And that thought is heart crushing.
Leo
I manage to run down the hallway without getting shot. I go into the nearest bedroom and lock the door. That will only hold off Matteo’s men for so long.
I run to the window and climb outside. It’s at that moment I smell fire in the air. Something burning.
The last thing I wanted was to run from Emma but I can’t help her if I’m dead. Matteo wants to marry her so for now, she’ll be safe.
Running around the side of the house, I find the front side on fire. It’s quickly burning everything. Matteo’s men drive away, thinking I’m dead.
Except for one man. He spots me and turns his gun on me but I shoot him in the head before he can get me. That’s it. No more.
I don’t hesitate to get into my car and follow the two SUVs driving away. The only problem is: I don’t know which one Emma is in. I call Gabriel. “Matteo attacked my house. He took Emma. He’s not satisfied. He needs to die.”
Gabriel sighs deeply. “Fuck. If he’s not willing to create peace, then he needs to die. Tell me where you are. I’ll come.”
“I don’t know yet. But I’ll let you know.” I hang up, throwing my phone onto the passenger seat before I pick up my speed and follow the SUVs.
I will get Emma back even if it kills me.
Chapter Eighteen
Emma
Matteo brings me to a church.
His men drag me from the car and carry me inside, throwing me onto the floor.
“Careful,” Matteo says. “I don’t need her body broken. She is to be mine.” He kneels down beside me and rips the duct tape off my mouth.
“I’m married to Leo,” I gasp out. “I can’t marry you.”
“But you will. Gabriel promised you to me and I am a man who doesn’t like people going back on their promises. Now, you’ll wait here for your mother to arrive. I’ve sent some men to retrieve her. It’s only fitting she gets to see her daughter married.”
“Are you going to kill her?” I’m not sure how I feel about that.
“She hid you from Alessandro your whole life. She needs to be punished for that.” Matteo stands up, stretching his body. He really is a handsome man. It’s a shame he’s evil.
My mind goes to Leo. He’s also a handsome man who hurt me but I know Leo’s changed. He has fought for me too many times now to be faking it. I know he’s a good man inside.
Matteo’s men place me in one of the pews, keeping their guns pointed at me.
“Will you always threaten my life?” I ask. “If I don’t do what you want?”
“You’ll come around eventually.”
“I love Leo. I’ve been intimate with him. You still want me after that?”
Matteo huffs. “I don’t care if you’re a virgin or not. It’s not about that. It’s the principle of the thing. Gabriel promised you to me and he went back on that. I don’t appreciate that.”
“I shouldn’t be used this way. I am not a pawn in anyone’s game and I’m tired of it.”
He leans over me, staring into my eyes with an intensity that leaves me breathless. “You were born to be a pawn, Emma. All mafia women are. You are no exception. Why do you think your mother hid you away for all those years? It was so you wouldn’t be used. But mafia women don’t get a say in their lives. You don’t get a say.”
“You’re horrible,” I hiss.
He only laughs and backs away from me.
