You shouldn’t have said that!I thought frantically.
Ordinarily, I would have been frightened by his reaction –
But my fear for my baby was greater.
However, when he spoke, his voice was controlled.
Cold, but controlled.
“What would you have me do, Alessandra? Stand by and watch while people die because of my inaction?”
“It’s not going to stop with this,” I said, trying to control my own fear. “If you get back into drugs, you’ll just be pulled into it deeper and deeper, and eventuallymorepeople will die because of it. If people are going to die, then let them die because of whatTHEYdo, not because of whatyoudo.”
Heharrumphed,and one corner of his mouth turned up. “In matters of persuasion, you could give Niccolo a run for his money.”
“He’s the one who wants to do it, isn’t he,” I asked angrily.
“Not just him,” Dario said. “Everyone agreed it would be in our best interests.”
I stared at him in shock. “Bianca and Cat?”
“No, everyone in the meeting this morning.”
“So… your brothers. And Rachel and Sofia.”
“Yes.”
“People who have killed,” I said bitterly, “or worked for your uncle to try to killyou.”
Dario’s face went cold. “You’re quite judgmental for someone whomarriedone of those killers.”
His words were like a dagger to my heart. My eyes welled up with tears.
Bathsheba sinned…
And her baby paid the price.
I turned to go, to run away –
But he grabbed my arm and pulled me back.
“Alessandra,” he said.
I fought him –
But his arms encircled me…
Protecting me…
Trapping me.
I wanted to run…
But I wanted more to stay.
To stay in the arms of the man I loved more than anything.
Even if it means God will punish your baby?that dark, accusing voice asked.
