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He smirks at that, and so do I.
“Those buttons can be pressed again with a phone call.”
I adjust myself in my seat to lean in. “I’m here to try and prevent that.”
“My daughter is the price.” He folds his arms. “I believe that you saved her. And for that, you have my respect. You stabbed your own family in the back to protect one of mine. I’m still mixed up about your code, kid. But I have to thank you for it. It’s time to let Ellie free. Deliver her to one of my men, in my arranged pick-up, and I’ll consider your peace.”
My lips straighten into a line. “If I delivered your daughter, she would find her way back to me.”
Ronny squints his eyes, anger building in him again. “Don’t play games with me, kid.”
“No games, Mister Rigiano.” I remain stern and cold. “There’s a piece to the puzzle you’re still missing. It’s the part I said you wouldn’t believe if I told you a week ago. Now, though, I’m ready to talk if you can promise no overreactions.”
“Who are you to tell me how to react?”
“No one. Just a man who knows we still have much to discuss,” I say smoothly.
He shows his teeth. “Fine, kid. Speak it.”
“Me and your daughter are in love.”
He scoffs. “Get the fuck o—”
“I’m not finished,” I cut him off. “She’s the reason I’m alive, Mister Rigiano.” I stare at him coldly until my words register. The scabs on my face are still apparent enough to provide proof of my struggle. Watching him put it together is like seeing puzzle pieces click.
“You’re not suggesting…” For the first time, Don Shadow looks shaken.
I lean in and whisper, “I off-ed my father to save her, and she returned the favor in blood. Martino’s. We’re in love, Don Shadow, and I’d wage war on all the families to defend it.” I lean back confidently. “But war isn’t why I’m here.”
Chapter 21
Ellie
These last few months have been a quiet sort of hell. I can’t stop seeing my brother’s lifeless body in my head, no matter how hard I try. Memories I forgot pop up at odd hours to guilt me. They make me forget how rotten he grew to be.
Time, though, has helped. I get glimpses of the joys I found with Donny and start to feel like myself for an hour or two out of the day. My jobs in the Valentino family help to distract too. I help Scar manage his books, and I’m good at it. Really good.
Donny has been nothing short of a dark prince. He shows up unannounced to shower me with gifts, gives me free rein to decorate with Sabrina, respects my boundaries even though I can tell how much he wants me. It’s the best of the worst situation. And it’s slowly becoming less painful.
He rolls up in his AMG Mercedes in the middle of the day, and I don’t know what to expect. More gifts, more hugs? I could use anything right about now to stay afloat and keep my dark thoughts from drowning me.
The door opens, and his steel eyes still make my knees weak. His leather jacket over a black tank-top hangs on him in all the right ways. His tattoos spill over the top of the tank, and my mind’s eye fills in the rest. He’s so damn sexy. But that’s as far as I can go. I still don’t feel good enough about myself to fully indulge.
“It’s a new day, Ellie.” He kisses me and grabs my hand.
“Where you been off to without me?”
“Just giving you your space.” He smirks.
“Mm. I don’t know, Donny. You’re up to something.”
His smirk breaks into a full smile. “You read me like a book. Come on, put your shoes on and grab a jacket. I have a surprise for you.”
My heart flutters. Usually he just brings whatever ‘surprise’ right into the house just so I’d crack a smile. “Another hotel visit with Artie?” I ask, daring to get excited.
“Would you like that?” He perks up even more.
“Maybe.”
