Page 58 of Solace

“Layla,” Antonio said, “Is everything ok, you’ve gone pale, come on let’s get you inside.”

Thankfully I used the hood to hide my anguish, pain as the tears fell from the corners of my eyes, every inch of me was breaking, trying not to picture what happened that day.

Antonio wrapped his arms securely around me, as I quietly sobbed.

Little by little I shattered. I didn’t want this to happen, but thoughts of my mamma were a battle I would never win.

Chapter 30

ANTONIO

Itook Layla into my arms, bewildered to why she started crying. I wrapped my arm securely around her and pulled her into my chest, holding her tight, allowing her to sob her heart out. Carlo came around to my side to find out what was happening. His eyes were on me as I held my girl, I lifted my brows unsure what was going on.

“Layla, I need to get you inside,” I told her as I took back to the sidewalk and towards the shop.

Her hood covered her face, making it hard to see her pain, or what had caused her anguish.

Approaching the door as I led her into the shop, I turned and pressed my hand to Carlo’s chest. “Keep a close eye out.”

“Of course.”

I continued into the store where Layla stood frozen wearing her hood.

Stepping to her left side as an assistant approached. “Please could you find my girl some clothes, anything goes.”

She remained standing like something had stolen her soul. I stepped to her front and took hold of the hood pushing it back revealing her pretty face to me, only tears streamed down her cheeks, her pretty pink glow had turned pale, her eyes heavy. She closed her eyes, before opening and stared right through me, almost vacant. I wasn’t there. I didn’t exist. I glanced over her shoulder wondering what on earth had happened in the square…then it came to me.

I heaved my breath and stared intensively at my girl, my love, a woman I had fallen in love with. I rubbed my hand against my chin. I rolled my tongue over my teeth; a tiny fragment of my body fell from me. My heartbeat faster, aware what was going on…at least I think I did, I just needed evidence.

“Go shopping,” I encouraged her.

Placing my hands either side of her face and kissed her forehead.

Making my way back out the shop finding Luigi stood feet away.

“Keep a close eye on her. I have something to attend to. I shall not be long,” I commanded them.

“Yes boss.”

I found Carlo’s as he was patrolling the square.

“Find out what happened in this square, even if I think I know,” I ordered him.

“Of course, boss,” Carlo agreed. “Is everything alright?”

“Get me images if you can. I need conformation,” I told him.

“On it, boss.”

I left my man in charge of finding out what the hell was going on, even if I already sensed I knew the truth, only one question loomed around in my head, and I would soon know the answer.

Chapter 31

DANIELLA aka Layla

Iwatched as the woman raced around the store finding me clothes that suited my tiny frame, personally I had lost all enthusiasm, all I wanted was to go to Antonio’s and snuggle into my bed and sob my torn heart out.

Turning around to see Antonio sat on a chair watching me. His glare was intrusive, like he has a million and one things on his mind.