Page 49 of Let Vengeance Be Mine

“That’s not true, you’ve just invested in some big development. You came here because you knew where Aria was and you wanted to try and take her back.”

“Matteo, I had no idea where my daughter was, I’ve spent a whole year trying to fucking find her. I’ve hired investigators, I even went to thefucking law.” He shakes his head, helplessly. “I came here to invest the last of what I have, in something stable. I’m done working with deceitful men.”

I can tell from the expression on his face that he’s telling the truth. He looks tired, and a little broken.

“I may have nothing left to my name, Romano, but I won’t forgive you for this.”

“I’m not asking for your forgiveness. If there is any man in this room who will have to find the strength of forgiveness, it will be me,” I remind him, thinking about the child I lost, and the innocent woman who didn’t need to die.

“I don’t know what the fuck you speak of, Matteo, but Aria hasneverbeen a pawn in my game, she will not be one in yours.” He seems to gain some strength back and when he points his finger at me over the desk, I laugh at him.

“I’m afraid this has gone way beyond a game, it’s even gone beyond my hate for you.” I drop the cocky smirk from my lips and get real with him. “I’m in love with your daughter. She belongs to me now, and I won’t spend the rest of our lives looking over my shoulder and waiting for you to try and take her. Despite our differences, despite the hate I have for you, we will not leave this room until we have come up with a resolution that keeps her happy.” I give it to him straight, fully aware that I’m going to have to swallow some pride of my own. My need for vengeance has transformed into a desperation for something else.

“Matteo, I never blamed you for the sins of your father. After he died I hoped me and you could form an alliance. That is why I accepted your mother’s invitation this evening. I don’t want to be your enemy.”

“And attempting to kill me was your way of doing that?” I scoff another laugh at him and when I see that confusion on his face again, it makes me want to snap his fucking neck.

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” He stares back at me blankly.

“The car you had blown up, that you expected me to be in…a woman who carried my child was in that car. Your fear of me, and the need to eliminate my threat killed them both.” I feel all the tension gather in my fists as I clench them together.

“Matteo. Listen to me. I don’t know where you heard that, but I can swear that I had nothing to do with it.” Stevan is looking really fucking worried now, but beyond that, his confusion is still visible.

“I’ll tell you exactly who told me that. Marco Laurent, the man who works for you, but answers to me. He has been living in your home for two years now.” I wait for him to realize that any attempts of denial would be hopeless.

“I have never had a staff member called Marco Laurent.” He shakes his head, and the niggle that's been scratching away at me since we entered this room makes me wonder if he’s speaking the truth.

“Demitri had him enter your home after the accident. He’s been our eyes and ears, ever since,” I tell him again, starting to feel a little unnerved.

“Most of my staff were let go last year, due to my lack of finances. I have only kept a few employees, those who have been loyal to me over the years,” he assures me. “And you have to believe me when I tell you, I made no attempt on your life. I may not be a good man but I am an honorable one. If I’d have wanted you dead I’d have looked you in the eye while I did it.” There's a hint of threat in his tone, but I don’t take it seriously. I know for a fact my men would have disarmed him at the door. He has nobody with him. He is no threat to me or Aria. What I’m more concerned about is who’s lying to me, him or my best friend.

“I need to speak with Demitri.” I stand up, forcing my hand through my hair in frustration as I stomp toward the door and rip it open. The two guards standing outside immediately turn to look at me.

“Where's Demitri?” I ask the one on my left.

“I’m not sure sir, last I heard through the radio, he was doing a perimeter check.” I march past him back into the living room where the party is now in full swing. I scan my eyes around the room looking for Demitri, and in doing so, realize that there is no sign of Aria, either.

“I want to see my daughter.” Stevan’s voice comes from behind me, making me realize he’s followed me out.

A horrid sense of unease creeps over my skin and I don’t know what it is, but I sense something isn’t right.

“Matteo.” Menika rushes towards me when she sees me. “Are you okay?”

“Not now. I don’t have time.” I shove her out my way and head toward the guard I have standing at the patio doors.

“Matteo!” The blonde bitch doesn’t get the hint.

“I’m sorry, I thought she knew. I was trying to reassure her that I was no threat and it just came out.” I slowly turn around when I hear what she just said. The quiver in her voice and the way her eyes fill up with tears suggests she’s afraid.

“What, Menika? What came out? Where is Aria?” I grab her shoulders in my hands and squeeze them in frustration.

“Demitri took her, he said there was something wrong.” She looks back at me confused, and I instantly drop her from my grip and rush toward my guard, grabbing him by the lapels of his suit and shoving him into the wall.

“Where is Demitri?” I ask, just about ready to murder someone.

“I don’t know, he took over from me about ten minutes ago. Told me more staff were needed in the foyer. I got there and the boys said they had it covered so I came back. Demitri was with her when I left, boss. I wouldn’t have let her out of my sight if he wasn’t.”

“Get him on the fucking radio!” I yell, trying my best not to panic. There will be a logical reason for this.

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