Page 97 of Lord of Vengeance

I’d been robbed of my family by decisions and bad men.

So had the woman I craved more than anything.

We’d both suffered greatly because of it but we’d also risen from the ashes, determined to make something of ourselves. And we had. Yet we’d missed out on so many things.

Birthdays.

Holidays.

Family gatherings.

Laughter.

Love.

It was time to put an end to the brutal and ugly situation once and for all.

“I have something for you before I leave, Diego,” Emmanuel said from behind me. We’d talked for another hour, giving the love of my life time to cool off. I’d learned the identity of the girl’s father. She was true American royalty, which was the reason her father had allowed himself to be taken from Margarite. In a way, the young man had done the right thing, although I wasn’t certain Sabrina would ever see it that way.

“I don’t want anything from you, Emmanuel.”

“I was lucky enough to see one of my sons grow into a fine man. I was so proud of Dante, his accomplishments, every goal he met. He had such a smile as a little boy. He was so sweet, just like his mother. Then a portion of the ugly truth came out and I saw how haunted someone could be from not being able to know and love their real family.”

“Why didn’t you say anything then?” I threw out at him, spinning around and glaring the man in the eyes.

“Because I was trying to protect your mother. I knew she could be killed if the truth was really told. I didn’t want Dante to return to America. I was ready to beg him not to go, but he was insistent that he destroy the people who’d forced his beloved mother to suffer.”

“You turned him into the same monster my father turned me into.”

He seemed surprised at my words. “That wasn’t my intent, but you need to take another look at Dante. He’s a loving husband and soon-to-be father. He’s a brilliant attorney and cares about the welfare of people. And he respects you and your relationship. You are just like your brother. Powerful. Soulful. And loving. You are nothing like me and for that, I’m very grateful. However, the two of you are my legacy. The empire and all that I own will belong to you when I retire or my life ends.”

“We have a life here.”

“Yes, a good one. I’m proud of both of you.”

I wasn’t certain why hearing that the man was proud of us mattered. But somehow on this day, it did. An ache formed in my heart, one that I hadn’t anticipated. I noticed he had something in his hand.

“You can do with my empire what you wish, but I brought the papers with me. Everything is left equally to you and Dante. I ask that you take care of my wife if anything should happen to me. That is all I can ask of you. Take this.”

“I don’t want whatever it is.”

A look of sadness crossed his face. He slowly walked to my desk, placing something on the surface. As he headed for the door, I sensed the weight of the world was on his shoulders for the decisions he’d made. Maybe even regret.

That didn’t make him a better man.

“This was your mother’s and she refused to keep it but I did. Now, you can give it freely and openly. It’s my real gift to you and I think you’ll know what to do with it.”

“I don’t care.” The words created another ache.

“You love her. Don’t you?” he asked before walking out.

Exhaling, I wasn’t certain why I felt compelled to answer him. But I did. “Very much.”

“Then don’t be the fool I was. I let your mother go without a real fight. Never let Sabrina go, my son. She’s made you a better man than I could ever be. And you will make an amazing father.”

When the door closed, I took a gasping breath, slowly turning my head toward the surface of my desk. As I walked closer, I was surprised at what he’d left.

An engagement ring.

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