Chapter 6

"Are you alright, Don Corleone? I heard a commotion," one of Lucio's bodyguards called out. Lucio lowered his voice. "Tell me, Elvira—how do you want me to answer?" He rubbed his thumb against the back of my neck. His gaze was locked onto me, waiting for my answer. The bodyguard outside knocked twice more and asked with a tone of vigilance, "Don Corleone?" I held my breath as my thoughts ran a mile a minute. "Make him leave," I eventually said through gritted teeth. Lucio smiled almost imperceptibly. Then, his voice regained its cold authority, and he ordered emotionlessly, "Stand down. Nobody is allowed near this floor without my permission." "Understood, Don Corleone." The footsteps grew farther away, and silence returned to the bathroom. All that remained was the sound of our breathing. Lucio released his grip on the back of my neck, but he still kept me trapped between him and the wall. "Alright, Elvira. About our relationship…" "We don't have a relationship," I argued