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Tommaso groans from the ground.
“I didn’t kill him as you wanted. I had a different idea in mind.”
“What?”
“Let me get you out of here first.” I scoop her into my arms and carry her out of the tower, only setting her down once we’re in the hallway. Then I shut the tower door, locking Tommaso inside.
“What are you doing?” she asks.
“Giving him a fate worse than death. Something he truly deserves.”
She jumps back once Tommaso slams into the door on the other side, shouting to be let out. “You’re going to keep him in there?”
“Yes. As a prisoner. I’ll have my men keep an eye on him. They’ll keep him alive, just barely, but always in pain. That way, he doesn’t get the sweet release of death. He gets the misery of life.”
“That’s ruthless,” she whispers.
“Your father deserves it. It’s either this or death. If he’s not stopped, he’ll always come after you.”
She inhales deeply. “You’re right. It’s quite a fitting end for him, I guess.”
I cup her cheek. “I promised I’d protect you, didn’t I?”
She leans into my touch, smiling slightly. “You did. I love you so much, Dario.” A tear slips down her cheek. “So much.”
“My heart almost broke at the thought of you being gone from my life,” I whisper, pressing my head against hers. “You’re mine, Pia. Always mine. I fucking love you.”
“And you’re mine. My husband.”
“Damn straight.”
* * *
“You’re both alive,”Adelina says as she pulls both Pia and me into a hug.
We’ve returned home, returning to a mess of a house, but our house, nonetheless. One of my guys stayed behind to keep an eye on my sisters while Matteo swooped in to save us. I never thought I’d be so happy to see my sisters.
Pia winces. “Sorry. I’m still hurt.”
“Sorry,” Adelina squeaks.
“I called Dr. Ricci to come and take a look at us,” I tell her. “He’ll be here soon.” Dr. Ricci is my own personal doctor, the one who works for the mafia and doesn’t ask questions.
“That’s good.” Adelina steps back. “That’s good.”
Serafina is behind her, watching Pia and me with her normal hard expression. “I’m mad. At both of you. You,” she turns to Pia, “for putting yourself in danger to go save us. And you,” she turns to me, “you can’t leave Adelina and me. We’ve already lost so many family members. I refuse to lose you, too.”
I open my arms. “Come here.”
She sniffles as she comes in for the hug. When Pia joins us, Serafina begins to cry harder. She’s never cried much, if ever. I honestly can’t remember the last time—maybe our parents’ funeral.
Adelina then wraps her arms around all of us, joining the group hug. We hold each other for a moment before letting go.
Serafina wipes her eyes like she isn’t just crying.
“It’s nice you care,” Pia says softly.
“Of course, I care. You’re family, too, Pia. And …” She sighs. “I’m sorry I was such a bitch to you before. I won’t happen again.”
