Page 34 of Savage Union
I stare at the device, turning it over in my hands. Connection to the outside world. To my family. But also... a potential lifeline to others. My thoughts drift to the arrangement I made mere weeks ago, before Vito burst into my father's restaurant and changed everything.
The Irish.
I contacted them in desperation after witnessing my father's latest explosive rage against my mother. Liam Costello, heir to the Irish mob, had been surprisingly receptive to my proposal. My hand in marriage in exchange for my father's death and my family's protection. It had seemed like my only way out at the time—one monster to escape another.
And then Vito had appeared, killing my father before Liam could make his move. Did the Irish think I'd backed out? Or worse, betrayed them? And what would happen if Vito ever discovered what I'd done?
I push these thoughts aside. One problem at a time. First, I need to hear my mother's voice, make sure she's truly safe.
I call her first. Four rings later, I find myself thinking the worst. Has something happened to her? Oh God. This can't be happening. But then her voice comes through—shaky but warm, the voice that soothed me to sleep as a child.
"Hello," my mother greets me.
"Hi, Mamma."
"Rina? Is that you?"
"Yeah, Mamma. It's me."
"Oh, thank God. I've been worried sick. Where are you? Are you safe?" I swallow, trying to push down the knot in my throat.
"I'm fine, Mamma. I'm safe." The lie tastes bitter. "How are things with you and Sofia?"
"We are fine as we can be. They are treating us well at the Greenhouse."
The Greenhouse—Vito's estate in the Hamptons. So that's where he's keeping them. "That's good to hear."
"Is it safe for you to speak? I don't want you taking unnecessary risks."
"I'm not taking any risks. One of Vito's men gave me the cell phone." She exhales. Even through the phone, I can hear her exhaustion.
"You need to be careful, Caterina. There's so much going on. I've heard things. Stay alert."
My pulse quickens. "What have you heard?" I ask, lowering my voice and moving toward the massive windows overlooking the city.
"Nothing good. Your father's death was only the beginning." I check over my shoulder, making sure Dante isn't hovering nearby.
"What does that mean?"
"You are to be his bride." She pauses. "But there are others who had... plans."
My blood runs cold. Does she know about the Irish? "What plans, Mamma?"
"I've overheard the guards talking. The Irish are making moves, challenging territory. They're saying it's because of a broken promise."
I close my eyes, guilt washing over me. Liam. He thinks I betrayed him. "Mamma, I have to go. But I love you."
"I love you too. Please stay safe."
The call ends with her warning still ringing in my ears. I take a deep breath before dialing my sister's number. It rings twice before her voice cuts through.
"Who's this?" Sofia demands.
"It's me, Sofia."
"Rina, thank God! I didn't know if I'd ever hear from you again," she says, relief and anger tangled in her voice. "Where the hell are you? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Sofia. I'm safe," I tell her, but the words feel hollow. Safe? In Vito's world? What does that even mean? "I'll explain everything later. But listen, Mamma's worried. You need to keep her calm. Promise me you will."
