Chapter 22

• Bella’s POV
• Ivan and Aleksei come running in and instantly check on Giulia, and Kat. I take a couple of steps back since I’m not one of the ones that their worried about. Moments like these make me remind me of my place in Ivan’s life. Tears rush to my eyes as the truth hits me, I’ll never be anything to Ivan other than property, a play toy he can get out and use anytime he wants. I make my way out of the safe room into the library and take a seat on one of the leather couches. I don’t know how much time has passed before Kat comes to find me. At least I know with out a doubt that Kat loves me.
• Kat takes the empty seat next to me and takes a deep breath. When she releases it, she turns to me and speaks. “Thank you Bella, if it wasn’t for you I don’t think any of us would have probably made it during the attack.” I nod my head at her letting her know I heard her. “I also wanted to say I’m sorry for the way Ivan just did you. I suspected that you were starting to have feelings for him. You confirmed then when you were so distraught over his well-being. I could see the hurt in your eyes when he didn’t even spare you a glance when he came in. I wish I could do something to make you keep your guard up around him. But there isn’t I can only offer you a little piece of advice. Don’t let your heart fall truly for my brother, he doesn’t know how to love. That way he can never hurt you like this again. I pray every night that he will let you go back to your normal life. I don’t want you to go through the pain, loneliness, and misery that the women of the mafia endure. You deserve so much better, you’re a great person with a huge heart. I no longer look at you as a friend but as a sister. I love you Bella and I’ll always be here for you.” Kat reaches over and hugs me after telling me this.