Page 72 of Deadly Vows

“Even though what happened with our father…”

“It was Luca’s decision to keep me alive. His father wanted me to die in that warehouse alongside our father,” I say.

Enzo nods.

“He really cares about you, huh?” he says.

His words pull my attention.

“In his own way,” I say.

Of course, on the outside looking in, Luca is a doting husband. But what he feels can’t be equivalent to love. It’s too dangerous for that.

“When I said he told me everything, I meant everything, Elise. I know the only reason I am here is because he doesn’t want to upset you by letting what’s left of our family take me out. But for me to be accepted like you are by the Pasquinos, there are things that I have to do,” he says.

I narrow my gaze.

“Why are you talking like this?” I ask.

“I know you think you are protecting me by shielding me from this world. But I have been part of it longer than you’ve known I existed. You can’t protect me, Elise. And you can’t control what I do,” he says, stepping back.

“Enzo, I don’t understand—”

“Good evening, everyone. I want to thank you all for not only coming out on short notice but for graciously opening up your minds to the idea of tonight’s festivities.” I tense, my eyes wide as I turn to see Luca standing on the ballroom stage just as applause erupts. Enzo shifts next to me, and I reach for his arm, gripping him with all my might as he tries to join Luca on stage.

“No,” I whisper.

But Enzo yanks his arm from my grip, disappointment on his expression as he shakes his head. He moves through the crowd as Luca continues his speech, and his gray eyes fall on me as he does.

“How many of you recognize this face?” Luca gestures to Enzo, and all eyes fall on him as he moves to stand on stage. I flinch when suddenly I hear an angered shout from a member of the Pasquino family. Another follows it as everyone points out who is joining Luca on stage.

But Luca shushes them, quirking a brow as he wraps his arm around my brother.

“Trust me. No one feels as passionately as I do about what his life means,” Luca says as more screams erupt.

“Fuck the Trovoli’s!”

Luca’s smile widens.

“Don’t worry. We’ve done that and more. I know what bringing him into this family means. It means letting another snake into the garden when we just cleared it out. But I swear to you. On my title as your Capo, he has been essential in rounding up the traitorous scum who murdered my father,” Luca says.

Cheers erupt.

As much as I want to step back and hide within myself, I remain with my head held high as I watch Luca bury my family name.

“In fact, tonight’s festivities were his idea.” Luca looks directly at me as he speaks, making sure he sees my reaction as he takes down the innocent facade I’ve associated with my brother.

I hear a commotion at the back of the room, my eyes widening as I see a familiar face, struggling and tied up as she is dragged through the room to join Luca and Enzo on stage.

It’s Ari.

When I look back at the stage, Luca’s smile widens as he watches me, shrugging as he gestures to my brother. And I know he is talking to me as he speaks his next sentence.

“I think he has what it takes to join this family. Don’t you?”

Chapter Thirty-Two

Elise

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