Page 100 of Ruthless

He clicks on the app, and Marco’s voice fills the bedroom. “I don’t have a lot of time to get into details, but Papà’s dead.” The emotionless statement bears no resemblance to the MarcoI know, though I suppose that’s to be expected under the circumstances.

“The Council is blaming you for Enzo’s death and insists Giovanni helped you flee. With Papà gone, they’re demanding more retribution for your actions, but since you’re out of their grasp…” Marco pauses, his breathing loud over the speaker. “It falls to me. I’m…” Another pause follows. “They want me to marry Bianca. Bianca Conti?—”

As the transmission cuts off, I sit up with the sheet clutched to my chest, outraged on Marco’s behalf. Those bastards would have killed Enzo anyway, for breaking the Code. This is all just an excuse to exert more control over my family. “How can they force him to marry someone? What are we going to do?”

I was an idiot to think that our problems couldn’t find us here. The Council’s not done with us by a long shot, and who knows how far they’re willing to go to punish us for trying to escape their intricate web in the first place.

I’m halfway out of the bed—to do what, I don’t know—when Dante tugs me back into his arms. “We’re not going to do anything,tesoro. Marco’s a big boy. If anyone can handle the Ice Princess, it’s him.”

Burying my face against his chest, I relax as he traces the length of my spine with his fingers. “Your dad?—”

“Gave us this second chance knowing damn well what it would cost. And Marco is plenty capable of doing what needs to be done. It’s long past time he took some responsibility for his role in this family.” Dante searches my expression. “I don’t plan on wasting this opportunity. Do you?”

“No.” I huddle closer in his arms, letting that familiar scent of sandalwood and spice surround me. I finally know where I belong, and I don’t intend to surrender the peace I’ve found anytime soon. Not without a fight.

“I’m not going to waste another moment.”

The End

To be continued…