Page 34 of War Within
“Very well.” I pressed my knee into his chest before standing. “Pick him up.”
Nick sped over, tilting his chair to a sitting position.
“He’s all yours, Lucky.”
Luca chuckled, removing his rosary from the collar of his shirt. He was a religious man. He prayed for his victims before, or as they took their last breath. It depended on his mood. I was not sure if it was poetic, sweet, or just insane. When the cross was exposed, it was an indication someone was going to die either way.
Stepping forward, he handed his bat to Nick. Reaching behind his back, he slid out a butterfly knife and pliers. The foolish man tried his best to slide his chair back, but it hitched on the uneven concrete.
“Stupid stupid.” A deep laugh rumbled in Luca’s chest. “I would say I wish you’d told my brother what he wanted to know, but then I wouldn’t get to do this.
“Do whaaa—”
With rapid speed, Luca, clamped down on the man’s tongue with pliers, stretching it to a painful capacity. “This.” With a quick flick of his wrist and a powerful swipe, he sliced the man’s tongue off.
“AHHH!” The man cried as blood pooled from his mouth, dribbling onto his lap and splashing on the floor.
Luca grinned, dropping the pliers with the severed tongue. Flipping the knife, he gripped it in his fist, slamming it into the guy’s thigh.
“AHHH!” His screams worsened.
Closing his eyes, Luca wrapped his cross in his hand, taking a slow, deep breath, bowing his head. “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” Slowly lifting his chin, an evil grin displayed on his face. “Amen.” He threw his arm out, grabbing his bat from Nick. In one quick motion he swung, whacking it on the prisoner’s head.
Without another word, I turned to leave, a malevolent smirk of satisfaction painted on my lips.
Creeping to the den, I listened outside in the hall as Jane entered the room. She had gone downstairs to speak to Marco privately. He was just finishing a phone call when she entered.
Listen, I will have to call you back in a minute. Someone just came in.
“Marco, I need to talk to you.” Jane pleaded.
“Yeah, I know you're banging my father.” He chuckled.
My eyes widened as I leaned my back on the wall, trying not to make a sound.
“Whoa! First of all, no I'm not. And second, I didn't know you guys knew each other, much less related. I'm sorry. I was looking forward to our date. This trip, the family connection, it was all thrown on my shoulders at once. I do like him.”
I smiled, knowing she wanted me, but my smile soon faded.
“But I want to know you too. I was looking forward to getting to know you.”
“Listen Jane, I really started to like you. You're fun, sweet, caring, funny, and beautiful. But I also won't compete for your affection or love. Especially competing with my own father. That's just gross.”
Love? No. I was just thankful they had not slept together.
“Marco, I would never ask that of anyone. I lost my first and only love several years ago. I’m not even sure what I want right now. You and your father are the first two men to pay attention to me in years. I haven't dated anyone since my boyfriend passed away.”
Marco chuckled which seemed weird since she just stated her boyfriend had died. It was not a menacing laugh, but instead, one that erupted when you’re finished playing a prank on someone.
“Okay okay, I forgive you.”
“You do?”
“Yeah, you've clearly been through some shit. I don't want to ruin a friendship the very least.”
“Oh Marco, you don't know what this means to me.” I assumed they hugged as her voice cracked as if she were being squeezed.
“If you only knew what I want.” He mumbled so lowly, that she did not reply, however I heard clearly.
