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The fact that she doesn’t bother to deny it is all the proof I need. Betrayal stings like a knife in my gut, but the thought of losing her to my father's wrath is unbearable. No matter what, I can't let her die here.
I might not want to repair things, or even hear her out, but that's my decision to make once I ensure she's alive.
"See?" my father sneers triumphantly, his eyes locked on Jasmine with a predatory gleam. "You've allowed yourself to be played by a traitor, my son. And now you must face the consequences."
No matter what Jasmine has done or who she truly is, I refuse to let her die. We'll deal with the truth later – if there's any left to salvage. For now, all I know is that I need to save her, no matter the cost.
“Dario, please,” Jasmine tries again. “I can explain –”
But my father cuts her off.
"Enough!" my father growls, his voice as cold and unforgiving as the barrel of the gun he aims at Jasmine's temple. "This traitor dies tonight."
My heart hammers in my chest, a relentless beat that screams for me to save her, regardless of the truth. I can't let her die, not like this. A plan begins to form in my mind, dangerous and reckless, but it's all I have.
"Wait," I say forcefully, stepping forward with my hands raised in surrender. "I claim the right to kill her myself."
They all turn to look at me, surprised and confused by my sudden demand. My father narrows his eyes, studying me for a moment before he speaks. "Why would you want to do that, Dario? She deceived you."
"Exactly," I snap, injecting as much anger and betrayal into my voice as I can muster. "She played me like a fool. I want to make her suffer for what she's done."
Jasmine's eyes widen with fear and disbelief, but I don't give her a chance to protest. I steal a glance at her, hoping she understands that I'm trying to save her life.
"Fine," my father concedes after a tense silence, lowering his weapon. "But I expect you to make an example of her. Show her what happens when someone crosses the Marchetti family."
"Trust me, Father, I intend to" I promise, my voice cold and steely.
He nods curtly, signaling his men to release Jasmine. They shove her towards me, and I catch her roughly, doing my best to maintain the façade of a vengeful mafia prince. Her body trembles against mine, and I can only imagine the terror that courses through her veins.
"Get it over with," my father orders, watching us with a sinister smile. "Make her pay."
"Of course," I respond, my grip on Jasmine tightening. “But not here, father. I want to make her suffer, a slow, painful death.”
I grip Jasmine’s face in mine and stare into her green eyes. The same eyes that brought me comfort earlier now bring me anger. But the longer I look into them, the stronger I feel the need to keep looking into them.
My heart races, and I realize at this moment, I’m still in love with this woman and I’m irretrievably fucked.
“Dario…” she whispers, trembling in fear. I grip her hair in my hands, clutch it in my fist. She winces in pain and I almost apologize, but I catch myself just in time. I feel the weight of my father's gaze on my back, and I know that one misstep could mean the end for both of us.
"Start walking," I growl, pulling her towards my car parked nearby. I can feel the eyes of my father and his men on us, scrutinizing our every move. The air feels heavy with tension; one wrong word or action could be our undoing.
"Where are you taking me?" Jasmine whispers, looking up at me with fear and confusion in her beautiful brown eyes. It breaks my heart to see her like this, but I know I can't explain right now - not with everyone watching.
"Shut up," I snap, my grip on her hair tightening. "You'll find out soon enough."
We reach the car, and I yank open the passenger door before pushing her into the seat roughly. As she lands on the leather, I take one last look at my father, who's watching us with a predatory glint in his eyes.
I can't let him see any trace of doubt or hesitation in my face, so I nod curtly before slamming the door shut and climbing into the driver's seat.
Chapter 35
Tangled Web
Jasmine
My heart races as Dario's fingers tighten around the steering wheel. I clench my hands together, waiting to be killed, panic flooding my veins.
"Why?" he growls. "Why did you betray me?"
