Page 44 of And Back

Dante steps closer, his expression pained. "Zoe, please. Trust him. Trust me."

I am scared and angry, and I can't hold back the sobs that escape my lips. "How can you ask me to do that?" I cry, my voice rising in desperation.

Dante reaches out and pulls me into his arms, holding me tightly as I break down. His embrace is warm and reassuring, but it does little to quell the storm inside me.

"I know it's hard," he murmurs against my hair. "But sometimes we have to let the people we love fight their own battles."

I shake my head against his chest, the tears flowing freely now. "I can't," I whisper through my sobs.

Dante's grip tightens around me, his strength a stark contrast to the vulnerability I feel. "You have to," he says gently but firmly. "For Virgilio's sake."

CHAPTER NINETEEN

VIRGILIO

Gunshots.

The crowd erupts into chaos.

People scream and duck for cover, their faces twisted in fear.

My eyes dart across the room, and that's when I spot him—my father. He's here, and he's not alone. Fuck! Fuck!!

I scan the area for Zoe, my heart pounding like a drum. But I know that if I go to her now, I'll be distracted. I can't afford that. Not when Benedetto is here.

I pull out my gun, the cold metal a strange comfort in my hand. My eyes search for Dante, and I spot him already moving towards Zoe. Our eyes meet, and he gives me a quick nod. Good. Zoe will be safe with him.

This ends here and now.

I duck behind a pillar, trying to keep my breathing steady.

I peek out from my hiding place and see him—Benedetto Messina, standing there like he owns the place. The sight of him makes my blood boil. This man has tormented my family for far too long.

The shot rings out, but I stay hidden, waiting for the right moment to reveal myself. My phone pings and I know it is a message from Dante: Zoe is safe.

Great. Now it's time to finish this.

I peer around the pillar, scanning the room. Benedetto's men are spread out, their eyes scanning the crowd. They're looking for me. They have no idea where I am yet. Good.

Benedetto stands in the middle of the pandemonium, his cold eyes searching for me too. He hasn't seen me yet either. I count his guards: one by the exit, another near the stage, and two more flanking him. Four men. I can handle four men. He trained me to do it.

"Benedetto!" I call out, stepping from behind the pillar.

His head snaps in my direction, and a twisted smile spreads across his face. "Ah, there you are, Virgilio," he sneers. "Or should I say Ettore? You think you can hide behind a new name? Pathetic."

I keep my gun steady, aiming at him. "It's over, Benedetto. You're done."

He laughs, a harsh sound that cuts through the air. "You think you can defeat me? You’re no son of mine. I should have gotten rid of you when you were a useless kid."

His words sting, but I don't let it show. "I'm not like you," I reply calmly.

"That’s the point. You can't be like me. You can never be like me. You are a bloody stain on my reputation," he continues, his voice dripping with venom. "Weak and useless."

I step closer, my grip tightening on the gun. "The only stain here is you," I say.

His face twists with anger. "How dare you speak to me like that?" he snarls.

I can see it now—how truly unhinged he is. The way his eyes blaze with fury, the way his hands clench into fists. He's still a monster, through and through.

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