No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 9

I go down the hallway and turn down the one leading to our rooms, pushing my door open and shutting it behind me.

I sigh and rummage through my closet for something comfy to wear, settling on a pair of black sweats and one of Dad's old jumpers before making my way into my ensuite.

I lock the door behind me and step into the shower, turning it on before pulling my clothes off.

My eyes trail over my reflection in the mirror, landing on the empty patch of skin on my left wrist.

I should really get another tattoo.

Maybe a snake, but that's kind of basic and I already have one on my arm.

I shake my head and check the temperature of the shower, stepping inside and sliding the door shut.

I close my eyes as the hot water streaks down my body, the heat burning my skin as I run a hand through my damp hair.

I suck in a sharp breath as a familiar image flashes through my mind, my parents terrified faces engraved in my memory as they're pleads and screams invade my senses.

My body slides down the shower wall as I cover my hands with my ears, trying to get it to stop.

"What are you doing?" Mom screeches, her eyes widening as I'm dragged into the room.

"She shouldn't have even been born," my Grandfather snarls, his eyes flashing with danger as two of his men hold me in place.

"Leonardo," Dad rasps, his eyes begging with him, "Do whatever you want to me, it's me you're angry at,"

My Grandfather snickers, "She blew away my chance at finally getting the power in the underworld I rightfully deserve," he spits out, "If she hadn't had been so busy with you and your stupid daughter, I would have been one of the most dangerous figures in the Mafia,"

"Please Dad," Mom cries, "Leave Ana out of it,"

"And why would I do that?" my Grandfather asks in a sickly sweet voice.

"Leonardo she's just a kid," Dad's voice breaks as he looks over at me.

"Grandpa what are you doing?" I ask in a small voice, my body trembling as the grip on my arms tightens.

"Teaching you a lesson," he laughs, loading his gun and raising it.

"Stop it!" I screech, tears running down my cheeks as I try to wrangle myself out of the harsh hands holding me back.

"Leonardo enough!" Dad shouts frantically, trying to get out of the chair he's tied to.

"Please," his voice cracks as a single bullet shot goes off.

My world stops as I watch Mom shudder, a soft cry leaving her lips as she slumps into the chair.

I'm not sure if the scream I hear is mine or Dad's as tears begin to run down his face, his eyes glued to Mom as his expression falls to one I've never seen before.