Page 113 of A Bossy Proposal

“Thanks.”

I squeeze West’s hand and kiss his forehead before leaving fifteen minutes later.

He doesn’t stir.

Chapter 31

Amelia

The drive to the warehouse is silent. Not so much my heart. That's pounding so hard the men in the front of the car must be able to hear it.

Romeo keeps checking the rearview mirror, not only at me but to check nobody is following, no doubt. And Marco’s hand has never left his weapon all the way to our destination.

They are definitely nervous.

Me too.

Inside the warehouse, the metallic smell of blood hits me first. Nausea rattles in my stomach when I see five bodies crumpled in the corner.

Luca and Gabe stand over Vincenzo, who’s tied to a chair, blood dripping from his face and from other puncture wounds on his body.

He lifts his head, one eye closed and swollen but it doesn't stop his split lip from curling into a sneer. “Little Amelia Morelli. Finally stopped running?”

I clench my fists, nails digging into my palms. “Why did you kill them?”

“Your father was weak.” Giovanni spits blood onto the concrete floor. “Running away. But I found them. Found you.”

“And where is my inheritance—”

“It would never be yours.” His laugh turns into a wet cough. “Your father’s millions? I spent every penny. The houses in the US. In Italy. I even managed to steal the vineyards your mother inherited from her father, and the offshore accounts they hid their money. It’s all gone.”

My chest tightens. “You’re lying.”

“Am I? Ask them.” He jerks his head toward Luca and Gabe. “The Morellis know all about lost fortunes, don’t they? Traitors, the lot of them.”

“Shut up,” Gabe growls.

“Your parents begged, you know. On that boat.” Giovanni’s eyes gleam with malice. “Your mother screamed your name before the drugs took hold. And your father? He vowed to kill me." He laughs. "Just as his eyes closed for the last time.”

Bile rises in my throat, but I push my shoulders back to look unaffected.

“But don’t worry, Principessa. My son will finish what I started. He’s been waiting for you. The marriage contract still stands.”

Luca steps forward, his voice deadly calm as he points his gun at his face. “Your son won’t see another sunrise.”

“You think—” Giovanni’s words cut off in a scream as Gabe’s knife slices through his finger. Blood sprays across the concrete. “The Morellis are traitors!” Giovanni shrieks through the pain. “You’ll all pay. The Vincenzo’s never forget. Never forgive.”

I step closer, my voice steadier than I feel. “Neither do I.”

My hand trembles as I reach for Luca’s gun.

He lets me take it.

I’m not a killer, and the weight feels foreign in my palm as I point it at Vincenzo.

His blood-stained teeth flash in a mocking grin. “Do it,” he taunts. “Show me you’re not weak like your mother. She begged, you know. Begged me to spare your father. Begged me to spare you. Said she’d do anything.” He licks his lips. “And she did.”

My finger tightens on the trigger, rage burning through my veins.

---