His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies by C. Tamika

Chapter 147

“I haven’t been here in ages.” I sighed as I stared at the home where it all started. Dario stood beside me and surprisingly behaved the entire ride. He probably knew about Christian and I getting back together, but he didn’t say a word because that was typically Dario. He had to hear it from my mouth.

“So, this is where you grew up?” Dario asked. Regardless of the circumstances, I was still glad to do something good and wanted to make the best out of everything.

“You’re the first person to visit,” I confessed. “My parents, Beau and my friends have never been here.”

I wasn’t jumping at the idea of being alone with Dario, but we had collected toys and essentials for the children, and I did not want to miss out on that opportunity, even if it had to be with him.

Whenever he looked at me, all I could see was a liar. He lied to me, and he used me, and I was going to get him back for it. From now on. I would stand behind Christian.

“You must’ve been very popular.” Dario joked as he opened the trunk. “You’re beautiful, funny-I dare you to tell me it isn’t true.”

“It isn’t,” I spoke to his surprise. “I had a few friends, but I wasn’t that popular.”

“That’s surprising,” Dario commented. It honestly wasn’t, and the only one who could see right through me was Christian. There used to be a time when Christian would joke about me not being that popular. but moments like these made me realize how well he knew me. I didn’t know him, but he seemed to know everything about me.

“I actually got bullied,” I spoke as we unloaded the boxes. If I was going to try to get closer to him, I might as well try it now. “Not here though, the kids and I were very close-it was at school.”

“Bullied?” Dario spoke, worried, and stopped whatever he was doing to look at me. “How come?”

“I personally think it was because they used to see me as a threat,” I spoke. It was a bold statement, but it was true. It was why Isobel and all the other girls, including the girls at the club, initially didn’t like my

presence.

“I didn’t know you were that confident.” Dario laughed. “So I suppose you never really liked school?”

I was bothered because all of this was a way for him to open up to me, but he wouldn’t budge. He was so secretive, and it seemed impossible to break through to him. “It was. I got expelled more times than I could count, and it was only because I fought back.” I told him.

“I was only defending myself and meant no harm-but for some reason, they thought I was the devil. Strange, right?”

The smile on Dario face had vanished, and it became clear to me that I had finally pushed a button. “I know the feeling,” Dario sighed. I could see the anger through his eyes and wanted to ask him more, but I had to follow Christian and Marc’s instructions. Dario was not stupid and would probably notice my

intentions.

my arm with his. He looked down in surprise and grew a smile on his face. I was deceiving

wondered. It was strange how he had no problem asking me questions but did not like it whenever it was the other way around. “I left at eighteen, I lived with

his reaction.

behind those eyes and was curious as to why he didn’t want to share anything with me, until I suddenly

pulled me into a hug. “I

I introduced her to him. It was the same woman who I accused of making my life miserable, but only years. later, I realized that she and all the others were only looking out for me.

don’t have any baby pictures?” Dario asked. He was once again digging into my personal life. “I do.” Kim smiled. “Serena was like the main child of this home. We were all devasted when she left.”

got a taste of freedom. A lot of the children were here for different reasons, but I never truly fit

brought a lot of boxes with blankets, toys, food, and so much more.” I smiled at Kim. “I heard all about it, and I’m so proud of you.” Kim sighed. “The others said you were going to end up in jail, but I told them you

said you were a sweet

“It’s just an inside joke, I

only lived here because I had nowhere else to go.” I shrugged. “One woman adopted me, and she gave me her surname, she took

face, but he was still not opening up. Christian’s words had once again crossed my mind and I

I brought some help!” Kim spoke as she returned with four guys behind her. “Are you guys still here?” I smiled at the familiar faces. “Yes, I had no idea you were able to get even uglier, but here you are.” One of the guys spoke. They were the same little annoying kids I used to live with and even though their appearance changed a lot, they were still the

see,” Dario whispered in my car while I gave him a nudge against his shoulder. It was difficult to dislike him, and I couldn’t tell whether he made me feel uncomfortable or at ease. I couldn’t like

the boxes.” Kim decided and pushed us in. “It’s exactly how I remembered it, only really quiet,” I commented as my mind went back to the

than the boys, only the three younger kids

who used to work here?” I asked, but Kim shook her head. “A lot has changed, but there’s one thing

that moment, three little children came running down the stairs and made their way towards us. Dario knelt and grabbed the hand of one of the children.

side. “I heard you were pregnant

Siena, and she’s five

“Wait”

word traveled fast, but it was something I didn’t share with anyone from my past. “That one guy told me a very long time ago. It

her head. “Yes, he donated a huge amount of cash, he gave everyone presents, and I have to admit, I’m really impressed by your choice of

never told me…” I spoke, flustered. “Yes, I don’t think I was supposed to share this,” Kim stressed. “He told me he was curious about your life and that he didn’t want to bring up the

secretive, but deep down, he had the right intentions. “He thanked us for taking care of you and told us that he’ll do it from now on

He wanted something, and I blatantly told him that I wouldn’t give it to him. He had surprising

the deal with him?” Kim asked. “He also seems to like

about this kind of

be

don’t care whether he likes me or not. I’m not interested. We’re just business partners.” I clarified, but it felt like a lie. Did I still have a crush on him? No, definitely not, but I wasn’t like Christian. I didn’t hate him, and I didn’t want to get rid of him. I just wanted him to be