Page 39 of Deadly Vows

I release a soft chuckle, deciding to pour him a glass before heading back to the living room and handing him the glass. He watches it in confusion as I gesture for him to take a seat.

“Did your mother ever tell you anything about your father? Anything about his life?” I ask, taking a sip.

Enzo watches me with wide eyes that mimic Elise’s, his stringy hair falling in his face from lack of a shower.

“She talked about how he was a great man…and that he had chosen me to continue his legacy,” he whispers.

I am once again forced to laugh as I swallow my drink, enjoying the warmth as it settles in my stomach.

“Well, she was right about one of those things. He did choose you to continue his legacy. Unfortunately, he didn’t think ofwhat attempting to force you into that position meant,” I say, watching his reaction.

“I don’t—”

“Your father only told you half-truths. While it’s true he worked in finance, it was the ugly side of that coin—the illegal side,” I say, enjoying the way Enzo pales at the revelation.

“Your father was beneath the totem of power in our world. He tried to force his seat at the table and got too greedy, just like your mother,” I say.

“And for that, he paid the price.” I finish my drink, continuing to watch Enzo’s reaction. He’s trembling, finally understanding the purpose of the drink in his hand. He brings it to his lips, downing half of it in a hurry. I bite back my laugh at the expression on his face from drinking such a strong drink, probably for the first time.

“You said you weren’t going to kill me,” he murmurs, staring into the glass. I can’t help my anger as he cowers before me.

“Look at me,” I say harsher than I intended. It takes him a moment, but he finally lifts his gaze, his green eyes meeting mine. I can’t help but wonder what it was Eli saw in this kid, to risk everything for someone who can’t even look the man who killed his father in the eyes.

“I never said I wasn’t going to kill you. I said you’re safer with me than you were with your mother. Cowering won’t make me any less of a threat,” I say.

I lean back in my seat, gesturing for Romelo, who quickly crosses the room.

“Eli Trovoli made a mess for his family. He killed the head of the Pasquino’s and tried to kill his son as well. And he did it all for you,” I say, pointing to Enzo as I speak.

“He’s made an enemy out of the most powerful family in the U.S. And I’m afraid he’s left his family clamoring to find you, tobring them the salvation that he promised,” I say, chuckling at the notion.

Enzo stares at his glass, taking a deep breath before speaking.

“And you? Where do you fall in all of this? Have the Pasquinos hired you to finish the job?” he asks bitterly. I almost admire him as he drinks the last of his drink, seeming to accept his fate.

I chuckle, standing to pull his attention just as Romelo stands next to me.

“I’m sorry, where are my manners?Iam Luca Pasquino. The son of the man your father killed. And unless you prove yourself useful to me, I just might have to.”

Chapter Eighteen

Elise

The first thing I register as I come to is the warmth. My body sinks into the warm cushions surrounding me as I slowly come back to consciousness, which doesn’t coincide with what I last remember. I was on that thin and scratchy cot in a room that had to be below freezing, as my husband revealed to me further devastation of the sham that is my life.

I slowly open my eyes, taking in the familiar surroundings with unease. I’m back in our bedroom. It hasn’t changed since my decision to run away. Even the armoire with my dresses remains half open, just as I left it that day.

I pull in a shuddering breath as my body relaxes into the warmth of our bedroom, as opposed to the frigid chill of that torture chamber. I have no idea how long I remained in that room after Luca left me in the dark to ruminate over his revelations. That room is something I never want to experience again. Even now, as I shift in bed, my body feels exhausted, moving placing a strain on my muscles.

I slowly sit up, quickly lowering my head into my hands as a headache washes over me. I am sure my exhaustion stems not only from the room I was in, but also from the information about my half-brother and the truth behind my mother’s death. I want more than anything not to believe Luca, but the longer I think of my father’s presence throughout my life, the more it makes sense. Even in his last moments, he had no words for me, only a cryptic warning for my husband that turned out to be the cause of all of this.

And now, because of my half-brother’s existence, nowhere is safe for me. Even if I ran again, my family would only hunt me down to use as leverage against my husband. They would do anything to see the dream my father gave his life for realized. And Ari came so close in that diner.

I choke on a sob as my world comes crashing around me.

I am alone. And helpless. I have nothing, no one, and nowhere to turn. I am at the mercy of the man who wants my family dead, and my family would rather see me join him in death than take me back.

My father’s words ring in my head so much more clearly now.

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