Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
“I’m not led by revenge—”
“No. Your heart guides you. That is something I had never bet on. Daryl never told me about the deep love that lived inside of you.”
I trembled at the mention of my brother’s name.
As if feeling my sadness, Paolo leaned away and stared at me. His face was barely three inches from mine.
Fela continued, “I was surprised Kazimir killed Pavel.”
“No, you weren’t.”
“I was. Pavel was the Lion’s cousin. Plus, their blood ran deeper than the family connection. Still, the Lion killed his own blood over a woman that is as dark as me. Could you make sense of this?”
I rolled my eyes. “You are smart enough to piece everything together.”
“Are you going to raise Paolo, Emily?”
“You don’t care about him, so stop asking.”
“You are going to honor Pavel’s request. I believe that.”
“Believe what you want.”
“I have been listening to many phone conversations lately.”
“Good for you.”
“Did you know that several maids called their families in shock. They were so traumatized from the piles of cut-up bodies in a particular suite.”
My bottom lip quivered.
“One of your people did something horrific. I know Kazimir didn’t put those piles there. He has no time for the artistic side of death. He is a spoiled child, needing everything to be quick. . .but not the Mouse.”
Closing my eyes, I trembled again.
“Daryl talked to me about your dark side. He believed that it was your true nature and the nice part of you was simply an act. He called you a demon—one that should be killed immediately.”
Guilt and pain spread through my heart like Fela stood right in front of me and shot me in the organ.
Words really are more powerful than bullets.
My phone buzzed. I was sure Kazimir was calling again.
Paolo’s small palm pressed on the side of my face.
Thanks, baby.
Fela’s voice rode the line. “There is a darkness within you, Emily. That was what I had bet on to kill Kazimir. The wickedness pulsing inside of you. Your brother guaranteed that you could not be good for too long. He said soon the bad would come out and destroy everything.”
Shivering, I opened my eyes. “My brother is dead, Fela. Just like your Popobawa. All gone, and I had a hand in both of their deaths, so maybe he is right. Perhaps, you should watch how you speak to me.”
Fela went silent.
My eyes watered. “Anything else?”
“How can we solve this, Emily?”
I gritted my teeth. “With blood and death.”
Fela let out a dark chuckle. “Aww. There you go. Now I see you.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“Fiumefreddo village,” Fela said. “What a lovely area?”
Good job. You tracked me, but we’re tracking you too.
I cleared my throat. “I think it is a lovely place.”
Paolo leaned his head back on my shoulder and patted my back.
Fela chuckled. “Did you know that the Godfather was filmed in that area?”
“I didn’t.”
“Oh yes. There is an 18th-century country house called Castello degli Schiavi in Fiumefreddo. Several scenes were filmed there.”
“Thanks for the fun fact.”
“I like that movie, the Godfather. My biggest lesson was that the Italians are not to be trusted.”
“Very intriguing lesson.”
“It is.” Fela hung up.
My hand shook as I put the phone away.
Misha’s voice sounded from the chandelier. “Got him.”
I let out an exasperated breath.
“Shut the phone off,” Misha said.
I did as he ordered.
“Give it to someone to destroy,” Misha continued. “A bug was installed during the conversation. Not only could Fela track your physical location, he would also be able to record your phone’s activities and listen to the surroundings of the cell phone user.”
“We can’t have that.” I gave my phone to Blue.
She took it and stepped off the elevator. “I will destroy it.”
Tension gathered in my shoulders. “Misha, do you have eyes on Kazimir?”
“I do, especially Maxwell.”
Valentina giggled.
I widened my eyes. “How are they doing?”
“As one would expect.”
What the hell does that mean?
I shifted Paolo to my side. “Are they safe?”
“Very.” Misha’s voice lowered. “You may let the doors go, Angelo.”
Frowning, the man stared at the ceiling. “He knows my name.”
“I know everything, Angelo.”
Valentina sighed. “Shut up, Misha.”
Clearly bothered Angelo moved his foot from the doors. They closed. The elevator rose. Still, Angelo gazed up at the ceiling.
Silence filled the space.
Daryl’s face flashed in my head.
Fuck you, Fela, for bringing him up.
Paolo continued to pat my back, and I let myself fall into the warmth of his innocence and love.
Baba looked at me. “Remember. You must not argue with Kazimir until he kills the Don.”
Valentina frowned. “Why would she argue with my brother?”
I frowned. “He killed some of my people.”
Angelo snapped his view to us and widened his eyes.
Valentina leaned her head to the side. “But did your people deserve to die?”
“No, Valentina. They just wanted to go home because they were scared of my dark side.”
Angelo edged to the corner of the elevator.
“Aww. They wanted to go home?” Valentina laughed. “There is no going home.”