“Because that’s who you are. A tired old man who can’t handle being defeated. Oh, Daddy. You fool. Did you honestly think I’d come here alone?”
I shifted the weapon to his forehead, pressing the barrel with force. Then I pulled the trigger.
The clicking sound brought a smile to my face and a groan from his throat.
“Don’t worry, Papa. I’m not the one sent to kill either one of you.”
As expected, the door was thrown open and two dozen men walked inside.
“What have you done?” my godfather asked.
“What I should have done a long time ago. And don’t worry. I’m already carrying on the family legacy.”
The past. The present. The future. They were all colliding together.
There was nothing worse than betrayal.
I turned away, disgusted with the family I’d been born into. Did I wonder about what I was getting myself into? Yes, but in truth, I knew the difference in the family I was about to join was that there was love. That was the key.
Our union wasn’t about money or power, influence or territory. It was about two people who against the odds had fallen in love during the worst of circumstances.
I only prayed that after I exposed my worst fears, professing my sins that love would prevail.
By the time I made it outside the room, I was shaking.
Pop! Pop!
There was no fanfare in their death, no painting the walls with their blood as they’d done with countless others.
Just a clean, simple end to a regime that had devalued human life. Two men who’d never understood the power of love and in a way, I felt sorry for them.
But I’d get over the feeling quickly.
Kazimir had been so quick to call himself the devil, but he’d been wrong.
My father and godfather were truly the hand of evil.
And I was glad they were dead.
* * *
Waves.
There was nothing like soft waves rolling against a shoreline. The afternoon was perfect, the setting sun creating a full display of colors.
I stood on the deck of the hotel, completely numb inside. There were so many things to say, emotions to feel, yet I was cold and numb. Golden was lounging on the warm deck, completely happy while my stomach remained in knots.
How was that even possible?
I sensed his presence mere seconds later, the electricity that we continually shared sparking something deep within my tummy.
“You’re staring at me,” I said when he moved directly behind me. Not touching. Just existing.
“What’s wrong with that? A beautiful woman about to be my wife. Of course I’m going to stare.” Kazimir’s deep voice sent a thrill through me.
“It depends.”
He slipped his arm around my waist as he flanked my side. “I will do what I want. I always loved Sardinia. I consider it a place of rebirth.”
