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"My parents died too, Livia," I go on. "And if Bruno Bernardi hadn't taken me in, I'd be an orphan."
"Lucky for you," she spits out. "You were a boy with nothing. That's why Bruno adopted you – because he only had one son of his own, and he needed more to grow his famiglia. But not me. Why would he care what happened to me? I was a girl, after all. And girls in the mafia are useless."
I can't argue with her there because I've heard the same from my father on numerous occasions. "So, what happened after your parents died?"
"Bruno tossed me aside like I was nothing," Liv hisses. "He didn't give a shit what happened to me, and had me sold to another famiglia."
"Which one?"
"You really have to ask?" She cocks her head to the side with a wicked little smile. "The Giordanis, of course. I took on a new last name and a fake history."
"So, how are you different to Nicoletta?"
She looks at me with pure venom. "I didn't kill an innocent man and a little girl, Ryder."
I raise my hands to defend myself. "Then what?"
"I wanted revenge," she shrugs. "The Giordanis wanted to take Bruno down. So, we came up with a plan. I'd seduce you and get rid of Bruno."
"So it was all a game to you? You never loved me."
"I did." She delivers this news with the same amount of passion she had before. "I did love you, Ryder. The secrets... I couldn't risk telling you. I knew you'd probably abandon me after I killed Bruno. But I hoped... I hoped you'd forgive me."
I shut my eyes, rubbing my temples as I remember that day. Her lifeless body, leaking blood, being tossed outside like garbage. And I just let it happen, never seeking the answers that would truly explain why Livia did what she did.
"I loved you," Livia repeats. "But you never loved me."
There's no use in denying what she's said. I didn't love her – she's right. It took her betrayal for me to realize she wasn't the woman for me. I discovered true love with Nicoletta, but in the end, all she did was stab me in the fucking back, just like Livia. Fucking women.
"I'll go now," Livia mutters. "I just wanted you to know the truth, Ryder. And I think your father knew all along. He just underestimates women. You all do."
I can't argue with that. I never knew the extent of secrets both my fiancées had been hiding from me. One thing's for sure – I'll never doubt a woman again.
"Thank you," I spit out, even though it takes effort for me to say it. "Thank you for sharing the truth with me, as twisted as it is."
At least she’s honest – unlike our dungeon captive who's still keeping her lying little mouth shut.
"You can always expect honesty from me," Livia nods with a small smile. "From now on, I vow to tell you the truth."
"Thank you,” I tell her again. The moment turns uncomfortable, so I turn to walk her to the door. My hand lingers on her back. I don't feel anything when I touch Livia now, but she seems to, and her eyes are alight with fire when they meet mine.
"I'm here for you," she says softly, placing her hand on my chest. "Whatever you need."
It's clear what she's implying, but I ignore it anyway. With a nod, I practically shove her out of my office and close the door behind her. Once I'm alone, I take a deep breath and try to make sense of everything I've just found out.
Nobody is telling the truth.
Everyone has secrets.
And it's up to me to discover who's a liar and who isn't.
But one thing's for sure – I feel nothing for Livia anymore. But Nicoletta... It's not the same when it comes to her. My time in the dungeon made it clear I still care about her, still crave her, still want her with me. And as eager as I am to cut off all ties with Nicoletta, something keeps pulling me back to her.
Our feelings and our love were real – no matter all the lies she told me. The feelings and the love were real.
But it's over now.
After all, it has to be over.
Nicoletta has committed the ultimate crime and Father will never let me be with her now that the truth is finally out. Whether I want to or not, I'm going to have to move forward with my life. And my future has no room for Nicoletta Carlucci – or whatever the hell her real name is.
Despite knowing what I have to do, my heart fucking aches.
Because no matter what... I still want her, crave her and desire her.
I'll just have to force myself to keep my distance.
