Tasked—most likely—to report every word back to Giovanni. And as much as I would like to believe my unclehadn’tused me as a pawn, everything pointed to him only serving his own best interests.
“The players have changed, Luca, but the plan is still the same,” I spoke clearly.Dante knows who killed Father. I added the last part, so Luca would understand why I was staying.We made a pact. Once I help him regain standing in the Dynasty, I get the name of the assassin and who hired him.
And then what?His dark eyes gleamed with worry.You’re going to go and kill them all in some archaic vendetta? It’s too dangerous.
“I have to fulfill my part of the oath, Luca. Father trained me to serve the Dynasty. You needn’t worry about me,” I whispered, a second before Dante cleared his throat behind us, backed by the sound of scraping and a fair amount of swearing as the rest of my trunks were dragged in.
The master bedroom took up most of the front of the house. The bed was plain, the mattress a bit too firm, but the room was clean, and the window had a lovely view of the canal.
“You can have this room,” Dante waved his big hand around, ignoring my brother completely. “There’s a smaller one down the hall I’ll use.”
I arched a brow. “Afraid I’ll bite?” I asked, then internally groaned when Luca’s gaze whipped to me. Since when had I started joking around with the enemy? Since when had I started joking around at all?
“Nope. Too afraid of getting stabbed in my sleep.” Hesmiled tightly. “I’m still not convinced you won’t murder me on principle.”
“There are no guarantees in life,” I said airily, totally not ruling out murder.
“You’re godsdamned right there aren’t,” Luca muttered. “Ember shouldn’t be here with you. She should come home, where she belongs.”
“This is exactly where she belongs.” Dante set my trunk at the foot of the bed before stepping back. “Unpack,” he ordered, studying Luca with a frown, then dismissed him entirely. “Get your bearings. I’ll do a sweep outside, make sure Marcello hasn’t decided to plant any surprises. I’d like to get at least one fucking good night’s sleep.”
I kept quiet as he disappeared down the hall.
“Em, you need to come back with me,” Luca argued quietly. “What good can you possibly do here?”
I’m not walking away. I’m going to finish this. For Enzo.
And for us.
I knelt by the first trunk, pressing my thumb to the blood seal. The complicated lock system—silver, magic, and tiny carved runes—clicked open with a satisfying little pneumatic sigh.
Cold, hard steel gleamed up at me. Steel I could depend on when everything else in my life might be—probably was—a lie. Steel that was as precise as the truth I was seeking.
This is where I become part of the Dominico family, and this is how I destroy the Don.
Throwing knives, balanced and polished. A collapsible bow, its limbs etched with protective script, the grip wrapped in black leather. Vials of silver nitrate. Spare boots with blades hidden in the toes. A bundle of thin, wicked stilettos.
My entire life in neat, deadly rows.
You can’t be thinking of going after Marcello alone?Luca dragged a chair over beside the trunk.I know Uncle wants you to bring them down, butEm, you’re acting impulsively. You always have a plan, and now…His dark eyes measured me up, that frown deepening.You’re more emotional than I’ve ever seen you.
I’m not emotional. I’m focused. And I do have a plan.
“I’m worried about you, Emberline.” Luca stared out the open door, as if he expected Dante to return any moment, but only the servants straggled past, slowing down to catch every word.
I hesitated. “Go home, brother.” I cupped his cheek with a sad smile. “I’ll miss you, but this is where I belong now. With my husband.”
I should put a bullet in the brute’s head. Or stick a knife in his heart. Whichever would hurt more.
My dear, sweet brother, whose never hurt a soul, are you actually considering murder on my behalf?
Stop teasing. You know I would do anything for you.
I do.I gave him a sad smile. But killing Dante Dominico won’t fix anything now. Go home, Luca.
He rolled his eyes. “I hate leaving you here, Emberline. This place… is a shithole.”
“I’ve picked a name, actually.” I grinned. “Casa Di Merda. Sort of has a ring to it, don’t you think?” I kissed my brother on the cheek. “Goodbye, Luca. Don’t come back here again.”
