“Look what I learned how to do, Cici!”
If I wasn’t already sitting, I’d surely collapse.
“And the surveillance system,” I say, feeling more foolish by the second. “You were always so good with computers. You sabotaged it.”
His nod is full of pride. “See? I knew you would have figured that out. You’re the only one who has ever believed in me.”
My mind has been caught in a whirlwind. All the things I thought I knew are shifting with meteoric speed.
“The almighty Cassio Tempesta didn’t think I was worth shit,” Gabe says with new venom. “When he saw me, he just told me to get back to the kitchen and then went hunting for Angelo. He turned his back. His mistake.”
Too much. I’m drowning in shock and horror, not to mention dread. Julian is still out there, still fighting for his life and for our family.
My hands are balled into tight fists and my chest hurts. I need to remind myself to breathe. In and out.
Think. Think Think.
Gabriel is lost in his own dangerous delusion. I need to get away from him.
“What do you think happens now?” I ask my brother with far more calm than I feel.
He pauses and gives me a funny look, as if the answer should already be obvious. “We’ll go home. The Tempestas have taken everything from us. We’re just taking it back.”
It’s a struggle to climb to my feet but I need my brother’s full attention. “That isn’t true, Gabe.”
“You’ll forget all about this fucking place,” he promises with a disgusted gesture. His gaze lands briefly on Teresa’s painting and he quickly looks away.
“I want my husband,” I reply in shrill desperation. “Gabriel, I love him!”
He scowls, shaking his head. “Don’t say that.”
“But I do! I love him so much. Please call this off. I’m begging you. You were tricked by our grandfather. I’ll help you explain things to the Tempestas.”
He opens his arms and gives me a pleading look. “They all made you marry him.”
“No, Iwantedto marry Julian. I’m pregnant with our twins. Please listen to me!”
His eyes narrow into a fierce glare. “We’re going home, Cici. The babies will be raised as Grimaldis. The Tempestas will all be gone and we’ll live at the vineyard. We’ll be a family.”
“That’s crazy,” I whisper.
“We’re going home,” he repeats, growing angry.
I take a step toward the open door. And then another one. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“YES YOU FUCKING ARE!” he shouts and blocks my way.
For the very first time I’m seeing my twin brother for the dangerous man that he really is.
Gabriel has a temper. A vicious one. His mask has slipped, showing the same thoughtless rage that drove him to gun down a man over a card game, setting in motion the chain of events that led us all right here.
“Do you have any fucking idea what I’ve done for you?” he yells right in my face and seizes my arm.
The greatest danger isn’t outside. It’s right here in front of me. I stare into my brother’s eyes and I don’t know him at all.
“Gabriel,” I say, trying to sound reasonable even though I’m terrified beyond belief. “You’re hurting me. I cannot leave with you. Please let go.”
Instead, his fingers tighten on my arm until I can’t take the pain and cry out. His expression shifts into a hideous smirk of satisfaction. Worst of all, he still has the gun in his other hand.
