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Benedetto pats my back. "Don't worry, angel. You'll figure it out."
For the next few hours, we practice firing guns. Benedetto's father corrects my stance and says this is what he did when Constantine, Gianluca, and Benedetto were boys. I fire a few more shots and to my surprise, at the end of the afternoon, I hit the glass bottle.
Crash.
I leap into Benedetto's arms. "I did it, Daddy!"
"I'm so stinking proud of you." Benedetto slams his lips on mine. "You're a natural, boy. It only took you four hours."
I grit my teeth. "Isn't that kind of a long time?"
Gosh, I feel like such a failure. Yes, I learned how to shoot. But it took forever and I bet Benedetto and his brothers learned much faster.
He shakes his head. "It took me three weeks to get that kind of aim. You can ask my father. I was a slow learner."
I beam as Benedetto heaves me into his arms. I feel so damn proud that I learned this new skill faster than him. I didn't disappoint his family, and they’re proud of me.
Benedetto's Dad cuffs my shoulder. "Let's head to the bar and get you an apple juice now. You deserve it."
"Maybe with a shot of vodka." Benedetto's mother waggles her eyebrows. "You're twenty. In Italy, you’re old enough to drink."
26
UNNAMED BOY
The next morning
Day of the mission
I tiemy sneakers and step into the alley with Daddy. It's the morning of the operation and we’re finally going to kick my captors’ asses.
It's early AF—not even 5 AM—and yes, I’d definitely prefer to be with Daddy in bed, wrapped in a blanket burrito. He held me all night last night and I wasn't scared once.
But this is the time the workers arrive, and Daddy doesn't want to take any chances by being late. We can cuddle after our mission.
In a way, I'm grateful because the darkness will keep me safe. We don't need to worry about the guards scrutinizing us too closely when we enter in our work uniforms. Rusty told us the guards never check the workers’ identification, because they rely on an ever-revolving door of employees and constantly hire new ones. The darkness adds an extra layer of protection.
Benedetto wraps his arms around my waist. "If you don't want to do this, you don't have to. We'll find another way."
I stare into Benedetto's eyes and blow out a breath. In the dim streetlights, with his replica uniform covering his fluffy curves, he looks amazing. I lean in and press my lips to his, to give me the courage I need.
I think about his offer. I'msurethere's another way to rescue the boys in the warehouse. The Antonovs are waiting in a helicopter with enough firepower to take out a small village in Africa, and I bet if Benedetto asked, they could bomb the roof off and leave the basement intact.
But I want to take part in this mission today. My captors hurt me for far too long, and if I can help Benedetto and his brothers put a stop to the Diavolos’ reign of terror, I'll be a happy boy.
"No, Daddy." I shake my head. "I want to rescue my friends."
"You don't have to say that because I asked you to help." Benedetto pulls me close and feathers his thumb across my cheek. "You're strong, angel. I already know you have fortitude and resilience. You don't need to prove anything."
I dig my feet into the ground. "This warehouse has my entire life trapped in its concrete walls. It contains my memories. If I break in today, my past life might flash back through my mind."
"There must be another way to recover your memories." Benedetto's jaw juts out. "I changed my mind, angel. I don't want you coming with us. It's too dangerous."
I place my palm on his chest. "I owe it to myself to try. I need to remember my past, Daddy." I sniffle and stare at my feet. "Everyone on this planet has memories except for me. I want to see if I recognize anyone or if the rows of cages will trigger something in my mind. If I don't, I'll regret it forever. I know it's dangerous, but I must try."
Benedetto kisses me. "Okay, beautiful angel. Stay by my side and don't leave my sight. I'll keep you safe."
Gianluca and Constantine walk over to Benedetto. "Let's go in."
