Page 49 of Savage Union
"Move how? What are they planning?"
"I don't have details, but it's big. Word is they're going to take him out and 'reclaim' you." I can hear her air quotes. "They're spinning it as some romantic rescue mission, but we both know that's bullshit. You're just property to them—valuable property in a turf war."
The harsh truth stings, but she's right. I'm not a person to either side—I'm an asset, a bargaining chip, a symbol of power.
"So they're going to kill Vito," I say flatly.
"That's the plan, from what I've heard. Mickey's called in people from Boston, Philly, even Chicago. He's serious about this, Rina." Elena's voice softens. "When it happens, you need to be ready. You'll have a small window to decide where you stand."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, once Vito's out of the picture, the Irish will come for you. You can go with them willingly—honor your deal with Liam—or you can run. I'll help you if that's what you want."
The choice she's presenting turns my blood cold. Stay with Liam, who I never wanted in the first place, or run and have both Italian and Irish mobs hunting me for the rest of my life.
"When?" My voice sounds hollow even to my own ears.
"Soon. Days, not weeks." Elena hesitates. "Rina, be honest with me. Do you want Vito dead?"
The question catches me off guard. A week ago, I would have said yes without hesitation. But now...
"I should," I finally say. "After what he did to my father, after forcing me into this engagement, I should want him gone."
"But?" Elena knows me too well.
"But it's not that simple anymore." I press my forehead against the cool kitchen counter. "He's not what I expected, Elena. He's controlled, calculating, sometimes even cruel, but there are moments when I see something else. Something almost human."
"Stockholm syndrome is a hell of a drug," she mutters.
"It's not that." I straighten, annoyed by the suggestion. "I still hate what he did. I still want my freedom. But I'm not sure trading one cage for another is the answer."
"Then what is?"
"I don't know yet." I hear a soft sound from elsewhere in the penthouse and freeze. "I have to go. Someone's coming."
"Be careful, Rina. Whatever you decide, be smart about it."
"I will. Thank you." I hang up quickly, grabbing a glass and filling it with water just as Dante appears in the doorway.
"Little late for hydration, princess," he says, eyeing me suspiciously.
"Couldn't sleep." I take a sip, hoping he didn't hear any of my conversation.
He glances at the phone, then back to me. "Boss know you're wandering around?"
"He's asleep." I move to leave, glass in hand. "And I'm heading back now."
Dante blocks my path, his expression serious for once. "Word of advice? Don't play both sides in a war. Nobody wins that game."
My blood runs cold. How much did he hear?
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Sure you don't." He steps aside, letting me pass. "Sweet dreams, princess."
I hurry back to Vito's bedroom, heart pounding. To my relief, he appears to be still sleeping, his body in the same position I lefthim. I slide carefully back into bed, setting my water glass on the nightstand.
As I lie in the darkness, Elena's question echoes in my mind. Do I want Vito dead?
