Page 72 of Ruined By Blood
Damiano's jaw clenches, a muscle ticking beneath his skin. "And Cortez?"
"Sterling's been working on a shipping deal with the cartel. Sienna was part of the payment—a living, breathing fucking bonus gift to seal the deal." My fingers curl into fists. "She was supposed to be Cortez's new plaything."
Lucrezia stands suddenly, moving to the window. Her back is to us, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. This hits too close to home for her.
"Fucking bastard," Alessio spits.
"Human trafficking is one line our family has nevercrossed," Damiano says, his voice carrying that quiet intensity that makes even hardened criminals listen. "We've been working to shut down those operations in our territory for years."
"I know." The Feretti family has its hands in plenty of illegal businesses, but some things are beyond acceptable even in our world. Some monsters wear expensive suits and operate in boardrooms instead of back alleys.
"Sterling's been careful, building his network right under everyone's noses. Using legitimate shipping businesses as cover." Damiano rubs his jaw. "We've suspected something, but never had proof until now."
I lean forward, my voice dropping low. "I want him dead, Damiano. Him and every single man who's touched her. I want to be the one to do it."
"Get in line," Alessio mutters from his position against the wall.
Lucrezia turns from the window, her face pale but determined. "Killing them isn't enough."
We all look at her, surprised by the steel in her voice. Since the attack, she rarely offers opinions during these discussions.
"They need to suffer first," she continues quietly. "They need to understand exactly what they've done before they die."
Zoe moves to stand beside her, offering silent support. "And Sterling's empire needs to be dismantled completely. Not just him, but every single person who helped him, who looked the other way." Her hand rests protectively on her stomach. "I can help with that part. Financial destruction leaves trails we can use to find every accomplice."
Damiano looks at his wife with a mixture of pride andconcern. Even pregnant, she's still the strategic mind she's always been.
"We need to be smart about this," Alessio pushes himself off the wall, all business now. "Sterling has connections everywhere. And Cortez's cartel isn't something to take lightly. We need a solid plan, not just blind revenge."
"Agreed," Damiano nods. "We start by gathering everything we have on both of them. Every business connection, every property, every vulnerable point."
CHAPTER 25
Ihead out of Damiano's office, my mind spinning with plans.
"Enzo."
Damiano's voice stops me at the door. I turn to find his expression uncharacteristically soft.
"We'll handle this tomorrow night. Family dinner first. Strategy after. Go get some rest."
I nod, knowing he's right. Exhaustion pulls at me, the adrenaline from the cabin attack finally wearing off. My knife wound throbs beneath the butterfly closures.
"You look like shit," he adds.
"Fuck you too."
The mansion is quiet as I make myway down to the kitchen. Ettore is hunched over the counter, carefully arranging something on a tray. He looks up when I enter, his blue eyes assessing me.
"I made something light for the signorina. And you." He gestures to the tray loaded with two bowls of pasta fagioli, warm bread, and a carafe of water. "Simple food heals the soul."
"Since when are you a philosopher?" I ask, but take the tray with a nod of thanks.
"Since always. You just never listen." He wipes his hands on his apron. "The girl. She needs more than food."
I stiffen. "I know."
"Good." He turns back to his stove. "Now go. Food gets cold."
