what?” Raphael grinds out, his hold tight around my wrist.
I hoped we’d have more time together, that we could share many more nights like last night. I would pray for a win on our side, but this isn’t down to God—this is down to us.
“We either die together out there, or you trust me. We’re running out of time.”
“Trust you? Mila, I’m at peace if this is to be my last day, but I can’t go out there not knowing your plan, especially if it’s to be your last day. You have to trust me.”
Before we go out there and face what our destiny is to be, he needs to hear from me that he’s one of the very few people I do trust. There is no one I’d rather have at my side, walking out to face the DiMarco brothers.
“I do trust you.”
Closing the space between us, I lean up and claim his mouth, needing him to feel how much I love him, how much it’s always been him who has owned my heart, and always will. We’ve wasted so many years continuing a war we long ago vowed to end, and if this is to be our last day, this will be our karma. If we survive, it’ll be our chance to redeem ourselves and work to repair the consequences of our actions.
I finally break the kiss, hoping he felt it all.
“We’re not dying today, my Mila,” he vows.
Nodding my agreement, I open the door.
“That’s the idea.”
Outside, our every step is watched by men waiting with bated breath for what will kick off at any second.
Raising my hands, I make it clear my stance is of defeat. Seconds roll by until I see Raphael doing the same from the corner of my eye.
Father DiMarco wears the dirtiest smirk I’ve ever seen, and I count down the seconds till he gets what he deserves.
He nods at two of his men who come toward us, moving around and digging their guns into our backs, urging us forward.
Not even a whisper can be heard. Only the wind that’s been picking up all morning whistles.
“Put them on their knees facing their men. Let them all see they’ve failed.”
Damien holds himself back, but the fire burning in his eyes for revenge reminds me of the Devil.
I bite down on the inside of my lip to stop the smile I want to throw his way. I can’t provoke them into any rash decision that will cost one of us our lives.
My knees hit the ground, shooting a pain up into my thighs. Raphael curses as he lands the same way a foot away from me.
My hair is collected into a ponytail, and a warm hand squeezes my shoulder. But I refuse to look up and see who is touching me.
“We’ve taken your city. A city that never belonged to you.” Damien yanks on my hair before letting go and walking around me. As he looks around the market square, I scan over every man here, willing to fight for us. Whether they survive the day or not, I’ll find some way to repay them.
Men are always asked what price they would put on their lives, and many will give you one. But the ones who tell you that what they would die for is something money couldn’t buy, they’re the ones you want at your side and at your back.
“Today marks a new day in Vita. We’re not the enemies. We don’t want you to die because of misguided loyalty to the two families who line your pockets with money. Lay down your weapons and stand with us for a better, safer Vita.”
Our men aren’t easily swayed, and not one gun is laid down. Father DiMarco sighs and kneels before me.
Even eye to eye, he doesn’t intimidate me. “First, we’re going to make you watch as we end Raphael. It’s not going to be quick, nor is it going to be pleasant. Only after he’s dead as dead can be will we turn our attention to you. Damon was a fool to think with his dick, and he paid the ultimate price, as will you for killing him. If you think what we’ll do to your love will be bad, it’ll be nothing compared to what you’re going to suffer.”
Dropping my eyes, I take in his robes and collar. “The Lord blessed me with the strength to endure the worst of times. I’ll look forward to spending time with you.”