Page 114 of Beautiful Enemy

I’m not getting out of here.

The footsteps descend the stairs. Viktor has arrived.

Nadia

“I’m going to kill him,” Erik tells me.

“No. You can’t,” I say. “Please. Just let him live. Let me be with him. This is your chance to make an ally with the Mafia. Think of what you and Dante could achieve if you just worked together. It could be a lot more than what Viktor could give you.”

“Don’t insult Viktor. He’s one of the most prominent wealthy Bratva men in the city.”

“I didn’t mean to insult him. I’m just saying. Think about it, Erik. If you teamed up with Dante, you could achieve so much. Gain so much power. It could work. You don’t have to fight. You don’t have to hate each other.”

He sighs as he puts his phone back into his pocket. “See, the thing is, Nadia, I don’t trust Dante. He tried to kill me years ago and now he kidnapped you as revenge for me trying to kill him. On and on and on it goes. It’s never going to end. It will only end with his death.”

I turn to my sister. “Anya, please. Listen to me. Help me.”

She hesitates before sighing herself. I know that look – it means she doesn’t agree with me. “I have to side with Erik. Dante needs to die. I’ll feel safer at night knowing he’s gone and you’re safe.”

“But I won’t be. I’m safe with Dante.”

“Are you? He kidnapped you. How is that safe?”

“I know it’s not ideal. I know Dante did a bad thing but don’t you think I get a say in my own life? That I know if I feel safe with someone or not? I know you want to protect me, Anya. You always have. But I’m not a child any longer. I’m twenty-one years old. An adult. I’ve had sex. I gave myself to Dante willingly. Don’t act like I can’t make up my mind or I don’t know what I want.”

Anya’s eyes widen. Never have I see her look this stunned with me before. Granted, I’ve never spoken to her like this before.

“You never wanted me to marry Viktor because you wanted me to be safe. Isn’t that right?” I ask.

“Well… yes.”

“Exactly. And I’m now saying that I want to be with Dante. I feel safe with him. He’s not going to kill me. I know it. He’s not going to beat me. He had so many chances and he never did it. He’s not our father.”

Her eyes darken. “But that doesn’t make him a good man.”

“Neither is Erik. You hated him when you first married him. You only fell in love after he showed you kindness. Dante has shown me kindness. He’s not completely evil just like Erik isn’t. But Erik has tortured people. He’s not any better than Dante is.”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” Erik says. “I’m leaving. Anya, make sure Nadia stays here. I don’t want her getting hurt.”

Her. Erik is speaking like I’m not even here.

Anya tries to put her arm around my shoulders but I shrug her off. I see the pain in her eyes but I can’t make it go away. Not when I’m so worried about Dante.

Erik leaves to join my father and Viktor in killing him.

I have to stop him.

There’s only three people who could maybe help me. Matteo.

And Aiden and Finn.

The thought of working with those hitmen makes me shudder but they are effective in what they do. I know Matteo will help. At least with him, I feel safe.

I head straight for the front door.

“Where are you going?” Anya asks.

“To get help. If none of you will help me save Dante, then I’m going to have to do it myself.”

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