“For what it’s worth, I am sorry about Amelia. That was not me. I would not do that to you.”
He nodded. “And I am sorry about Delilah and Gianna. I have heard your boys have returned.”
“They have.”
“I have spoken to Alessandro. He looks like you. Reminds me of you.”
“And I look like you, so I suppose we’re all a lot alike.”
Santino smirked at me and tapped his head. “Too true, brother.”
We were quiet again as we drank. My phone buzzed. I knew it was Alessio or Klaus, calling to check on me as they rushed to get here. It wouldn’t matter. If Santino decided it was time for me to die, then I would have no choice. He was as fast as he was efficient in his work.
“Will tonight be the night you finally end my pain?” I asked, breaking the silence.
Santino dragged his gaze from the fire back to me.
“Do you want to die?”
“I am not living, so it’s like I’m already dead,” I said. “I just need someone to stop my heart.”
“I understand those feelings better than anyone.” He finished his drink and got up. I watched him grab the bottle and bring it back. He poured himself another glass.
Had he stayed in this world and been in my position, there was no doubt in my mind that he’d have been hell on earth.
“I am not here for any reason other than Constantino,” he said. “The empire you’ve built is safe. I have no intention of reclaiming it if that is your fear.”
“How tragic,” I muttered. “I am in need of a vacation.”
He stared me down again. “Then take one.”
“Like you? I only got my children back. You know as well as I do that Carmine and Francesca will kill them just to punish me.”
“Then kill our parents,” he countered.
I let out a huff of air. “Do you think I don’t want to? I have been dreaming about it since I was six years old and our father made me…forced me…” I couldn’t get the words out. “He is untouchable. And she is worse.”
“Then don’t touch them. You don’t always need to touch to kill, little brother.”
“Help me.” The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them. “Santino. Please. I didn’t want this. You know I never wanted it. You ran because of how little you wanted it. You left me in this nightmare. What would you have me do, brother? I need you.”
“It pained me to walk away from you, Matt. You have to know it did, but you were more built for this world than I was.”
I scoffed at that. “I was forced into a role I never wanted.”
“You hate me.” It wasn’t a question.
“I do not like you,” I answered.
“I understand. I did you wrong, and for that, I am sorry. Had I stayed, Amy would have survived because I would not have been in her life. My son wouldn’t be holed up somewhere in hiding. A lot of the problems in this world are because of me, but I am not the root. I am merely a branch on a tree that needed to be cut down long ago.”
“Then help me to destroy the roots,” I snarled, sitting forward. “You owe me, Santino. I took your burden as my own. I lost my wife and daughter. My sons!” My voice rose. “Because of you! You ran. You hid. You had a whole new life, and me? I was left behind in your fucking selfishness! And my family paid the ultimate price!”
“Matt, they would have never accepted your relationship with Delilah. You know this. It’s easy to blame me for all of that, but even if I’d stayed, she’d have died. It was their will.” He paused as I breathed heavily. He was right. I knew he was.
“If I help you, what are your plans for… after?” He didn’t seem concerned with my outburst, but then again, Santino was always calm until he wasn’t.
“I-I will marry the girl,” I said thickly, Bianca’s pretty face popping into my head. “I will make her a queen, and I will give it all up to Domenico.”
