Page 75 of The Ruin I Chose

I remembered the souvenir Marcello sent me months ago. The photographer’s fingers—snapped clean. Wrapped in silk. No note. Just fingers.

Later, the message came:

Touch what’s mine, and I’ll come for everything you value.

I had laughed it off. I shouldn’t have. Isabella had warned me. But I didn’t listen to that puttana.

Marcello didn’t retaliate for five months. I thought he’d gone limp. I underestimated the boy who mistook restraint for strength. Now he’s choosing. And he’s dragged me out of hiding.

Isabella had managed to slip out just before the raids came down. She stood in the study, Marco beside her.

“It’s the girl you asked to follow,” she said. “The one he’s protecting. The fat bitch.”

Marco spoke. “They’re not together. No contact. But he’s still shielding her.”

I turned towards them, black eyes gleaming.

“Then it’s time.”

I stubbed out the cigar, grinding the ash into the crystal tray. She paced the room, heels clicking in staccato against the stone.

“We need to disappear. They’re closing in.”

I stayed seated, sipping my whiskey.

“Amuri, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Are you insane? They’ll throw you in prison. You’re an international criminal now.”

I looked at her coldly.

“Watch your tone.”

How dare the bitch speak to me that way?

I slowly walked towards her, then spoke calmly:

“Don’t worry. I won’t take the fall. I have someone else.”

She froze. “What? Who?”

“You, darling.” I kissed her cheek, fingers trailing along her jaw.

“All the accounts are in your name. You signed the papers. You made the calls.”

“You told me to,” she said, voice cracking.

I shrugged. “And you obeyed. Like a good little whore. They just need a face. And yours is a pretty one—a devil behind the mask of an angel.”

She stepped back, voice trembling.

“You’re throwing me under the bus?”

She thought she mattered. That I’d protect her. Idiota. I don’t protect. I consume. And when I’m done, I spit out the bones.

I smiled. “No, bella. I’m giving you a chance to show your loyalty to me. Take the fall.”

“Marcello was right. You’re a monster.”