“You’re going to have to be more specific, Father. I’ve had a lot of thoughts over the last few months.” Smiling, I watched his eyes flip from mad man to psychotic. I missed the movement of his hand, and he struck my cheek. My head turned from the sheer force; it was the same spot that always hit, which made it hurt even more. The first blow was always the worst, as prepared as I always was, that sting lingered.
“What were you thinking, taking over my family, Emilia?” He spoke through gritted teeth, fighting the desire to lash out at me again. I’d seen it in his eyes.
“I was thinking I was keeping you safe from everyone who thought the Carminattis were weak after Marco’s death.” As if he had been pushed, he lunged at me and grabbed me by the throat.
“Do not speak his name.” He growled at me. Turning my head, I pulled away from his grasp.
“The only man who can put his hand on my throat is my husband. Please have some respect.” My voice was flat, and I showed no emotion, which he should know by now was always dangerous.
I watched his eyes look from my throat to where the rose rested on my chest. “You let him collar you? You stupid girl.Don’t you know that’s how his father kept his mother in line?” He shook his head.
“I didn’t let him do anything; I allowed it.” Squaring my shoulders, I hoped it was believable, because, in all reality, I didn’t know what he was doing when he put it on me. “You know what else I’ve allowed him to do, Father? To pleasure me whenever he desires because then I know he’s not bringing mistresses home, parading them down the hallway in front of me every night, like you’ve done with mother.” Another blow: this time, he threw a punch, and it connected with my eye. He wasn’t the most controlled fighter; he lost his balance and stumbled past me.
I needed to keep him mad; he didn’t think straight when he was angry, and got sloppier the madder he got. It was probably the only way I was going to get out of this. Who was I kidding? There was no way out of this. “I also don’t think there was anything Constantine could do to keep Cecilia in line. She’s not a weak mafia woman, like my mother and my sisters. I’m fortunate to have married into a family that respects women for more than breeding.” Closing my eyes, I imagined the baby inside me. A little boy, playing in the yard, with Nico. Their laughter floated through the open windows, always protected by the security around the house. Nobody would raise a hand to our children. A rogue tear escaped the corner of my eye.
Opening my eyes, I watched him throw another punch and connect with my jaw. “Maybe that will shut you up.” Blood oozed from my mouth. He could get his shots in now while I was helpless, but it was going to be the last time he raised a hand to me. “Remember when your brother would tie you up and practice interrogating you? That’s why you’re like this, to remind you what you are to this family. None of it was his idea; I told him to do it. I am disappointed that you’re tolerating it so well.”
Standing at my side, he kicked the chair over, and I landed with a thud. My head bounced off the concrete, and I swore I saw three of my fathers when I looked up at him, which was the most terrifying thing to happen today.
He walked behind me and stomped his heel on my hand. Grinding my teeth together, I refused to make a noise. Refused to let him have the satisfaction that he was hurting me. I would do what I’d always done, I would wait until he’s gone to cry. “You humiliated me when I was kicked out of the Venosa home.”
Spitting blood out of my mouth all over his shoes, I looked up at my father. My abuser, and now the man who was determined to kill me. “I didn’t get you kicked out; you made that happen all on your own. The moment you raised your hand to me that morning, you sealed your fate.”
“But I sealed yours the day you married that man, I can’t let you live.” He was leaning over me now, and what I wouldn’t give to be able to get free, I’d wrap my hands around his throat and watch the life drain from him. No, that’s not true, I’d walk away like I’d done every time; unfortunately, this time I wouldn’t get very far, there would be a bullet with my name on it.
CHAPTER 34
NICO
I wantedto barrel out of my car but Antonio grabbed me as I opened the door. “Think this through. How are you going to play this?” His voice was calm and calculating. He was right, if I went there ready to kill the first person I saw, I wouldn’t get any information.
“I’m fine, Anto.” Taking a deep breath, I watched my best friend look at his father. Lorenzo nodded, and I took the gun out of the holster at my side as I got out of the car.
Moving quickly, I rang the doorbell and waited.
“How long does it take to open the door?” Anto asked.
“They don’t have staff,” I muttered, looking at his shocked face. “There’s no money for it; they make it look like they have a staff and hire people when needed, but it was all on Emilia’s shoulders.” My heart ached for my wife even more as I stood at the door of her home, knowing the terror she faced behind it.
With an ear-piercing creak, the door opened. “Nico,” Alessia said, her face scrunched up in confusion.
“Where’s your father?” I asked without pleasantries.
“He’s, umm, well, he’s not here,” she stuttered.
“Your mother?”
“I’m afraid she’s ill and has taken to her bed.” The young girl rolled her eyes and opened the door all the way. She motioned for me to come closer. “Top of the stairs, last door on the left.” She whispered.
Nodding, I moved toward the stairs before I stopped. Motioning to her with my finger, I directed her to come to me. “Get Gianna, pack your things, and Lorenzo will take you to my house.” I watched her face pale at my words, but she nodded and left the foyer quickly.
Quietly, I walked up the stairs, opening every door I passed. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Alessia not to sabotage me, but I didn’t trust her not to either. The stark reality of something Emilia told me when we were first married makes my stomach roll.
“He used to parade his whores down the hallway right under my mother’s nose.”He was a disgusting human being, and the sooner I ended him, the better off everyone would be.
Reaching for the final doorknob, I glanced at Anto, who’d moved to my side. We both silently counted, and I swung the door open.
Francesca stood at the foot of her bed, head held high and glaring at me. I’d expected a weapon, but unless it was hidden in her dressing gown, she held none. “You weren’t supposed to be here so soon,” she spat.
