Page 53 of Deadly Vows

Arianna Anderson is nowhere to be seen.

“See? Just as I told you. My son would never turn on me. He works for who I tell him to,” she says to the entering Trovolis.

I release a huff of irritation before turning to Romelo.

“On my mark,” I say as I leave our hidden place on the balcony to join the dissidents below.

The laughter I hear is enough to make my blood boil. It gives me a visceral reaction to listen to these people who planned for my father’s demise and the downfall of the Pasquinos enjoy their lives. They still don’t know their place, a trait Elise shares with them, and it makes me angry.

As I reach the bottom of the steps, I dramatically push open the double doors leading to the meeting hall, my smile genuine as I greet the family I’ve been hunting down for weeks.

“Good evening, Trovolis,” I call as I enter the room.

Each of them tense as they take me in, some reaching for their weapons as I step deeper into the room.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” I warn. But just as the first Trovoli unveils his weapon fully, the hidden sniper takes him out. The shot rings out as a bullet slices through his skull, and he drops in front of his family. Cries of shock fill the air as they realize this is a trap, some even running to the doors. And I let them. I let them pull on the locked door, only to realize there is nowhere for them to run.

“I know you probably thought you were summoned here by Eli’s prodigy, but you were not. You were summoned here by Lorenzo’s devil,” I say.

“Your lives will end here today. This is the end of the Trovoli line. And anyone who colluded with you to take down the Pasquinos. I must thank you, because of you, the world will know what happens when you cross us. You will be the warning on everyone’s lips for years to come,” I chuckle, holding my hands up. “Rot in hell, you filthy fuckers.”

I lower my hands, and a chorus of gunshots erupts throughout the chamber. I watch in pleasure as they all get shot down. Each of them is trapped like the cockroaches they are. A pleasurable feeling seeps into my bones, and I can’t help the smile that creeps onto my face as I watch the floor and walls slowly become painted red, and I watch in glee as Enzo realizes the extent of mypower. He wasn’t aware this was going to happen. And as I watch the horror on his face as people are taken out in front of him, I hope he understands and thinks before ever crossing me again.

And as he kneels, vomit pouring past his lips, I know he understands. It’s as I said before, threats can only take you so far. Now, he understands the actual world his father was going to drag him into. He understands the meaning of actions having consequences.

My attention shifts to his mother, who screams with her hands over her ears. She has shown just how untrustworthy she is. She has no idea what fate awaits her once she separates from her son again—a son she sees as a meal ticket and nothing more, just like Eli.

I feel relief washing over me as the cries decrease. Once this is over, there will only be a handful of people left to track down, and even still, only one of them is a threat. But for now, I will return home to my beautiful wife. Even though she shares the blood of the people before me, she is still mine. And now that the threat has dwindled, I can’t wait to spend more time with her.

Things are looking up.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Elise

Luca is in a good mood, which is rare for him these days. With my suicide attempt, his tracking down my family, cleaning up my father’s mess, and trying to run his empire, catching Luca in a good mood is a rare occurrence. Nonetheless, he has joined me for breakfast for the first time in a week, playing the role of a sweet and attentive husband as proof of his change in temperament.

“What are your plans for today?” he asks, breaking the silence.

I almost choke on my coffee. This version of Luca throws me as it always does. I know the truth behind his words.

Where will you be so that I know how to avoid you should my business become too gruesome for the day?

“I was going to practice for a bit,” I say, focusing on my cup.

“Practice? For what?” he asks.

“Even if I don’t have a recital, I still need to practice,” I say.

Luca laughs, shaking his head. “Mark of a true violinist,” he murmurs, sipping his drink.

Silence passes between us, and I find the courage to speak to him.

“You know you can leave for work, Luca. I know what is at stake. You don’t have to worry about me,” I say.

Luca completely disregards what I say, standing.

“Try not to wander today. I have important guests arriving. Wouldn’t want you stumbling in on something you can’t stomach,” he chuckles as he places a kiss on my forehead.

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