war."
I silently laughed. "Wow! That was a hostile comment."
"It's the truth." Louis opened the door to a bistro and walked in after me. I instantly saw stuffed huge artichoke and salivated. That's what I'm having.
"Due, per favore." I said. Did I mention I'm getting better at Italian? We were seated at a table that wasn't dead center but close to it. I know Louis liked to sit facing the door so I sat on the opposite side with my back towards it.
CHAD POV
I hate waiting. I hate waiting especially when I'm supposed to be on a plane halfway to Italy right now. Stupid Traffic to JFK airport almost made me miss my flight. I was on time but due to the really bad weather, my flight has been delayed. It was colder over here. The runways were colder and were icing up. They said we'd only be delayed an hour but it's been three. I swirled a very smooth whiskey around my glass and swallowed the rest of its contents. The lounge for frequent flyers did their best to keep me and all the other upset business class flyers updated but no prevail. I was growing restless.
"You know you're not supposed to be drinking?" Houston sat down across from me with a refill glass. I took it from him.
"I need to get there." I need to see her, touch her, feel her soft skin, touch her dark hair, and look her in her brown eyes. I need to see her smile.
"I understand." He gruffly stated. "Would you like me to see if anything overseas is flying out?"
That'd be perfect. I could fly into German or hell, even Hungary and just go from there but I should be patient. If I try to rush now something bad could happen. "No, no. I'll wait. Just... see how much longer it's going to be." He nodded and ran off to do is job.
I was anxious. Very anxious. I know she's going to be mad at me. That's a given. She deserves the right to be. But even if she's mad, I could just smile at her because seeing her would make everything I've done seem okay. I took a sip of the brown liquid and placed it on the table in front of me. I leaned back in the recliner and closed my eyes. It's been a long day. A very long day. With my eyes closed for at least five minutes, my phone chimed in my hand. I didn't recognize the number. The paranoia started going through my head. What if this was another threat to Sonny. Fuck I can't handle another whirlwind of events. I opened the text message and read it.
'Heard what you did. Thank you for taking care of my family. I will repay you' - Karen
It's just Karen. Good. I exhaled.
'No repayment needed. Just make sure you two live the life you're supposed to have. Put her in a good school'
'Right. Lol she wants a dog. I got her a Jack Russell Terroir. His name is King'
I smiled at the picture that was attached. Mariah was holding a puppy with a big, toothless smile on her face. 'That's great. Enjoy. If you need anything at all, you know how to reach me'
'Always'
"So the plane is here." I looked up at Houston. He had his phone in his hand. "They're fueling up. They should be boarding in thirty minutes."
"Right." I stood up slowly and held out my right hand for him to shake. "You don't have to come with me. You're free to... move about the cabin." He chuckled lowly and shook his head.
"You need me." He stated confidently. Aside from Louis and Grady, he knows me well too. "I follow wherever you go."
I smirked. "Fine. Don't ever say I didn't give you an out."
"Plus, I have to provide for my family." He added. I sat back down and crossed an ankle over the other. "Why didn't we just fly back with the Bigs?"
"Because that would've been a plane ride from hell with all those stuck up... assholes." I grumbled, looking around. Knowing them, they could be anywhere. "Are our traveling arrangements for when we land in place?"
"Yes, it should be about an hour drive."
"Great." An hour is too long.
I'm just glad I'm officially out of business. I don't have to deal with any of them unless something really tragic like death happens. They're all in good health so they're not going to need my services for anything. I closed my eyes once more and waited for my boarding call. I imagine Sonny and I lounging in bed, watching a movie. Her head on my chest and my arm wrapped around her. She's eventually fall asleep because that's the type of person she is. I can imagine her hands gently rubbing the soft patch of hair on my chest. I missed her so much. Her infectious laugh was prevalent. It could light up my darkest days. I couldn't wait to see her. I couldn't fucking wait for her unconditional love.
A/N
So, tell me what you think. Things are winding down with this story. Only about one or two chapters left. Thank you for reading and please review when you get the chance. Thank you!
