Page 46 of Killian

“You know as well as I do, I cannot discuss that with you. He would kill me.”

I didn’t mean it literally, but the implication causes us both to freeze.

Maybe he would kill you,I think to myself. He killed Karrisa.

“Don’t make your sister’s mistakes. Do everything he asks to a T. Lose the sass and obey for once in your life.”

“What mistakes did Karrisa make?” I’m hoping she slips up, giving me something.

She glances at the kitchen before lowering her voice. “She thought she could overthrow your brother. She chose the wrong side. I tried telling her to leave it. That husband of hers was going to get her in trouble, but she wouldn’t listen. Don’t betray him. He’s even more ruthless than your father. Your father could have never done what he did.”

“You knew what Karrisa was up to and said nothing?” I ask, shocked.

She shakes her head. “I couldn’t. She’s my child as much as Bastiano. What could I do?”

“You could remain loyal to your son. The same son who takes care of you. I miss Karrisa too, but she committed the ultimate sin. She cast aside her family and started a war. You cannot be mad at Bash for dealing with the threat,” I hiss.

My anger on behalf of Bash surprises me. I’ve been so angry at him, but hearing her say she chose one child over another is enough to push me over the edge. Karissa was always the favorite.

“I can and I will. Not only did he kill her, but he exiled me. I’m watched twenty-four seven. He doesn’t trust me. He doesn’t let me see her children. He won’t let me go to the house. I’m a prisoner.”

I see it now. Her panic. She was once the queen. Elegant and regal. Standing at my father’s side like the trophy she was always meant to be. My father never cared for her. She’s wrong if she thinks he wouldn’t have killed Karrisa. If anything, he would have killed her and her children as well. Eradicate the family line to send a message and start over. At least Bash took care of the children.

It’s not lost on me that I’m defending Bash for the very thing I was angry at him for. I think I just understand it a little better now.

“If you feel like a prisoner, that’s of your own making. You took the actions you did. Be glad you are not rotting next to Karrisa.”

“You’re a vile woman. When are you going to become the woman you were taught to be? With your attitude, you’re going to get yourself killed,” she sneers.

Shaking my head, I stand. “No. Not all men want a meek plaything who’s only good for spreading her legs. That was Papa. Fuck the future you planned out for me. I make my own destiny.”

“What are you doing? Sit down. Now,” she tries to demand, but the slight panic in her voice gives her away.

“Enzo,” I call out.

“Wait. Are you leaving already?” She stands, this time all demand from her voice has vanished.

Her hands are shaking as she reaches out to me with a crazed look on her face. She’s not doing well. Not at all.

I step out of her reach. “I’m sorry. I have prior obligations. I’m sure you understand.”

I turn, walking toward Enzo. Before I cross into the hall, I look back over my shoulder. She looks so sad. I can’t help but give her something.

“The children are doing well. Isabel and Giovanni are taking good care of them. I’ll stop by again and make sure they know their Nonna loves them.”

She looks up at me, her eyes tearing. Before she can respond, I walk out the front door, not stopping until I’m in the car.

Once back on the road, Enzo finally speaks up. “You okay?”

I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of what I just experienced on my chest. “Yeah. I didn’t realize she had gotten so bad. I think I’ll need to talk to Bash about her.”

He nods his agreement. “Luigi has been reporting to Bash, but I don’t think he understands how bad it is. Bash never calls or visits her. It might be best to speak with him on her behalf.”

“He’s right to be doing what he’s doing though.”

Enzo’s eyes show his surprise. “He is?”

I nod, looking back out the window. “She shouldn’t be free, but he needs to find her help. It’s inhumane the way he’s doing it now.”

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