My breath lodges in my throat. I can’t move. I can’t speak.
My son follows Magnus like a shadow, as if he belongs at his side.
Terror claws at my insides. My legs tremble beneath me, my knees weak.
Dan stiffens like a coiled spring beside me. I feel the tension radiating off him, his whole body ready to launch across the table and rip Magnus apart with his bare hands.
Mamma’s voice cracks the tension. “Who let the dog in?”
Magnus pops a grape into his mouth, smiling like the devil himself. “My dearest mother-in-law. Have you forgotten we’re family?”
I gasp for breath. It’s as if he’s taking up all the air. “Angelos,” I rasp, my breath tight in my lungs. “Come to me.”
Magnus’s hand crawls onto my son’s shoulder, like a deadly spider, weaving him into his web.
Dan rises from his seat, slow and steady, baring his teeth. My brother’s gun rests on the other side of the table next to my brother’s plate. He’d have to be fast to lunge for it, but he wouldn’t risk shooting Magnus with Angelos so close to him.
“It seems the boy and your brother are the only ones around here who know loyalty,” Magnus says, his words like a blade to my chest.
I can’t tear my eyes from Angelos. He won’t even look at me. His young, conflicted face is pinched tight, his lips drawn into a stubborn line. What’s happened to my sweet boy?
I flick my gaze to my brother for help, my pulse pounding in my ears.
Elio leans back in his chair lazily with a sinister smirk playing on his lips. “You didn’t really think I’d stand by and let our father’s murderer get into your knickers again, did you, sorella?”
Dan’s jaw tightens. “You set me up?”
Magnus shrugs like it’s nothing. He chews another grape and smiles, shark-like. “If anyone could locate my wife, it’s you, Bianchi. You led me right to her. But getting you here was easier than I thought.”
Dan looks down at me, doubt flickering in his eyes. “Were you in on this, too?”
His words slice me open. My breath catches, but I manage to croak out. “Of course not.” I’m paralysed in my seat. Tears prick my eyes, blurring my vision, but I don’t dare let them fall.
As if in slow motion, Angelos’ small, trembling hands reach around Elio and close over the gun lying on the table. My heart lurches to my throat. No. No, no, no.
“Angelos!” My voice is raw, but he doesn’t stop.
With venom twisting his young face, he raises the weapon, his arms shaking with the effort. His gaze lands on Dan, his silvery eyes dark with hatred. “I heard what you said. You put Dad in prison. And now you’re going to finish the job.”
Dan lifts his hands slowly, palms open, trying to defuse the explosion about to ignite. “Put the gun down, son.”
“Don’t call me that!” Angelos snaps. His voice wavering with confusion cracking at the edges. “I’m not your son.”
My lungs seize. No air. It takes every ounce of strength I have left to push my chair back and get to my feet, my knees trembling under me. “Yes, you are,” I whisper.
Angelos’ hand shakes as he holds the gun, still pointing at Dan. His eyes flick to Magnus. “Dad?”
Magnus’s face contorts, a hint of triumph gleaming in his eyes. “Kill him, son,” he orders coldly. “He’s poisoned your mother with lies.”
My stomach twists with nausea. Magnus’s got his claws on my baby.
Mamma coughs weakly at the table, her voice rough as gravel. “Angelos… put the gun down.”
But Angelos’ hands tighten on the weapon. Tears streak his cheeks, but his aim at Dan doesn’t falter. “I won’t let you kill my dad.”
“Please, Angelos. Listen to me,” I beg, every word torn from my chest. It’s as if my feet are made of lead as I drag them the few steps towards Dan. I need to protect him. I can’t lose him now. Not after everything we’ve been through. Because I’d sooner have him in my life with no trust than go back to my old life with Magnus.
“Pull the trigger, Angelos,” Elio barks. “He murdered your grandfather in this very room.”
