I rub my temple, the weight of it all hitting me again. “Then teach her. Make her listen to you.”
“I’ve tried. I’ve brought out every tool we have in the bunker. I think she’ll only listen to you, brother.” I know he’s right; there’s something between Charlie and myself. We bring out the darker side of each other.
“Where is she now?” I grumble.
“Shooting range with Mattia.” I stand, adjusting my suit into place. “Meet me at the bunker in twenty. He dies today."
I don’t wait for his response. I’m out the door and in the car, speeding toward the range we built on the property. There they are. Mattia glances up, his hearing on point like always, his eyes sharp but careful not to draw Charlie’s attention to me. Rocco stands off to the side, out of her way, but watching her silently.
I lean against the car and decide to watch her. Mattia has informed me she’s picking it up quickly, but I’ll be the judge of that. Charlie holds the pistol out, her arms steady. Mattia’s voice cuts through the quiet. “Focus,” he orders her.
She breathes deep and fires. Bullseye. “Did you see that?” she bursts. She takes out an earplug, excitement lighting her up.
Mattia nods, his arms folded behind his back. He stands guard beside her. “Again.”
She fires twice more, hitting the same spot on the target. When Mattia hands her a different pistol, she lines up, breathes slow and fires, landing right beside the last shot. She squeals, and when she jumps up and down, her dress lifts high enough that I can see the bottom off her ass cheeks.
My chest vibrates with possessiveness. Not wanting any other man to see what is mine, I clap loud enough to startle her.
She spins around quickly to face me. Her expression flickers between surprise and nerves as she places the gun on the table. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough,” I say, lifting off the car, and closing the distance between us. “Come. It’s time.”
“Time for what?”
“To kill Nico.”
Her face pales, shock freezing her in place.
Mattia steps forward, half shielding her from me, his concern written all over his face. “Luciano… I don’t think—”
“Don’t.” I point a finger. “You’re overstepping, Mattia.” There is no room for debate here. “This is a kill or be killed world, Charlie. You will kill Nico today.” There is no other option; it must be done. My gaze locks on hers, searching for the fire that I know is buried beneath her fear—I need to help herunlock it.
“But… I can’t,” she whispers, fragile as Mattia puts his hand on her shoulder reassuringly. My hand moves fast, grabbing her by the wrist to pull her towards the car.
“Remember your place, Mattia,” I grunt. Opening the passenger door, I order, “Get in.” She obeys, her body trembling silently.
I drive off, leaving Mattia behind, his eyes heavy with worry. She leans her head against the window, staring out as we pass through one of the checkpoints.
“Are you messing around with my brother?” I ask, watching her closely.
Her eyes flash with anger. “Excuse me?”
I slam my hands on the steering wheel. “Answer me!” I hate that she brings this side out of me; I am not a jealous person. My brothers know she’s mine, but I still can’t help myself asking the question. I need to hear her say the words.
“No! He’s like a brother to me, Luciano,” she responds, shaking her head. “I can’t believe you would even ask that.”
“I don’t share with my brothers,” I remind her, accepting her answer. I can see the nerves shaking her as we arrive at the bunker. “Come,” I say, climbing out of the car and walking to the front door.
She grabs my arm, pulling me back. “Wait, Luciano. What if I can’t?” Her grip on my arm tightens slightly.
I cup her face with my hands, forcing her to meet my eyes. “You can and you will.” I pull her in and kiss her soft lips, trying to ignite that spark within her. She eventually whimpers against my lips, so I pull back. “Let’s go.”
Walking into the bunker with her, I feel hopeful that if she can successfully kill Nico, we are one step closer to her becoming the next Donna. So far, she has handled the knowledge of her family and ourbusinesses well, but now we must move into the darker side of the underworld.
Her hand finds mine outside the interrogation room. I squeeze her hand once, steadying her nerves, and push the door open, leading her inside.
17
