Page 15 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

“Surely, he’s too important to you in business, especially if you plan on taking over the Abate family.”

“He’s recovering?—”

“All the more reason to have someone stronger to protect Elena.”

He arches a brow. “What’s your deal with Donovan?”

"I just don't want him here, Niko." The words slip out unintentionally.

“I can’t imagine why. He’s practically the only one of my men who tolerates you.”

“I don’t need a reason.”

“Neither do I. Your feelings don't dictate security measures." His voice is firm, telling me there’s no discussion. "Donovan stays."

“So what I want or Elena wants?—”

“No. Your desires are secondary.”

"Secondary.” I wonder why Elena loves this man when it’s clear that Niko doesn’t give a crap about what she or I want.

“Let’s get something straight.” He leans forward, and the relaxed, friendlier version of Niko is gone, replaced by Don Leone. "You're only here because you're Elena's sister. She needs you. But make no mistake, Lucia. If it weren't for her, you'd be on the next flight back to Italy."

A shiver sneaks up my spine, but I hide it, not wanting him to see my fear. I nod my understanding.

"Good." Niko stands. “Have a good afternoon.”

He turns to leave, but before he does, I say, "End it. End my father and his threat to Elena.”

"Done."

I don’t trust him with my sister’s or my life, but in that moment, I feel quite certain he’ll make sure my father never gets to Elena again.

I stare at the empty space where he stood moments before, the air still thick with his authority. My purpose here is crystal clear—as Elena's sister, nothing more. I should be used to being relegated to less-than. It’s where I’ve been all my life.

The memory of my father surfaces. Him in his tailored darkness, his voice menacing, promising punishment for any misstep. The man who tortured and killed Dylan while I was forced to watch.

Niko mirrors him, another Don in a fine suit, wielding control as effortlessly as breathing. Why has Elena chosen this life? Me? I can’t help but feel that I could have a different lifenow. Giuseppe and I had even discussed it, although he died before anything could be put into place.

"Mrs. Conti.” Maria, one of the maids, enters the kitchen. “Is there anything you need?”

“No. Thank you.”

She nods and turns back to her task, letting me sit as my brain ruminates over my situation. It’s gone from Niko to my father to Elena, and now, Donovan. The pull I feel toward him—strong, confusing, infuriating—contrasts with my revulsion at the thought of falling for someone so entrenched in the life I despise. He's part of this world, a world where men like my father and Niko dictate the fate of those around them without a second thought. How can I desire someone so deeply rooted in the very thing I loathe? It's a dangerous game, this attraction. One I can’t afford to play.

"Luce?"

Startled, I snap my gaze upward. Elena stands there, her face alight with the happiness of true love and impending motherhood. Her hand is on her belly, now a gentle swell.

"Everything okay?" she asks, her tone light as she sits in the chair Niko vacated moments ago.

"Of course.” I don’t want her to know my inner turmoil. I need to be strong. I’ll do Niko’s bidding, and perhaps Elena will change her mind and decide this life isn’t for her, after all.

"Good." She takes my hand, squeezes it.

“Do you want lunch upstairs?” Maria asks Elena.

“No. I’d like it here with my sister.” Her smile is bright toward me. “I’m so glad you’re here. I missed you so much.”

---