Page 74 of Revenge & Truth

“Huh… would you look at that? You created your own monster just like Daddy did with me. How ironic,” I pointed out. “Was going back and forth all week on whether or not I was going to kill you. Between you and me, I’d been leaning toward you not being that big of a threat, but after what you just told me, I’ve changed my mind.”

A look of terror managed to show itself on her expressionless face, telling me that she was really fucking scared. “Astin, you can’t. If you kill me, then they will know you’ve figured out it was them behind all of this.”

Opening my clutch, I pulled out a little paper packet, tore it open, and dumped it into my glass, swirling it around. The powder dissolved almost instantly, proving why Ivy enjoyed using the stuff. I didn’t think when we were talking about her work, and she mentioned this poison, that I’d actually acquire some, but I did.

“Here you are,” I said cheerfully, offering her the drink.

Flora shook her head violently. “No, you can’t make me do this.”

She tried to walk away from us, but Hound halted her in her tracks. He stood behind her, hands gripping her arms so tightly it made her flinch. Grabbing a hand, I wrapped it around the glass, then did the same to the other. Her whole body was shaking in fear.

“You want to know who the real monster is? It’s puppets like you who step out of line, thinking they know what’s best. Now there is so much blood on your hands, I don’t know how you sleep at night. First, you killed my father and all the innocent men who were there to protect us. Next would be Athos and Mathis, not to mention all the people I had to kill because they were loyal to Athos. Gee, the body count is starting to rise, isn’t it? Oh, and let’s not forget there’s soon-to-be Harvey, Judge Rupp, and Detective Kody White added to that list,” I informed her.

Leaning close, I whispered in her ear, “Either you drink this and die at my hand or wait until the Accardi or Leoni Families come after you for how badly you fucked up. I’m offering you a fairly painless death that will take two to three hours from consumption to stop your heart. Do you think either of the other people you’re indebted to will give you such an offer?”

The woman sniffled as a tear fell on my hand. “All I wanted was to be respected in this fucked-up world. How the hell did a stupid bitch like you get everything I’ve worked my whole life to accomplish?”

“I didn’t wait for them to give me respect. I took it out of their cold, dead hands,” I answered. “Some women are born with the instinct to fight and climb, which will take them to the top. While others continue to wait for the world to be a fair place when we all know it’s not. The women who watch and wait, never taking action, are bitches like you. So why don’t you take charge of your life for once and choose how you want to leave this world?”

Releasing her hands, I took a step back, and we locked eyes. With hands shaking to the point some of the liquid splashed out, she raised it to her lips, but at the last second, she dropped it. The glass shattered on the marble floor, startling the people around us and forcing them to gasp. Reaching down, I grabbed an ice cube, elbowed Flora in the stomach, and shoved the bit of frozen water into her mouth. Her eyes grew wide as she realized what I’d done and tried to spit it out. My hand clamped around her jaw, and I shoved her chin up, forcing the ice to fall to the back of her throat, making her swallow it.

“What did I just tell you, Flora? I’m not a bitch who waits,” I stated, then pivoted on the ball of my foot and strode away, shaking glass off my dress and leaving Hound to deal with the staff member who showed up with a broom.

Taking deep breaths, I tried to soothe the rage that had all but consumed me at the thought of that woman ever being part of my family. It didn’t matter now. I’d lied when I told her how long it would take. She was going to be dead in an hour, and the world would believe it to be a heart attack.

God, I hoped it happened when the police crash the party to arrest Harvey—that would simply make tonight all that much more perfect.

twenty-six

“Miss Caprioni.”

Hearing my name, I halted and looked around to find who had called out. The second my eyes landed on Domenico, I knew it was him. Interestingly enough, he was standing talking to the rest of my guys.

Schooling my face to one that didn’t scream, ‘I just poisoned my wicked stepmother,’ I walked over to them.

“Mr. De Santis, I have to hand it to you, this place is rather extraordinary. I ’m not sure I could come back to this place on a normal day, now that I’ve seen what you can do with it,” I praised, falling into the act I used at all parties I’d been forced to attend.

“I’m glad you approve. Our event planner will be thrilled to hear the feedback,” Domenico responded. “Your men were just telling me you plan to visit your grandfather next week. Have you been to Nepreea before?”

“Sadly, no… it’s one of the reasons I’m going,” I shared, knowing he wasn’t actually interested but wanted to know if I was taking him up on his offer. “My grandfather and I were estranged for some time, but since my father’s passing, he’s been making every effort to connect. Not to mention there is so much family history in Nepreea. I believe there might be some extended relatives on my father’s side as well I’d like to reach out to.”

“Losing a loved one can change your view on family. I’m glad to see it’s drawing you closer to them. After the gala, I’ll be returning to Nepreea myself. It would be such a pleasure to see you while you’re there.” Domenico turned his attention back to the guys. “The same goes for all of you. Any invitation of mine will always include Miss Caprioni’s partners. I understand what it means to have an unorthodox relationship.”

To my amazement, Ryker offered his hand to Domenico. “Thank you, it’s nice to know there are good friends out there. You never know when you might need an ally in this mad world we live in.”

Domenico accepted the handshake and clasped both hands around Ryker’s. “Truer words were never spoken, and let them not be forgotten in the days to come. I apologize, I’d love to linger and chat some more, but the job of host is never done. The money won’t raise itself, after all.”

The guys chuckled and nodded as Domenico moved on to the next group of people who looked overjoyed at his arrival. A hand brushed down my arm, pulling my attention back to my guys.

Braxton stood next to me with his brows furrowed in concern. “What’s wrong, Astin? Did something go wrong?”

“No, well, yes, I mean…” I stammered, unsure how to even begin to explain what happened between Flora and me.

“Luna decided to deal with a blood-sucking leech right off the bat instead of waiting until the bastard got his dues,” Hound explained as he joined us, offering me a drink.

I was beyond grateful it wasn’t more scotch but a martini instead. “Trust me when I say the wheels I set in motion will make perfect sense when it comes full circle.”

“A riddle and a surprise. This party is gonna be fun, after all,” Braxton said with a smirk. “Also, you forgot to mention how hot Domenico was when you told us about him.”