Page 71 of His Broken Queen

“My family set all of this in motion long before you and I ever met.”

“But it didn’t end then. The feud continues. The violence won’t end.”

That was a grim reality for men like me. For men like Vincent, Gio, Rocco, and Sandro. As long as there was power to be had, we would keep fighting to stay on top.

“You stopped fighting with Rocco.”

“Because he’s my brother.”

“But it’s a start.” She pressed her hand to my cheek. “You could have killed Vincent.”

“I wanted to kill him.”

“So did I.” She looked down. “I never felt that kind of rage before. When he told me he was the one who killed Stella, I wanted to make him suffer.”

“I’m glad you didn’t kill him, Luciana.” I tilted her chin so she had to look at me. “I don’t want that for you. I don’t want you to ever know the burden you would carry for ending someone’s life.”

“I’m grateful that you got here in time. I was so upset. I could have pulled the trigger.”

“I would have gotten you through that, but it’s better we don’t have to.”

“Earlier today, you said you would let me go if this life was too much.”

“Did I?”Why is she bringing that up now?Was today the final straw? Was it too much for her?

“Maybe not in those exact words, but I knew what you were trying to say.” She took my hand and grazed my knuckles with her lips. “Did you mean it?”

“Are you asking if I’m ready to set my butterfly free?”

She nodded.

“I’m possessive, and I’ve always taken what I wanted. I didn’t care about the consequences. I did what was right for me.” I ran my fingers through her hair. “Then I met you.It took me a while to realize that when I’m with you, I’m not the man I thought I was. I’m still ruthless, and brutal, but I’m different than I was before I married you.”

“Do you like the man you became?”

“I like the man I am when I’m with you. You made me that man. The one who loves you with all his heart and soul. I would never make you stay in a life you didn’t want.” As much as I hated to admit that, I couldn’thurt her. “You married me out of obligation. You weren’t given a choice. Even when I found out that you betrayed me, I didn’t let you go. I didn’t give you a choice.”

Her eyes filled with tears.

“You should have a choice, Luciana. As I said earlier, I will always take care of you. It would destroy me if you didn’t want to be my wife, but I would respect your decision.”

“You’ve come a long way from the beast who ripped my dress off in the back of a car at our engagement party.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I was terrified of you.”

“Who wouldn’t be?”

“I didn’t think we’d last a week, but I was wrong. Even when you found out what I had done, I didn’t want to leave you. I appreciate you respecting what I want. I love that you want to give me a choice, but I’ve already made my decision.”

“You have?” It would tear me down if she left me. Who would I become without her?

“Your butterfly does not want to be set free.”

“Thank God.” I hugged her. “But for the record, even if I did let you go, I’d make you wear an ankle monitor.”

“You’re the most romantic man I’ve ever met.” She rolled her eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I brushed my lips along hers. “I’m going to work to restore peace among the families. I don’t want anyone to ever feel the grief of losing someone like Stella ever again. That never should have happened. I didn’t kill Vincent for that, but it doesn’t mean he won’t pay in other ways. I will never forget what he has done to you.”

“The less I know, the better off I’ll be.” She gently kissed me. “But now you know I can handle myself. I’m not afraid to stab a bitch.”

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