Page 173 of SINS & Riley

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For a half-second, I swear he understands. That maybe—just maybe—he won’t pull the trigger.

That somehow he will realize it's me and we will get the fuck out of here.

Then, his brow furrows, head tilting like I’ve just spoken Greek.

He lets out a long, slow breath. “Thanks. I will.”

Of all times to be thick as a brick, he picks now.

The crack splits the air a half second before the pain registers.

My shoulder explodes, fire ripping through me until the world whites out.

Too much pain to breathe. Too much to see.

Through the haze I catch him holstering the gun, only to draw a knife, flipping it easily in his hand.

That’s my brother. Always prepared.

“Well, Zver… Arrivederci, motherfucker.”

He slams his shoulder into mine, right where the bullet tore through. The pain is blinding.

Then, I feel it. My gut ignites. The world tilts sideways.

And with what little life I’ve got left, I force the words out.

“Enzo… Riley…she’s carrying… Dante’s baby.”

Blood chokes me. My vision tunnels. This is it—the end.

I’m clawing for air, fighting through my last breaths, when Enzo leans in, ice in his eyes.

“I know.”

55

ZVER

Today, I died.

They say in death all things are revealed.

Only one thing came clear to me in the end?—

not even death can kill my love for Pom.

56

DANTE

Pain.

Excruciating, mind-blowing pain.

That’s the first thing I register.

And it registers again and again with every goddamned breath.

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