Page 33 of Deadly Don's Arranged Vows

“Um, am I missing something?” I ask. “You two are a little too friendly with each other to be related.”

Arching one thin brow, she smirks. “It’s none of your business, but seeing as you’ll soon be dead, it won’t hurt for you to know that the whole story about Darius being my uncle is a farce. I made it up so he would be welcome here. My husband would never have agreed to host this man had he known he was really my lover and not my uncle at all.”

It's funny to me that this woman has spent so many years around the Mafia but seems to know so little about it. “Do you think your husband’s successor will approve of this? Or are you still going to pretend you’re this man’s niece?”

Her hand goes to her chest, and her dark brows rise. “Why would you think I’m going to stay here? Once I have the money, we’re out of here. And I’ll finally get to marry the only man I’ve ever really loved.” She caresses the man’s cheek. “Darius and I will finally get the life we deserve.”

Under normal circumstances, I would be happy for them. But they kidnapped me, so I feel nothing but anger. “I wish you both the life you deserve,” I say, not meaning it in a good way.

My mother was right for leaving with me when she did. She knew what would happen if she’d stayed. She gave her life so I would have a chance in hell of avoiding the horror of my father. Little did she know that it would come back to haunt me anyway.

Leaning over, I pick up the plate from the end of the bed and force myself to eat, even though I have no appetite.

“It’s only fair that your poor sisters get to live as nice a life as you have,” Vivian says.

“I never knew about them or you,” I say. “I was told only recently about who my real father is. As far as my half sisters are concerned, I have no ill will against them. Unless they’re as horrid as you are.”

“They’re angels, despite the abuse their father put them through.” She waves her hand in front of her face as if fanning away tears. “You were lucky to have been taken away before you had to endure your father’s evil punishments.”

“And I’m thankful for that. But I lost my mother in the process. I grew up thinking another woman was my real mom. I was told lies my entire life. Still, I hope you take the money and give your daughters a nice life. Even if I have to die for you to do it, which I still don’t think is necessary.”

Vivian rolls her eyes and sighs. “I can’t have what you have unless you’re not around to have it.”

She has no idea what fate awaits her, whether she gets the money or not. “Vivian, you are an enigma.”

“I have no idea what you mean by that, and I don’t care.” She looks at me with disgust. “You’re enjoying that?”

“Not at all.” I finish the food, even though it’s bland, and I know it’s not what the family was served at dinner tonight. Putting the plate back down at the end of the bed, I ask, “Is there any way you can get me some vitamins?”

Vivian raises her head to look at me. “You need vitamins and nutrients on your deathbed? Why is that?”

“Well, I signed your papers, and you will soon have no choice but to allow me to move about this place. Someone other than the bloodsucking lawyers and a few servants will have to see me if any of your shit is going to be believed.” I’m not sure how to say it without actually saying it. “I have to look healthy until I can’t be anymore.”

“You won’t live past tomorrow night,” Darius informs me with a chuckle.

“It would be extremely stupid of you to have me killed in such a short amount of time. The blame would be placed on you, Vivian. Surely, you realize that.”

“Killed?” she asks, a sinister grin spreading across her ruby-red lips. “There are many other ways a person can die other than being murdered. I’m sure you can think of at least one way.”

Darius blurts out, “Suicide!”

“And why would I kill myself? Especially after inheriting a nice sum of money?” I ask, thinking I’ve never met any people as stupid as these two.

Vivian taps her finger against her temple. “Well, you might not love your new life as a Barone heiress, and that’s why you would take your own life.”

“But I’m a happily married woman who only wants to get back to her husband.” I know that at least my husband will know I wouldn’t kill myself. “It’s not the police you should be worried about. Something as simple as suicide might fool detectives, but it will never fool the one you should be afraid of.”

“Your husband,” she says as if he’s no real threat.

“My husband is more powerful than either of you can imagine. You’re already dead for what you’ve done. If I die, death will be something my husband will make you beg for. And he’ll make you watch as everyone you have ever cared about is tortured in front of you. I’m begging you to think about the things you’re bringing down on not only yourselves but your children and everyone else you know.”

She gives me another eye roll. “Please, spare me your drama. You think your husband is more powerful than all the Barone men put together? I’m protected by my husband’s men and will continue to have their protection even when a new boss is put in charge.”

“My husband is not without his own men. I think you’ve been hit in the head one too many times, Vivian. My father has knocked you senseless. I’m telling you that things don’t have to get as bad as you seem set on making them. But you refuse to listen to anything I have to say. You aren’t taking me seriously at all, and it will only serve to hurt you in ways you cannot imagine.”

No matter how hard I try, she won’t see reason. I don’t know what else I can say to make her understand what she’s doing to herself if she lets me die.

Maybe she thinks my husband doesn’t care for me the way hers didn’t care for her. But she must know how protective men like our husbands are.

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