Page 87 of The Bonventi Secret
"In exchange for your help, I'll let her live," I say and pull out my pistol.
"But you, you helped take her, and for that—you must die."
"Wait, I?—"
The gunshot drowns out his pleas, and he slumps over, blood oozing from his chest.
"Right through the heart, nice Zo," Gio says.
"Well," I say, turning back to him, "take my heart, and I take yours."
"What now?" he asks.
"Get everything ready. We move tonight."
"Hold on now, you can't go," Marco says as he enters the room, Gabriel with him.
I stare at Marco and Gabriel, my jaw clenching. "What the fuck are you talking about?"
Marco steps forward, blocking my path with his hands raised placatingly. "Enzo, think about this. You're the Don. You're too valuable. The family needs you here."
"Get out of my way," I growl, but they stand their ground.
"Come on, Zo," Gio adds, gripping my shoulder. "If something happens to you, everything falls apart. The whole family structure?—"
I shove him hard. "Fuck that! They took her!"
The image of Livia, bound and bleeding, clouds my vision.
"I said move!" I roar, lunging forward, but both my brothers catch me, wrestling me back.
"You're not thinking straight," Marco grunts, struggling to hold me. "This is exactly what the Rossis want—to draw you out!"
"Let me go, or I swear to God?—"
"Listen to us, goddammit!" Marco shouts, his face inches from mine. "We're not saying don't rescue her. We're saying you can't be the one to do it."
I struggle harder, my vision blurring with rage. "She's mine to protect! I promised her!"
"They're right." Gabriel's quiet voice cuts through my rage. He steps forward, face stern. "She's my sister. I'll lead the rescue."
"The fuck you will?—"
"No, listen." Gabriel moves closer, his eyes meeting mine. "I was the best hitman you had before I stepped back. I know how to do this. And Livia..." His voice catches. "She's my blood. Just like you, I'll destroy that whole fucking place to get her back."
I freeze, staring at him. Gabriel continues, his voice steady. "She's my sister, Enzo. I'll risk everything for her. I'll lead the team into Rossi's compound."
The fight drains out of me, replaced by a bone-deep weariness. Gio cautiously releases my arms, and I slump against the wall.
"You're right," I admit. “You're all fucking right."
Gabriel nods. "I'll bring her back, Enzo. I swear it."
I straighten up, looking at my brothers. "Get everything ready. I need a moment with Gabriel."
Marco and Gio exchange glances before nodding and heading toward the stairs.
I wait until their footsteps fade before turning to Gabriel.
