Page 152 of Bride By Initiation

I sit back in my chair, my gaze glued to the laptop, unable to calm my insides. Then I hit play, rewatching it, my head spinning with questions, just as horrified as the first time I saw it.

How could he kill anyone with those last names?

I killed my own blood,I remind myself.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to forget how I killed a Marino, as well as the man who wanted me to choose him at the initiation ceremony.

Something in me makes me watch the video again. Over and over, I watch my father kill men who aren't enemies.

I don't understand it, and I need answers. So I pick up my phone and go into my text messages.

Me: Are you still in town?

It doesn't take long before my father replies.

Dad: Yes.

Me: I need to talk to you. Can I come over?

Dad: Of course.

Me: I'm leaving work now.

Dad: I'll see you soon, my beautiful figlia.

I take a deep breath, toss my phone into my purse, then pull the drive out of the computer. I zip it in the inside compartment of my bag for safekeeping, then shut down the computer.

I last spoke with my parents in person when we saw each other in Sean's apartment. We've barely texted, and when we do, it always ends in an argument.

Now, there's no time to think about our strained relationship. The images of what I've done, especially to a woman who was my blood relative, won't go away. It mixes with the horror of what my father's done. The guilt eats at me, mixing with the unanswered question.

Why did he do it?

I leave my office and tell Amy, "I have to go. I'm not sure if I'll be back today."

She arches her eyebrows in question. "Where are you going?"

I'd groan inside, but I love Amy. She always wants to know everyone's business.

"Out," I reply, brushing past her and quickly stepping into the elevator. I text my driver.

The elevator stops on several floors. By the time I leave the building, Calogero is waiting. He opens the door to the back seat. "Ms. Marino."

"Calogero, I need to go to my father's house."

"Yes, ma'am." I slide into the back seat, and he shuts the door.

He walks around the car, gets in, then merges into traffic.

My parents' penthouse isn't far, but there's a traffic jam. When I finally get there, my stomach churns again.

Calogero parks, comes around to open the door, and pins me with a look of concern. "Ms. Marino, are you okay?"

I take a deep breath and step out of the car. "Yes."

"Are you sure? You look pale," he states.

"I'm fine. I'll text you when I'm ready to leave," I say.

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