Before Rafael can argue, the front door swings open, and Antonia bursts inside. She spots me and grins, her voice filled with excitement. “Daddy! I beat Uncle Fabianothreetimes at hide-and-seek!”
She takes off running toward me, but before she can throw herself at my cast-wrapped body, Lucia swoops in and scoops her up. Antonia scowls, ready to throw a tantrum, but Lucia tickles her and the whole room fills with that loud, happy laugh I’d kill for.
“Remember, sweetheart,” Lucia says, playful, “we have to be extra gentle with Daddy, right?”
Between giggles, Antonia nods. “I wasn’t gonna hug him hard! I just wanted to pet him so he heals faster.”
like always, watching my girls makes me smile.
Rafael downs the rest of his drink and stands, grabbing his phone from the table. “Time for cuddles,boss.Guess that’s my cue to get the fuck out.”
I just shoot him a glare as he heads for the door.
Lucia leans down, kisses me soft, then lowers Antonia. “Nice and gentle, piccolina. Just like we practiced.”
Antonia cups my face with her tiny hands and plants a soft kiss on my cheek. “I love you so much, Daddy. Get better fast so you can take me to see my pony.”
Lucia and I both chuckle at her shameless little hustle.
But the truth is, it’s not just Antonia who’s impatient for me to heal. I’m counting down the days myself, waiting for the moment I can finally wrap my girls in my arms without restraint. A pony is nothing, I’d give Antonia the whole damn world.
And more than anything, I just want to stand on my own two feet again and repay the woman who chose to die with me rather than let me suffer alone.
What kind of woman does that?
What kind ofpersonloves like that?
No lie, I’ve fallen in love with her all over again. And I’m still fucking furious with her.
Soon as these fucking casts come off, I’ve got a list.
First, I’m going to fuck her till she can’t walk.
Second, I’m going to make damn sure she understands that if we ever end up in a life-or-death situation again, she needs to make asmarterfucking choice.
Not that it’ll ever happen again.
There’s a better chance of hell freezing over than Carlo getting his hands on us a second time. This time, I won’t let my guard down. I won’t let my woman and my daughter slip through my fingers and land back in his grasp.
The Black Souls’ leader was the first to pay for my girls’ tears. He won’t be the last. I’ll paint this city red with the blood of every motherfucker who touched them. I’ll wipe their bloodlines off the map.
After all, I’m a Bruni too.
And when necessary, I know how to unleash the savage in me.
Anyone who dared lay a hand on my wife and child will pay with the blood of those they love.
I need to heal fast. I’ve got a daughter to worship, a wife to fuck, and a list of enemies to slaughter.
EPILOGUE
Lucia
We never wanted Antonia growing up obsessed with all things pink and girly. But the second she could talk, she claimed pink as hers and never let go. She prefers it in everything, even the food she eats.
Now she stands in the middle of the circular riding arena, head to toe in pink riding gear, helmet buckled tight under her chin. She’s been standing frozen behind the wooden fence for ten straight minutes, eyes fixed on the pony, clearly debating whether to take the next step.
Her riding instructor, the one Tony background-checked six times before he’d even let her near Antonia, walks the pony slowly past her, watching every reaction. Of course, Rafael and ten other guys I don’t recognize are posted around the arena, keeping watch.
