Retribution (The Diamond Dynasty #3)

Prologue

It’s been weeks since my sisters left and I’ve lost my mind. I’m terrified of leaving this place. Something is telling me it’s a bad decision, and I’m not as strong as they are.

Nobody will offer me any assurances, and when I ask Sister Agatha Maria if they are okay, she can’t disguise the pain in her eyes as she brushes it off.

She says she doesn’t know and will tell me if she hears anything, but I know when she’s lying to me; it’s a feeling deep in my gut.

“Tiffany.”

Sister Grace moves beside me as I chop vegetables for the stew we are having tonight.

“Sister Agatha wants to see you.”

“Did she say why?”

I wipe my hands, and she shakes her head.

“No. Although it may be news of Alice and Rose. We can hope at least.”

I’m aware the other sisters are as anxious as I am. Word has seeped back through the stone walls of obstacles in the way of their journey. Apparently, Alice escaped the men who were shadowing her by recruiting the nun’s help when they visited the town.

So much is telling me not to be the next one in this madness, so I made my decision early. I am not cut out for freedom. I will remain here in the Order of the Holy Mother of God and be happy forever.

I won’t put myself through the pain of life outside these walls and so, with a deep breath, I nod my thanks and head to Sister Agatha to tell her of my decision.

Whatever her reason for summoning me is, will be interesting to hear, but it won’t change my decision.

So, with newfound confidence, I head serenely toward the mother superior’s office, my mind made up and my resolution strong.

“Come in.”

If anything, her voice appears less assertive and a little shaky around the edges, and I really should have taken notice of that because when I head inside, my heart almost gives out on me because sitting in the chair opposite her is a man.

I say a man, but he is like nobody I have ever met, and his cool gaze shows no emotion as he directs it at me.

I physically shake as I stare at a god in human form. Probably crafted from others misery because he wears a dark aura like a familiar shirt.

He is intense. His dark eyes pools of infinity that promise no early release from the madness. His jaw is shadowed with stubble and set in determination.

The dark hair that frames his face is sleek, perfected by a barber’s skill. He is dressed entirely in black, an ominous presence for sure, and as he shifts on his seat, his gold watch catches the glint of light that streams through the barred windows.

“Tiffany, um, allow me to introduce Joseph Ravera.”

I nod, words deserting me as he studies me with no emotion. Not a friendly smile, not a greeting in sight as his dark gaze powers down through my soul and shreds it into ribbons.

“I’m, um–”

He holds up his hand, his voice deep and husky as he says softly, “Pack your things, Tiffany. I am here to take you home.”

“Home?”

The blood must drain from my entire body as I contemplate ever going back to that place. To her, the woman who terrifies my dreams and has corrupted my memories.

“Mr. Ravera means London, Tiffany. Do you remember your year of freedom? I asked him to come here to escort you because you appear afraid to leave on your own.”

“You asked him?”

Why do I feel betrayed by the one person I trust more than most, apart from my sisters?

“Why?”

“Because I gave you a task, and how can you make an informed choice if you shy away from making it?”

“But I’ve made my choice.”

My voice is soft, serene even, and she shakes her head. “You have not made a choice, Tiffany, because there is nothing to choose between. I will not allow you to stay until you sample life outside these walls, and the safest way to get you to your destination is with this man.”

I am trying so hard not to cry, and as I peer at him through half-closed lashes, I tremble inside. He is not a man; he’s a monster, and nothing about him feels safe to me.

“There is another reason why you must leave, Tiffany.”

All the time she speaks, he is staring at me with no hint of emotion in his expression at all.

“What reason?”

I decide to focus my attention on Sister Agatha instead, wondering how she can be so cruel when she has been nothing but amazing since we arrived on her doorstep.

“Because your stepmother has requested, you are to return to her. She tells me you are required at home.”

“But why? My home is here and there is nothing I want to say to her.”

For some reason, Sister Agatha falters, and yet her eyes are kind as she says serenely, “It appears that your birthmother has been in touch and wants to meet you there. She has information you must hear firsthand, and it concerns your sisters.”

“What do you mean, are they okay?”

The man speaks, and it causes my soul to shiver.

“Your sisters are safe, which is more than can be said for you if you go anywhere without me by your side.”

“London?”

I angle my head as my mind races with excuses why I should remain here, and he nods. “Yes, London, because your stepmother does not have your best interests at heart, and yet we have a problem I suspect only she can solve.”

“What problem?”

I am giddy with fear, and he stands, an action that sucks all the air out of the room, and if anything, it’s as if a dark demon has unfurled its wings.

“I believe you possess three keys. One for each sister. They will be the keys to unlock the secrets of your past, and Morgan Sorcusi may be the woman with the instructions.”

“May?”

My mind is racing as I remember the keys that we entrusted into the care of Sister Agatha, and her low gasp causes us both to turn and stare as she says slightly nervously, “The keys are gone.”

“With my sisters?”

I can’t believe it could be anything other than that, and she shakes her head, apparently on edge.

“I’m sorry, I no longer have them.”

Joseph Ravera turns to her, and from the expression on his face, Sister Agatha may not be long for this world as he hisses, “Then who does?”

“I’m not at liberty to say.”

I swear I fear for her life right now, and as he shifts as if moving toward her, I call out, “Fine, I’ll go with you. We’ll head to, well, where she is and demand answers.”

I catch Sister Agatha’s desolate expression and wonder what the hell is going on right now.

She exhales sharply as he glares in her direction and whispers almost apologetically, “It was for the best. When you find the answers, the truth will present itself, and the keys are too valuable to hand to a stranger.”

I admire her bravery and wonder if God is guiding her hand right now, and it’s suddenly the most important thing in my life to get this man away from her.

“I want you to wait outside while I pack and say my goodbyes.”

My words have the desired effect and successfully diverts his attention from eye-murdering my mother superior and turning his glare on me instead.

“You want me to wait outside.”

The words are said in a slow rhythm, and I nod, swallowing hard at the dark expression in his eyes.

“Yes, if you don’t mind.”

He glares between us, and I point to the door.

“Please.”

I soften my voice, almost pleading with him, and without another word, he leaves, not glancing at Sister Agatha for a second.

As the door slams behind him, she exhales sharply and appears almost guilty.

“I’m sorry, Tiffany. It’s for the best.”

I don’t answer her. I realize I don’t have a reply to that and merely say icily, “The keys were our property, not yours, Sister Agatha. What do you mean you handed them to somebody else?”

“I understand your anger, Tiffany. It was not my call to make, but the person who took them assured me they would be in safe hands until this mess is resolved.”

“What mess?”

She avoids my eyes, and my heart races as it all becomes clear.

“My sisters are not okay, are they?”

“They are safe, but you are required to unlock their inheritance.”

“Me?”

She shakes her head sadly. “I didn’t speak the truth a moment ago. I made up the story about your mother in the hope you would leave without knowing the facts.”

“You lied!”

I’m more shocked by that than anything, and she sighs heavily.

“I’ve been informed that unless you leave with Mr. Ravera, you will not be safe here.

Your stepmother has currently boarded a plane heading for Zurich, and I have it on good authority that she is bringing the police with her.

She has accused you of murdering your father and has the evidence to back that up.

I’m sorry, my child, but there really is no choice. ”

“Murder!”

I almost pass out and Sister Agatha says kindly, “I’m so sorry, Tiffany, you leave me with no other choice.

If the police arrive with a warrant, you must leave with them.

So, for your own safety and despite how you may disagree with this, Joseph Ravera is the only man on this earth right now who has your best interests at heart. ”

“But why me?”

“Because your sisters are with his brothers and are worried about you. Go with him, and with any luck, you can join them.”

She glances at the huge clock on the wall. “You must leave now. No goodbyes, no regrets. Just run, my darling, and don’t look back.”

She almost physically pushes me through the door, and as I walk, her urgency catches up with me as she shouts, “Run, Tiffany! May God be with you, and remember, this is for the best.”

As her words race along with me, my tears blind me as I burst from the convent door.

Sleek black cars are waiting in a procession, and as I blink against the light, the devil himself is waiting to welcome me to hell.