Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry for everything, Brielle.”
“You know that the Camorra aren’t going to accept apologies. They’ll want to see your head on a chopping block.” I cross my arms, needing some form of stability. And that’s when I feel Judah’s hands slipping around my hips. He doesn’t pull me close, but I know it’s a show of support, of reassurance that he’s with me.
“It’s time for you to come clean. Your daughter, and your son, have been through enough with the lies. I think perhaps you should remember that as their parent, being honest will only serve you in the long run.” Judah’s tone is void of all emotion. He’s angry, I can tell. There’s a chill that races down my spine when Judah releases me and steps toward my father. There is nothing to stop him from killing the man who raised me. Not even I can keep my husband from acting out what has been simmering beneath the surface for so long.
“I give my life for hers. Once I’m gone, she’ll be safe with you.” My father looks at Judah. “I knew she would be because your father made a promise to me.”
“And what if I don’t uphold that vow?” Judah challenges Papa, and I want to gasp, but I stay quiet. The shock of what Judah has just asked has me on edge. I know he loves me, so he wouldn’t hurt me, but what’s to stop him from getting someone like The Agency involved. They could so easily find me, kill me, and Judah could play the broken-hearted husband.
“You wouldn’t,” my father spits out as he scowls at the man who just recited the most beautiful wedding vows to me. It’s as if both men before me are as volatile as each other. And I can escape neither of them.
Judah chuckles darkly. There’s a hint of malice in the sound, one I recognise from the day he took me to the cliff’s edge. When he promised me that he could easily end me.
He spins on his heel, and makes his way to me and within seconds, his hand is wrapped around my neck. His fingers slowly dig into the sides of the column which cuts off my breath.
My hands grip his one, but I can’t pull them away. His eyes glower as if he’s possessed and in this moment, I don’t see my husband, I see the arsehole who first brought me to Black Hollow.
“It’s so easy, Saviatti,” Judah says, but he doesn’t look at my father, his stare is locked on mine. Panic sets in as my vision is dotted with black spots.
“Please,” I croak, before I turn my gaze to my father’s. “Papa.”
“Judah, stop,” my father’s voice is pained as he tugs at his bindings, but I know they’re far too strong to break. He won’t save me. “Fine. I’ll do as you say.”
But my husband doesn’t relent. He leans in and presses his lips to my ear. “Trust me.” It’s two words, and in my mind, even though everything feels as if it’s slowing down, my panic eases and I drop my hands to my sides.
“Please, Judah, fucking hell, I’ll do anything you say. I’ll help you.” The sound of my father’s voice sounds so far away.
Judah gently eases me back to the present moment. When I open my eyes, he’s looking down at me with pride shining in his eyes. “I’ll never hurt you.” He steps back and instinctively, my hand goes to my throat. I’m not sure if I’m angry or turned on at him, but either way, I’m going to slap him when we leave this fucking place.
Judah turns to my father, and then he says, “You will write a full statement of all your crimes against us. The Mafia, the Camorra, and everyone else you hurt. It doesn’t matter if it’s some random stranger you didn’t know, or your daughter. I want it signed, in blood.”
My father’s mouth pops open, shock painted on his expression. I’m sure he wants to argue, perhaps debate with Judah, but I know there won’t be changing my husband’s mind. Papa’s gaze flicks to mine, it’s only for a second before he nods.
“I’ll be waiting at a hotel in the city. Once you’re ready, we’ll return and we can finish this off.” Judah turns to me, “Wait outside for me. I’ll be right now. There’s something I need to say to your father.”
I want to argue, but I don’t. Knowing Judah, he won’t budge until I’ve obeyed. Once the door to the room is shut, I can’t hear anything. It only makes me more anxious. Moments pass, and I can’t help but pace the corridor. Finally, after twenty minutes, Judah exits the room and he offers his hand. I want to talk to my father, but also, I don’t want to hear the lies he’ll tell me.