Page 79 of Deadly Vows

Luca has also been on edge since leaving the hospital. Even though he needs them, he refuses to take any of the medicine prescribed to him. He also opted to remove his own stitches a few days ago. But I know better than to push him for details on what’s happening. Eventually, he’ll reveal it all himself. All I have to do is sit back and wait for the bloodbath to inevitably cross my path.

“Elise?” I look away from the window and see Enzo stepping into the sunroom. He’s changed significantly since that night. He not only cut his hair, but also wears suits just like Luca. He comes home and follows Luca around like his new shadow when he isn’t at school. He is officially a trusted part of the family.

But every time I look at him, I see Ari’s lifeless expression. And while I understand Enzo’s reasons for what he did, I also grew up with Ari as a huge part of my life. It’s been difficult separating her intentions from the woman I knew my whole life. And it’s been even more difficult looking Enzo in the eyes. There’s no regret there—only desire for the next kill.

I place my cup down, turning to leave the room when he calls out to me.

“Wait, Elise. Can you please stop being mad?” he asks.

I slowly turn to face him, and when he realizes I don’t intend to speak, he continues.

“I did what I had to do for both of us. She was no better than our father. She was going to use you, Elise. And she didn’t care what would happen to you in the process. I saved both of us,” he says.

I can’t tell him it was Luca who ended his mother’s life. It would be like taking the muzzle off a wild dog we let into the house. And knowing that makes me no better than Luca.

“So you’ve decided to follow in our father’s footsteps after all,” I say, gesturing to him.

“What else am I supposed to do? If I didn’t, this family would have put a target on my back just for being his blood, just like you,” he says.

I release a bitter chuckle. “Wow. Luca has really brainwashed you,” I say.

“Proving yourself is one thing. But remaining a part of it defeats the purpose of youearningyour life,” I say. “Our father was going to use you to put our family on the map once I was out of the picture. But Luca has given you a chance to have a different future than what our father intended, and you’re squandering it to be part of a family that made you murder your own blood to prove your loyalty,” I say.

Enzo scoffs.

“So that’s why you’re mad? Because I don’t want to follow the lifeyouthink I should have? You’re right. When Luca saved me from what our father planned, I did have a choice to lead a life apart from this. But it wasmychoice, and this is what I chose. And whether you want to admit it or not, neither of us would be here if not for Luca. Everything he has done is to protect his family, which is the exact opposite of what our own flesh and blood did,” he says.

“And what about me? I am your family. Have you at all checked in on me? Did you ask me how I felt after you put a bullet through my closest friend on the order of my husband?” I ask.

“I don’t see why you would care, Elise. She was plotting to murder you—”

“That doesn’t make it any easier! I grew up with her. We both grew up in this family, watching what it takes to have a seat at the table, knowing one day, we would both have to sacrifice for the family’s sake. She didn’t have a choice! It’s what she was raised to believe, the same way I was raised to stand by Luca’s side no matter what. And I know everyone wants me to be happy she’s gone, but her actions don’t make the reality of what we became in the end any easier,” I say.

Enzo’s expression slowly shifts to pity as he looks at me.

“Elise…I’m sorry. I didn’t know—”

“You’ve just begun this life, Enzo. I was born into it. You don’t know what comes with this world. You don’t know the dangers that come with making friends, combining families…and having children. All of it can lead to death,” I say.

Enzo doesn’t respond. How can he? He’s still a kid himself. He doesn’t truly know what comes with this life, which is why Luca was so angry with him for killing William when it wasn’t warranted. He has no idea what he’s in for, and a bullet to the chest is nothing compared to the road he’s chosen to partake in.

Enzo looks away, his brow furrowing as he speaks.

“I understand you’ve been through a lot. More than I can probably imagine right now. But this was my decision. This is what I want for my life, and I thank you for opening that door so that I have options. But this is what I choose. I just hope you can respect it,” he says.

I ignore him, my attention remaining outside. It’s all I can do not to scream at him. He’s done this for the past fewdays, attempting to make conversation and make me okay with the decision he made. I hear him release an irritated breath, grumbling something to himself as he leaves the room, but I don’t look back.

Maybe I am wrong for feeling this way. My entire marriage, I’ve blamed Luca for being who he’s always been. And now, I am shifting that blame to my brother. It isn’t his fault, I know that at the back of my mind. But it doesn’t shift the pain that I feel in losing everything to this life.

“Still harboring ill feelings?” Luca’s voice suddenly enters the room, and I turn away from the window to face him. He looks much better than he did upon his release from the hospital. And just as intimidating as he enters the room, clearly having heard our conversation.

“You know, you could give him some slack, Elise. It’s his life. Not everyone can be the perfect daughter who managed to keep her hands clean of blood most of her life,” he says as he sits on the opposite cushion.

I ignore his jab.

“I just didn’t expect him to be so much like you. I thought he’d be innocent still,” I say softly.

Luca scoffs, leaning forward in the seat.

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