Page 33 of Sweet Prison

“I have to. It’s the only way to keep my baby safe.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Leone is the one who ordered the hit on our dad.”

My jaw hits the floor. The filthy bootlicker who followed Dad everywhere like a fucking pup? “I… Are you sure?”

“Yes. And Leone won’t hesitate to kill my child if he thinks the baby’s existence will pose a threat to him.”

“And Massimo wants you to marry the asshole?!”

Nera grips the edge of the sink and drops her head. “Yes. And convince Leone to claim the baby as his. Massimo has some serious dirt on that bastard and he’ll use it to keep Leone in check, turning him into nothing but a figurehead. Just like Dad. And I’ll be there to ensure everything goes smoothly.”

“No!” I spring off the toilet and grab her hand. “You can’t do this. You can’t. We… We’ll run away.”

A sad smile tugs at the corners of my sister’s lips. “I told Massimo the same thing.” She wraps her arms around me, pulling me into her embrace. “But Leone will track us down. I can’t risk my baby’s life, Zara. I’d rather trade the next four years of my own in exchange for his or her safety. Massimo and I made a deal. I’ll marry Leone and do our stepbrother’s bidding. And once Massimo is out, he’ll let me walk away and cut all ties with the Family.”

I bite my tongue so I won’t scream at her. How could she be so naive? Massimo will never let her go. He’ll just find another role for her and the kid that suits his needs.

“Alright,” I mumble into her hair. “We will make it work. And Massimo will keep his promise.”

I’ll find a way to hold him to it.

Anger roils through my veins as the guard escorts me down the hall, toward the visitation room. I thought my orders yesterday were clear—one visit per week. Yet, my stepsister has dared to come today, too.

The heavy metal door opens with a hollow squealing sound, revealing a woman seated at the table in the middle of the room with her back to me.

Glancing at the guard beside me, I give him a look that tells him to kill the camera. His subtle nod makes it clear that he’s understood. Before he even leaves, the red light in the corner dies.

The instant that door shuts behind him, my self-control snaps.

“What the fuck is this, Nera?”

My stepsister rises and slowly turns around. But it’s not Nera.

It’s Zahara.

The fury within me morphs into terror. As I cross the charged expanse between us, the clang of the chains attached tothe cuffs on my hands and feet fills the room. The sound reminds me of a funeral march. Hers.

“What are you doing here?” I whisper.

“I heard about the deal you made with my sister.” Honey-brown eyes meet mine, and I find myself struggling to breathe. “And I came to make certain you’ll keep your word.”

For a moment, I can’t even remember what deal she’s talking about, too stunned by her being here, right in front of me. Talking to me. It’s the first time I’ve heard her voice. So soft. Like a fuzzy blanket. I don’t sleep much, and I rarely dream. But I have no doubt her melodic voice will echo through my dreams tonight. Maybe the nocturnal siren will read one of her letters to me.Bobbins, and stitches, and seams… I’ll gladly spend my somnolent hours listening to nothing more than sewing terms. As long as Zahara speaks them.

“Will you? Keep your word?” Her tone is gentle. But the look in her hypnotic eyes is unyielding.

“Why do you think I wouldn’t?” I rasp.

“Because I know you, Massimo. The instant you’re out, you’ll dispose of Leone and use Nera as a bargaining chip. You’ll make her marry one of your prospective business partners, or, perhaps, someone in another crime organization. Marriage within our Family will be out of the question. Especially if her child is a boy.”

I blink, at a loss for words. Iwasconsidering using Nera to strengthen my ties with Kiril. Why am I surprised Zahara figured me out? She’s smart. She knows me. Which places her in even greater danger.

“Whatever my future plans are, they are none of your business. Not anymore.” I bend to bring my eyes level with hers. “You’re out, Zahara.”

“It is my business if it involves my sister.” She tilts her chin up. “I’m well aware that I was nothing more than a convenient tool to you. One that you used to further your purposes and now have discarded like a piece of trash. But I will not hang back and watch as you do the same to Nera.”

My body shakes with barely suppressed rage. Can’t she understand that I have to push her away to keep her safe?

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