“I used to come out this way when I was a child. There’s a freedom this land gives you, and I know every inch of it. If you have an offer you’d like to put to me, ask now. When we break through these trees, it’s going to take your breath away.”
And I’m counting down the seconds as we move closer.
“Answer me this first. You and Raphael spent ten years trying to topple the other. How did you not conclude it was someone else coming for you? I mean, neither of you have made such bold moves against one another. Didn’t you have even an inclination that something else was afoot?”
If I was given more time, I would have probably worked it out, but I answer him truthfully. “I suppose it was his doing. At the peace ball last year, he offered me a way out like no other year. I felt he was growing more impatient.” I don’t mind admitting it to him. “What is your offer?”
The night I met him, it was his power that drew me to him, but as we approach the meadow, his power dulls, and nerves play around his sharp features. It strikes me as odd that in his position, one he’s played himself into, he would be nervous to put his offer to me.
“My brothers and I have taken the city from you and Raphael. As we speak, we’re taking over businesses, as well as your home. The Marocchi lands will be next. My offer is simple: join me. We can have a good life. I can give you a life of peace.”
Peace for Vita is always at the top of my agenda, but achieving it by joining with Damon won’t bring me peace. I don’t doubt he could give me a life where I wouldn’t have to worry about anything till the day I die, but it doesn’t appeal to me one little bit. I see my life by Raphael’s side, not behind a man who wants me because of who I am, to show an unbreakable show of strength and power, yet suppresses my power. The DiMarco brothers are no different to our forefathers. Whether it’s the prophecy, or our determination to be different, Raphael and I are not on the same level as them. I lived for a while pretending to be someone I’m not when I proposed marriage to Salvatore, and that was bad enough. I won’t live a lifetime pretending to be whoever Damon expects me to be just for the sake of peace.
And let’s face it, I wouldn’t have a single say when it came to Vita. I’d be expected to sip tea and lunch with ladies like a good little trophy wife.
“Is Vita worth your life?” he questions.
If I believed my life would help Vita, I’d die for it. I live for my city, and I’m willing to die for it too. However, I keep my thoughts to myself and inhale deeply as we come to the tree line.
Walking over the twigs and bracken, I feel seventeen again, excited to see Raphael waiting for me in the meadow. Only, I’m not a teenager, and Raphael isn’t waiting for me. I have an enemy right here who should know better than to keep his back to the person he’s trying to take down.
My ankle buckles, and I let out a shriek as I tumble to the dirt. Damon is quick to backtrack and is at my side, his concern almost sincere as he drops to his knees.
“Are you okay?”
“My ankle. It twisted when I tripped on the bracken,” I tell him, and just like I’d hoped, he turns to inspect my injury.
Sweeping my hand under the pile of leaves, my fingers brush against cool metal, and I thank myself for taking such measures years before.
“I’ll have to slip your boot off to get a better look,” he murmurs, unzipping said boot.
Moving quickly as he turns back to me, I grab the gun, and have it pressed under his chin before he can register what’s about to happen.
He pales in shock, which makes me smile. I love moments like this, when your opponent truly believes they have the upper hand, only to have it snatched away in the blink of an eye.
“I never fall, not on twigs, and never when it comes to Vita. You can’t just take this city, you have to earn it.”
Not one for letting power consume the moment, I squeeze