Page 62 of Into the Fire

“I have your life and the life of your son in my hands. That means more to me than your word.”

He gave me a wobbly smile. “I suppose you’re right. An eye for an eye, isn’t it? Perhaps I could just. . .” He nodded to one of the men at my feet. “He had such pretty eyes. I’ve always wondered. . .”

“Take them, then leave.”

He stepped forward and knelt beside the man on the floor. I watched as he pulled a small knife from his pocket and carved out the man’s eyes. I didn’t look away. The fact he was still wanting to take someone’s eyes from their body after losing his own finger spoke volumes about who he was.

He rose to his feet as he tucked the eyes in his jacket pocket.

“I taught Sylar how to cut out eyes. Have you heard?” He wiped at the sweat on his forehead, his severed finger still pumping out blood.

“He mentioned it.”

He laughed softly. “He’s quite the dark soul, that one. I’ll be off now.” He stepped over the body and went to the door and opened it before turning back to me. “You’re a worthy adversary, Alessandro. Truly. I trained you well. I’m proud.”

I said nothing as I stared at him.

He laughed again, it sounding a bit wheezy. “Quite the fallen one with the dead at his feet. Have a good night.”

The door clicked closed behind him. I breathed out and pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed a number.

“Alessio. Four. I’ll wait.”

I hung up and closed my eyes, letting the tears stream down my face.

Tonight, I’d won. I’d made the decision to keep him alive. It was a split second that may have cost me, but I wanted him to suffer longer because eventually death would find him. I knew he’d hurt me enough, but there were others out there he hurt more, and they deserved their vengeance. I prayed the right person found him and gave it to him.

In the meantime, I’d use him as I saw fit. He could maintain looking like he ruled the Underground, but when I called, he better come running.

Eventually, I’d tear the Underworld apart, bit by bit.

And I’d do it all in Rosalie’s name.

This was just the beginning of it.

SEVENTEEN

ENZO

Ikissed Rosalie goodbye a few nights after our cookie baking. It took everything I had in me to tear myself away from her. It was like falling in love all over again. My parents were out of hiding, but with added security, and they’d be visiting us soon. Everything was all too perfect, and I hated leaving her because any outing could change that.

Fuck, I didn’t want it to change.

“I love you, Sunshine,” I murmured against her lips as we stood next to my Escalade with the door open in the Mayfair parking lot. She had some music thing to do tonight with Anson, which worked out for us since we were set to go meet with the kings.

“Hurry up. I want to say goodbye too,” Cole called out.

“You said goodbye with your dick. Twice,” I muttered, which only made Rosalie laugh softly and unwind her arms from around my neck. “Be good.”

“I’m always good,” she said, smiling at me. “Mostly.”

I grinned at her. “I know. We’ll be back.”

“Be safe, Enzo.” Her mood shifted, the worry evident in her eyes. I knew she still hated all of this, but with my parents coming back, I was beyond hopeful things would relax.

“Of course, baby. We’re just meeting with the kings. Just to hang out, keep things friendly. Nothing serious at all. I promise.” I forced myself to step away, and Cole was quick to take my place. His lips met hers in a pornographic kiss that made me chuckle and shake my head. If it hadn’t been dark and in the corner of a parking lot, none of us but Fox would have been able to do this with her.

When Cole was done, he released her and E took his place. He was gentle and sweet per his usual.

---