Page 76 of Blood and Lies (A Twisted Duet 1)

“Madre.”

“Castello, what the Hell are you doing?”

“I’m doing what needs to be done.”

“By saving that wretched woman? The woman who is responsible for your brother’s death?”

“Who says I’m saving her?” His eyes met mine, and I swallowed hard.

“How else can you explain killing Nicollo and assaulting your own brother?”

“Incentive.”

“Excuse me?” Her voice raised, and I could hear the anger that occupied every part of her soul.

“Tatum. I’m using her as an incentive.”

I narrowed my eyes and softly whispered, “What are you doing?”

He placed his finger in front of his mouth, silencing me.

“Incentive for what?”

“The truth. I’m tired of being lied to, and I want the truth.” His eyes never left mine.

“About what, Castello? What are you talking about?”

He stood from the bed. “What are you hiding, Mother?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Castello. Now, stop this madness. It has already gone too far.”

“No. I want the truth. I want to know exactly what happened to Carlo.”

Silence.

Castello and I glanced at each other.

“This is your uncle Gino’s doing, isn’t it? He planted this seed of doubt inside your head.”

“Maybe he did me a favor.”

“Castello, bring us the girl. Let’s put an end to this.”

My heart stammered inside my chest, the thought of being given to that woman causing me to choke on my own goddamn breath.

“Tell me the truth, and I’ll bring her to you. Then you can do the honors of ending all of this.”

Fear ransacked my insides, but Castello placed his hand over mine. With serious eyes and a finger in front of his mouth, telling me to keep quiet, he squeezed my hand.

The other end of the line was silent, and Castello looked down at the phone.

“Madre?”

“Yes. I’m here. Is she with you?”

“She is.”

“Fine. Just know that I’m very disappointed in you, Castello.”

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