Page 88 of Ruthless Oath

That was a relief.

“Oh, the beast fell for the princess.” When Milo laughed, I smiled because I liked being the beauty to Marchello’s beast. “You may have to put the wedding off until we figure out if we’ll even be alive next week.”

“Why would you say that?” Marchello asked, and I wanted to hear that answer too. “We will take out whoever is necessary.”

“Even if it means killing Lissia’s father?”

“No,” I whispered as I backed away from the door.

“If that’s what I have to do.”

These were the things he didn’t want me to know. That was what he meant when he said I wouldn’t be able to forgive him for protecting his family.

But I couldn’t judge them too harshly. My father and Collins were undoubtedly plotting the death of Marchello and Milo. Who would succeed?

Ricardo came into the kitchen. “There you are.”

“Huh?” I dropped the empty mixing bowl on the floor. “You scared me.”

“You’ve been so jumpy today.” He scooped up the bowl and handed it to me.

“Have I?”You would be too if you heard the man you love threaten to kill your father.“I was lost in thought.”

“About something good?”

“No, not really.”

“Why?”

“If you haven’t noticed, I’m being held against my will.” I preheated the oven in preparation for the brownies I was about to make.

“You don’t always act like that’s a problem.”

“It isn’t most of the time, but I do miss my mother.”

That was true, but I had an ulterior motive for this particular conversation. Guilt rattled me for what I was about to set in motion, but it couldn’t be helped—not if I wanted to stop the devastating train wreck that was headed in my direction.

“I can understand that.” Ricardo touched my arm. “I’m sure she’s worried about you.”

“I would do anything to hear her voice right now.”

“Did you tell Marchello this? I’m sure if he knew how much this means to you, he would make an exception.”

“Have you met the man?” I took the carton of eggs out of the refrigerator. “He doesn’t make exceptions.”

“He didn’t rearrange my face the other day when I lost you.”

“You didn’t lose me.” I opened the pantry and searched for the oil. “I went for a walk. You knew I was on the property.”

“Marchello didn’t see it that way.”

“I’m sorry.”

I was even more sorry for what I was about to do. If I was successful, Marchello would definitely take it out of Ricardo.

“Marchello was right,” Ricardo said. “I shouldn’t have let you go off on your own.”

“You shouldn’t have let me?” I placed my hand on my hip. “Have you met me?”

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