He had God.
God.
And just as this truth united Giancarlo's mind and heart, body and soul—-
That was when Cesare burst into the alley like an avenging angel, his massively letha frame filling the narrow space, and his signature brutality on full display as he carved a path with calculated swings of his powerful fists.
In his wake emerged Massimo, his coldly charming smile never slipping as he easily sidestepped the an enemy's blade. His every move was taunting but precise, and one stab was all it took for his opponents to crumple. Sedated but not poisoned, and they had God to thank for Massimo's changed heart.
From the shadows came two more: Ezio, whose stealthy aways made him seem one with darkness, and Lorenzo, his sister's husband, who was not called the Beast of New York for nothing.
Their eyes met across the violence, his brothers' gazes fierce with meaning. It was their turn to prove to Giancarlo that they were no longer defenseless and reliant on him for protection. Their chance to let their eldest brother know that it did not matter if Giancarlo had briefly lost his way.
God is on our side, fratello.
That is our strength.
So come back and lead us again.
Strength like he had never known blazed through him, and Giancarlo was able to overthrow the men holding him back with a roar. He turned around, intending to help his brothers—-
Sarica.
HER LUNGS WERE ON FIRE, but not once did she even think to stop running. The devil taunted her with images of Giancarlo dying because of her, but Sarica shoved away every silly thought as soon as it attempted to take root.
Get. Behind. Me. Satan.
A familiar sight in a darkened alley caught her eye, and Sarica skidded to a halt.
Cesare?
Ezio?
Massimo?
And evenLorenzo?
Relief thundered through her even as she charged toward them. Individually, the Marchettis were nearly unstoppable in any kind of fight. But when the brothers fought together as one in accordance to His will? They were undefeatable, and—-oomph.
Sarica collided with something solid, but she was already lifting her knee up even as she fought to regain her balance. Fingersgripped her arm while one strong hand pushed her knee back down with firm gentleness before it could do any damage.
"It's me, Sarica."
Thatvoice.
Her head jerked up, her heart in her throat.
Giancarlo.
It really was him, and he looked absolutely terrible.
Oh God.
This was all her fault.Her fault.And it was while Sarica was struggling to come into term with her guilt that Giancarlo suddenly went crashing down, and her lips parted in silent horror.
NOOOOOO!
For one terrifying moment, Sarica could only look around them wildly, wondering who it was that had shot him from behind—-
