Page 40 of Cruel Bet

Before I can lash out and launch into a tirade asking how she could possibly believe that, she continues.

“Maria followed me into the bathroom earlier on a break. We spoke briefly and she gave me this for Arianna.” She holds up a letter. “She told me Diego is not a true ally of De Luca. If De Luca learned of Arianna’s whereabouts, it wasn’t from him. Besides, it was no secret that he suspected she was with you. His suspicions were no doubt confirmed once Lucchese bit the dust. He must have been waiting for the perfect opportunity.”

“And you believed this Maria? You think Diego is a friend?” Dimitri asks what we’re all thinking.

“Yes. I read her letter. I think she has no reason to lie. It would benefit her to tell us otherwise so we would help her escape.”

“What does the letter say?” I ask, slightly relieved to have something to focus on other than my concern and rage.

Kimiko hesitates for a moment, unsure of whether or not she should tell me. “It’s meant to be for Arianna, I just read it to make sure it was safe for the Family.”

“Tell me or I will take it from you by force,” I snarl.

She looks at me for a moment sizing me up. She clearly senses how serious I am. Opening the letter, she begins to read.

“Dear Arianna,

Seeing you the other night was an unexpected and sad shock. I had so hoped you had finally escaped this life. By now, I am sure you have realized that I have become you—for all intents and purposes.

When you escaped, your father had me pose as you and marry Lucchese, and now I am married to Diego Castro. I do not want to dwell on the life I lived between now and the last time we saw one another. Nor do I want you to feel any guilt for the horrors your father has inflicted on me. I do not blame you, so please don’t do so yourself.

I know you are likely to believe that I need to be saved. Please know that I do not.

It may sound incredibly unbelievable, but Diego and I are in love. We met and fell in love many years ago, when Diego first came to visit your father with his. When he next returned, hoping to offer to buy my freedom, I had already been sold. He spent years searching for me hoping to rescue me. When he attended your wedding as a guest, he could not believe it when it was me at the altar and not you. It seems Diego and I have Nikolai to thank for killing Lucchese and allowing us to betogether finally. For that, we will both be forever grateful and loyal to him.

With Lucchese gone, Diego approached your father and asked to marry me. Of course, they both knew I was not you. But Diego promised that his family would remain an ally and keep his secret if he could marry me. Diego is not yet don. But when he is, I know he will break that promise to avenge the wrongs your father has done to me and so many others. He is a kind, honorable man. I have a good life with him.

Please, I beg you my dear friend, sister. Leave this life and get as far away from your father as you can. I cannot yet protect you from him. But I canbeyou. Use this as an opportunity to become someone else. Be happy.

My love always, Maria.”

Kimiko finishes reading, her eyes meet mine and she looks tentative and sad. She thinks that this letter will convince Arianna to leave.

“Give it to me,” I demand.

“Nikolai…” she starts to protest.

“That’s an order from your Pakhan.”

Reluctantly, she hands it over. “She has a right to know. You know her, she will never stop trying to rescue Maria otherwise. That it will kill Arianna if she thinks her friend is still a prisoner. She will never forgive herself.”

I know Kimiko is right. I cannot keep the letter from Arianna. I won’t do it. I cannot bear the thought of causing her further suffering. But right now, we don’t even know if she will survive. But if she does, and I pray to god she does. I will give herthe letter and I will let her decide what to do next. I will let her go if she wants. Even if it kills me.

Chapter 24

Arianna

Idream.

Dream that I am trapped in an endless maze of corridors with doors that open back into the same corridor.

That I am trapped in mud, sinking deeper and deeper as it pulls me down.

That I am trapped inside my father’s mansion again, lying in bed and unable to move.

That I am trapped inside a room, watching Nikolai get married.

Trapped caring for his children while his loving wife is on his arm, and he turns from me, no longer caring. Now, I’m simply the nanny. The help. A prisoner.

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