Chapter 33
EMILIA
My eyes were growing heavy, and I didn’t know how long I’d been here, but the way my ass and hips ached from the metal chair I’d been sitting for hours. I had to stay awake; I needed to remain alert. At some point, whoever this was would slip up, and I needed to be ready.
The large metal door was pushed open with such force that it bounced off the concrete wall, making a banging sound that would wake the dead. I jolted upright. I’d fallen asleep again. I didn’t know how long I’d been out, but it was long enough that I was back on my game.
Hushed voices came from behind the plastic that had been hung around the room.
A kill room.
“You better not have touched her.” The first low, gravelly voice said. His cadence in speaking was familiar.
“I didn’t, I swear she’s flawless.” The other man’s voice raised a decibel or five, and then the sound of skin smacking skin made me look up.
One of these men will have a black eye come morning.
It was someone I didn’t know; his voice wasn’t familiar.
When I was in charge, I made it a point to know every voice in the organization.
The other voice was one I’d known forever.
The plastic was pulled back, and I watched a man walk through.
He was in an ill-fitting suit; most would miss the fact that his pants were a little too long and his coat hadn’t been fitted properly.
His white shirt gleamed; it must have been one he’d bought ages ago.
His tie matched the colour of his suit to perfection, just like it always did.
“Hello, Father,” I said, scowling at the man now standing a few feet in front of me.
“Oh, Emilia, my daughter.” He leaned over and frowned. “What were you thinking?” Shaking his head.
“You’re going to have to be more specific, Father.
I’ve had a lot of thoughts over the last few months.
” Smiling, I watched his eyes flip from mad man to psychotic.
I missed the movement of his hand, and he struck my cheek.
My head turned from the sheer force; it was the same spot that always hit, which made it hurt even more.
The first blow was always the worst, as prepared as I always was, that sting lingered.
“What were you thinking, taking over my family, Emilia?” He spoke through gritted teeth, fighting the desire to lash out at me again. I’d seen it in his eyes.
“I was thinking I was keeping you safe from everyone who thought the Carminattis were weak after Marco’s death.” As if he had been pushed, he lunged at me and grabbed me by the throat.
“Do not speak his name.” He growled at me. Turning my head, I pulled away from his grasp.
“The only man who can put his hand on my throat is my husband. Please have some respect.” My voice was flat, and I showed no emotion, which he should know by now was always dangerous.
I watched his eyes look from my throat to where the rose rested on my chest. “You let him collar you? You stupid girl. Don’t you know that’s how his father kept his mother in line?” He shook his head.
“I didn’t let him do anything; I allowed it.
” Squaring my shoulders, I hoped it was believable, because, in all reality, I didn’t know what he was doing when he put it on me.
“You know what else I’ve allowed him to do, Father?
To pleasure me whenever he desires because then I know he’s not bringing mistresses home, parading them down the hallway in front of me every night, like you’ve done with mother.
” Another blow: this time, he threw a punch, and it connected with my eye.
He wasn’t the most controlled fighter; he lost his balance and stumbled past me.
I needed to keep him mad; he didn’t think straight when he was angry, and got sloppier the madder he got.
It was probably the only way I was going to get out of this.
Who was I kidding? There was no way out of this.
“I also don’t think there was anything Constantine could do to keep Cecilia in line.
She’s not a weak mafia woman, like my mother and my sisters.
I’m fortunate to have married into a family that respects women for more than breeding.
” Closing my eyes, I imagined the baby inside me.
A little boy, playing in the yard, with Nico.
Their laughter floated through the open windows, always protected by the security around the house.
Nobody would raise a hand to our children.
A rogue tear escaped the corner of my eye.
Opening my eyes, I watched him throw another punch and connect with my jaw.
“Maybe that will shut you up.” Blood oozed from my mouth.
He could get his shots in now while I was helpless, but it was going to be the last time he raised a hand to me.
“Remember when your brother would tie you up and practice interrogating you? That’s why you’re like this, to remind you what you are to this family.
None of it was his idea; I told him to do it.
I am disappointed that you’re tolerating it so well. ”
Standing at my side, he kicked the chair over, and I landed with a thud. My head bounced off the concrete, and I swore I saw three of my fathers when I looked up at him, which was the most terrifying thing to happen today.
He walked behind me and stomped his heel on my hand.
Grinding my teeth together, I refused to make a noise.
Refused to let him have the satisfaction that he was hurting me.
I would do what I’d always done, I would wait until he’s gone to cry.
“You humiliated me when I was kicked out of the Venosa home.”
Spitting blood out of my mouth all over his shoes, I looked up at my father. My abuser, and now the man who was determined to kill me. “I didn’t get you kicked out; you made that happen all on your own. The moment you raised your hand to me that morning, you sealed your fate.”
“But I sealed yours the day you married that man, I can’t let you live.
” He was leaning over me now, and what I wouldn’t give to be able to get free, I’d wrap my hands around his throat and watch the life drain from him.
No, that’s not true, I’d walk away like I’d done every time; unfortunately, this time I wouldn’t get very far, there would be a bullet with my name on it.