Chapter 27 Luca #2
Something shifts in my brother's expression. I’m not sure if it’s sympathy or maybe recognition that I’m right.
"I never wanted to be a Dante again," I admit. "But Enzo deserves to know who he is. Where he comes from. And he deserves to live long enough to decide what that means to him."
Alessandro's shoulders drop slightly. “No one has forgotten that you’re a Dante.”
I shrug with indifference, because my place in the family doesn’t matter anymore.
Only Enzo’s place. "I need you to promise me that if something happens to me, you shield Katerina from harm. Not as a favor to me, but because she's family now. Because she's Enzo's mother."
For a long moment, Alessandro says nothing.
“Dad always looked out for her and Enzo,” Adriano says, like he’s offended I’d suggest they wouldn’t protect her.
But a few minutes ago, Alessandro questioned her loyalty, so I need his promise.
“He knew, didn’t he?” I ask. “About Enzo?”
Alessandro shakes his head. “I don’t know. If he did, he never said anything.” He extends his hand. “But I promise, no harm will come to her or Enzo while I draw breath."
The intensity of relief that washes through me is unexpected. "Thank you," I say with gratitude.
“So, what are your plans?” Adriano asks.
“I’m storming those assholes.”
We talk a bit longer, but it’s clear they want to wait while I need this retaliation to happen before the Bratva has time to take a breath.
I leave Alessandro’s office committed to one goal—annihilate the Bratva ASAP.
I move into the hallways, my mind racing.
The Bratva.
Katerina’s secret.
The concerns over Enzo’s physical and mental health.
Each thought brings a bigger need for action, for violence, for resolution.
"You look ready to murder someone." Valentina materializes from the shadows.
"Not in the mood." I try to move past her, but she sidesteps, blocking my path.
She crosses her arms. "Why do you look like you're about to do something monumentally stupid?"
I lean against the wall, suddenly exhausted. "Maybe because I am."
"Talk to me." It's not a request.
"I'm thinking of giving them what they want." There have been times when talking about handing myself over has just been words. Now, I’m resolved that it may be the only way to keep Katerina and Enzo safe. “Me."
Valentina's eyes widen. "You can't be serious."
“I’m deadly serious.” I study her. “I don’t know that Dad ever loved any of us enough to sacrifice himself, but I am. My heart beats for my son and his mother. You probably think that’s sappy—”
“No. I don’t. I think it’s sweet.” She smirks. “Who knew you’d be the only one of us capable of love. Well, except maybe Adriano, but…” She shakes her head. “I don’t want to lose you just when you’re back.”
I’m touched by her words. "If something happens to me, I need you to look after them. Katerina and Enzo."
"Nothing's happening to you." Her voice hardens. "You're not sacrificing yourself for some misguided notion of heroism."
"It's not heroism. It's practicality." I run a hand through my hair. "The Bratva wants me. No one else has to die."
"Except you." Valentina steps closer, fury radiating from her small frame. "God, you're just like Father. So convinced you're the only one who can solve everything, even if it means destroying yourself in the process."
"This isn't about me—"
"Bullshit." She cuts me off. "This is absolutely about you and your martyr complex. You think dying will somehow make up for being gone these past seven years?"
Her words feel like a slap.
I stare at her, momentarily speechless.
"You want to do right by your son?" she continues. "Then live for him. Be the father he deserves."
"And if the Bratva comes back? If next time they don't miss?"
“If they come back, you kill them. Protect what’s yours. Or take them to Chicago," she suggests. "Start over."
For a moment, I imagine a different future.
Katerina and Enzo in my Chicago penthouse, safe from all this bloodshed.
The vision is so tempting it physically hurts.
I shake my head. "The Bratva would follow. And it wouldn't just be us in danger. It would be you, Alessandro, Adriano. Everyone."
"Then we fight." She places a hand on my arm. "But not by throwing your life away."
“You say ‘we’ but Alessandro and Adriano don’t want to—”
“Sure, they do. They just want a plan.” She puts her hand on my arm. "Promise me you won't do anything rash."
I want to promise her. I really do. But it would be a lie. “I have to do what I think is right for my family.”
“Stubborn bastard.” She gives me a shove and huffs off down the hallway. I feel bad for disappointing her, but what choice do I have?
I make my way to my room expecting to find Katerina and Enzo resting. I need to see them, to memorize their faces before I make my next move. I may not have many chances left.
I ease the bedroom door open, relieved to find Enzo's small form curled beneath the covers.
His face is peaceful in sleep.
I step closer, resisting the urge to touch his cheek and wake him.
But the other side of the bed is empty.
No Katerina.
I look in the bathroom and the closet, anywhere she could be. She’s not here.
I step into the hall and see one of the maid staff. “Have you seen Katerina?”
“It’s been awhile. She asked me to keep an eye on the boy until you returned.”
My brow furrows at the odd request. Watch Enzo until I return, not until Katerina returns. “Did she say where she was going?”
“No sir.”
“When did she leave?”
She checks her watch. "Maybe an hour ago?"
I curse under my breath as my mind spins with possibilities. I hope to hell she’s somewhere in the house or maybe she’s gone to the cottage to pick up things for Enzo.
I check the kitchen, the library, the gardens.
Nothing.
With each empty room, the dread in my gut grows.
Something's wrong. I can feel it in my bones.
I head down to the cottage, calling her name.
Each time, my voice gets louder and filled with more dread, checking every possible space only to find them empty.
It’s clear that she’d gone.
Did the Bratva still find a way through security?
Or is Alessandro’s suspicion right and she’s gone to meet with the Bratva?