Page 16 of Deadly Vows

Luca doesn’t speak, but his father clears his throat, his gaze intense as he speaks.

“I said I was sorry to hear about your father,” he says. His tone is oddly gentle.

I nod, unable to form words from the sudden lump in my throat. I figured speaking of my father was now considered taboo. But Luca’s father seems intent on talking about it as if he isn’t the one who ordered the final blow.

“It’s a shame, really. I thought the Trovolis would be useful to us in the long run. Especially the way your father framed the union. But he just had to get greedy,” he says.

Luca’s father is watching me with the same expression his son inherited from him. His eyes calculate my every movement to understand my reactions and how to use what I love against me. He’s watching me for signs of weakness.

“If I’m being honest, I would have preferred Luca killed you as well in that warehouse.”

“Papa—” Luca starts, his tone in warning, but his father continues with his hands raised.

“All I’m saying is, I told Luca to kill you as well, and he defied me not only as his father but as his Capo. I hope you understand what that means, Elise, and what my son is saying by sparing you. Do not make your father’s mistakes,” he says.

I’m trembling from his words. I had no idea he told Luca to kill me as well. The thought never even crossed my mind. I flinch when I feel a hand on my leg under the table, looking up to see Luca watching me with an unreadable expression. I turn back to the table, the linen blurring as my tears grow.

“I’m sorry, I need a minute,” I rush out, standing from the table.

I quickly make my way to the bathroom, ignoring the looks that are thrown my way. As soon as I reach the bathroom, I slam the door shut, locking it. Hot tears spill down my cheeks as I slide down the door, cradling myself. I don’t know what to do.

I’m overwhelmed.

Luca’s father just proved that my life had zero meaning from the moment I was born. My father only ever saw me as temporarily useful and was willing to forfeit my life for his plans. And in the aftermath of it, Luca’s father felt the same. I am nothing more than a tradeoff. I have no purpose, no meaning in this world.

My hand flies over my mouth as I attempt to quiet the screams threatening to leave my lips. My emotions feel physical, forcing themselves past my lips, but I can’t let them. I can’t scream, I can’t cry. I can’t let anyone know what is going on beneath the surface.

I don’t know how much longer I remain in the bathroom. But by the time I compose myself, my eyes and cheeks are still red from crying, and all of my makeup has been washed off.

I silently study myself in the mirror, my eyes immediately falling on my hair. It lingers past my jaw slightly, thanks to my husband. This is who I am now. I see now what Luca’s father was conveying. I can no longer cling to my family. Luca has chosen me to be part of his and has overlooked my father’s betrayal for some reason. I suck in a trembling breath, attempting to find some resolve within myself as I exit the bathroom.

My head is down as I exit the bathroom, wiping my eyes so I don’t notice the server I walk right into. I quickly mumble an apology, trying to sidestep him, when he gently grabs my hand and pulls me to the side.

“Whoa there, miss… Are you okay?” he asks.

I nod, lifting my eyes to take in the stranger. He’s tall and handsome, his brown hair pushed away from his face to reveal kind eyes.

“I’m fine,” I say.

“You don’t look fine to me.” He pulls a handkerchief from his apron, handing it to me with a small grin.

“Looks like you’ve been crying,” he says, holding it out to me.

I take it gratefully, silently wiping my eyes again.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but I hope it gets better for you,” he says.

“Thank you,” I murmur, offering him a smile as I hand him back his kerchief.

“I’m sorry. It’s just been a rough week, and it finally got to me, I guess,” I say as he takes the handkerchief from me.

Everything after that happens in a blur.

The waiter is slammed against the wall, his cry of shock cut short when Luca presses his forearm into the man’s throat, murder apparent in his gaze. Luca whips his head in my direction, his eyes narrowing.

“You go to the bathroom and this?” he snaps.

I begin to speak but he cuts me off. “Don’t.”

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