Page 14 of Luciano

“I want this,” I said simply. My voice was rough from disuse, but I made sure she heard every word.

Ava swallowed hard. “I don’t.”

I tilted my head slightly, watching the way she gripped the strap of her purse tight like it was an anchor.

“You will.”

I reached into my pocket, pulling out a small black velvet box. I opened it to reveal the platinum eternity band inside, its large,flawless diamonds catching the dim light like cold fire.

“I want this,” I said quietly, my voice hoarse. I was the reason she was there.

Out of guilt for what he did to her mother, my father had planned to let her be free, to let her disappear into whatever new life she had built after she ran. But when he said it was time for me to be married, I insisted on claiming her.

“My mother told me once that I’d know the woman I was supposed to protect. To devote myself to.” I lifted her hand and pressed the ring into her palm, closing her fingers around it.

“I knew the moment I saw you, Ava.”

Ava shook her head frantically. Her hand slid into her purse. When she pulled out a gun—I almost smiled. I hadn’t predicted this. I would have expected her to have a flimsy, girly thing—maybe a pink .22 that would fit neatly in her manicured hand. But no. This was a real weapon, a Glock 43, all matte black and unforgiving. Her hand was steady, her eyes cold as she leveled it at my chest.

“I’m not marrying the son of the man who killed my mother,” she hissed, her voice low and full of venom. Her anger was radiant.

A poisonous smile spread across my father’s face. “She ran away.”

Ava sneered in his direction. “Bullshit. You killed her and buried her in the backyard like fucking trash. I won’t pretend that’s not what happened anymore.”

Her anger radiated off of her.

I stepped forward before she actually decided to turn the gun on my father and shoot him. “Then why is the gun on me, nothim?” I asked. I could understand her wanting to kill him. He had killed her mother after all. I would not be cross with her if she shot him—but I couldn’t let her. Because then I’d have to kill half the mob to keep her safe. I understood vengeance more than any other emotion, but now was not the time.

“I have never caused you harm or pain, Ava.” I had officially spoken more words to her than I’d spoken to anyone in years. I’d been practicing, forcing myself to find words through the noise that was always in my head. Sometimes it was my mother’s screams; sometimes it was just a chaotic roar. But right now, my mind and thoughts were clear.

“Because you’re closer and faster. Stay back!” Ava shouted, her grip tightening. She clicked off the safety. “I’ll shoot your ass.”

I chuckled, low. “Do it,” I taunted, inching closer.

She began to back away toward the door, her eyes darting between me and my father. I followed, matching her retreat step for step. She had nowhere to go.

But then she pulled the trigger.

The crack of the shot was deafening, the bullet tore into my shoulder, burning like hot coals. I could tell she had been aiming for my heart. That was wise. I staggered slightly—but the pain barely registered. I’d been hurt worse before I turned ten. Ava, the supposed prey, had struck first. It was exhilarating in a twisted, cerebral way. It made my dick hard.

I took another step toward her, keeping my expression blank. “Impressive. You aimed too high though.”

She gave me a look that told me she thought I was crazy. Then she spun on her heel and ran.

I took chase. My father yelled for the guards.

Sudden blood loss slowed me. By the time I reached her, Carlos had already grabbed her. He lifted her easily, then slammed her to the floor like she was nothing. Her gun skittered across the tiles, and her body hit the ground hard, a pained gasp escaping her lips.

Rage blinded me.

I stalked forward, stepping over Ava’s crumpled form, my focus on Carlos. He had been with me since I was twelve. But he had been warned—all the guards had. Nobody laid a hand on her.

I picked up her gun from the floor and pressed it to his forehead.

“Luciano, wait—” he started, panicked.

I was beyond reason.

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