Page 84 of Isle of Beauty

I’m no better than him, no better than my father. I’d kill and maim to protect what’s mine. And I have.

I’m not sure I believe it makes us bad people anymore.

Later that night, we’re in the plane back to Kalliste, seated on the sofa, Lana sprawled over me. When we board, she falls asleep and I can’t let her on the bed in the private cabin at the back of the jet. She’s sleeping soundly in my arms and I cling to her, afraid if I let go, she’ll be taken again. I stayed away the entire day to allow her to recover but I can’t keep away now. I need her soft skin on mine and the soothing motion of her steady breathing.

While we worked, Andrea and I had time to talk about what’s next for Pierce Security Company.

I glance at my wife soundly asleep and safe in my arms. I know what I need to do. With my cousin and brother as ally and support, I finally can let go of what I believe I had to do and start to build a legacy I can be proud of.

Interpol is waiting for the file on Alessio Bartoli, the file I compiled with everything I learned. They’re getting agitated and want answers. They won’t take kindly to me not fulfilling a contract and they could hire someone else. I’ll make sure to destroy all the evidence I have on my father and our empire.

I shoot a text to Andrea next.

Me

I need your help.

Andrea

Again?

Me

Don’t be a dick. Do it for Giulia.

Andrea

Don’t bring my wife into your mess. Now spill.

Me

Delete any trace of this file.

I send him the encoded documents.

The next day, I receive another message.

Andrea

The favours you owe me keep piling up, asshole.

I smile at his ridiculous antics. Who knew I could find companionship in the unlikeliest corner of my family tree?

THIRTY-FOUR

LANA

HURTING

Iwish I could say I’m fearless. I wish I could say training all my life to lead this life made me immune to threats and danger. But I’ve never been as scared and powerless as I was during my stay in that place.

The constant threat of harm and rape, the use of it on others to make me docile, it fucked me up.

Sally and Jennie were both bleeding on that mattress because of me.

I barely slept, I shivered all the time despite the heat and I had more panic attacks than I can count.

I refused to eat, they got punished.

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