Page 87 of Vow of Hate

Henrietta smiles at her daughter. “Yes. She does get it from me.”

“Sienna never stopped fighting. It’s something I always admired about her. I’m sorry that I kidnapped her. I’m sorry that I shot you. If I had known I’d be feeling the way I do, I wouldn’t have done any of it.”

“I know,” Sienna says. “I want to believe that. I want us to start over. Can you do that with me?”

“Yes.” The moment I say the words, it’s like a weight is lifted off my shoulders. “I want to do that with you, Sienna. I want to marry you. If we’re married, we can be stronger. And no one can use you against me. Or take you from me.”

“That’s all I want. Mom? Would you mind giving us more time, just the two of us? We need it.”

Henrietta looks apprehensive but she nods and leaves the room.

Before Sienna and I get the chance to talk, Gabriel enters. I stiffen.

“I see that you’re alive. Good. That means our peace deal can go into effect. You two will be married. We will end this war.”

“Don’t control us,” Sienna snaps. It only makes me more proud of her. “We will get married when we’re ready and not on your time. Dante will keep to his word. Yes?” She stares at me hard.

I know the only way I can have Sienna in my life is if I agree to this. So with a sigh, I say, “Yes. I’ll keep to my word but you have to do the same.”

Gabriel nods once. “I can do that. Just stop causing problems for me. We can work as equals.”

“Fine,” I grit out. It’s not going to be easy for me but for Sienna’s sake, I’ll do it.

“Good. I’ll leave you two alone but there’s someone here who wants to talk with you.” He steps out of the way and Luciana comes into the room.

“Luci?” Sienna asks.

The sight of Luciana – the woman I once tortured – hits me in my wounded stomach. “Sienna.” Her eyes flick to mine. “I don’t like you. I don’t agree with any of this.”

“No one asked you,” I growl.

“Stop,” Sienna says to me. “Luci. Let’s talk.”

“No. There’s nothing to talk about. I’m happy you’re happy, Sienna. And I’m glad we’ll all have peace through your marriage. But I do not agree with any of this. I cannot be. I still want you in my life, Sienna, but I don’t want him coming around. I don’t want to hear about him. Is that understood?”

Sienna looks stunned before she nods. “I understand.”

It’s taking everything in me not to snap at Luciana and tell her to mind her own business but I hold back.

“Good,” Luciana says. “I just had to say that.” Her eyes flick to mine again. “Don’t hurt her.”

“Her mother already threatened me so you’re good.”

She grits her teeth before storming out of the room. After a beat, Gabriel follows.

“Oh,” Gabriel adds before he leaves. “I told Matteo to never try what he did today again. You’ll be safe, Dante. But only if you stay in line. You’re going to have to prove yourself.”

The anger returns to me but I tamp it down. For Sienna, I remind myself. Only Sienna.

Once it’s just me and Sienna left, I finally let out my annoyed huff.

“Thank you,” she says. “For keeping your cool. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”

“It wasn’t,” I growl. “But… for you. I did it for you. And selfishly, I don’t want to be tortured again. I would rather be at peace with you. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything. I love you too, Sienna.”

My admission makes her eyes widen. “Really?”

“I’m amazed I can still surprise you after everything we’ve done together.”