Page 48 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

As if reading my thoughts, Luca says gravely, "He's started posting your… details on the dark web. In an auction."

A shudder racks my body. Again, I’m reduced to nothing human. Only attributes and selling points.

"I can protect you, Lucia, but you’d need to return to Italy with me.”

I close my eyes as the weight of the world descends around me. But even as despair threatens to swallow me, a spark of defiance flickers to life. I am not that frightened girl my father made watch him murder her eighteen-year-old boyfriend and then shipped off to Italy to marry an elderly man. I'll be damned if I let my father control me again.

I will my tears not to fall as I take in a strengthening breath. "I can't leave New York. Not while Elena needs me."

Luca's brow furrows. "It's too dangerous for you here. Your father has reach, allies?—"

"I don't care," I say fiercely. "I won't abandon my sister." Even as I say it, I have to wonder if I’m a danger to her. I think back to how Niko didn’t want me to come today. Does he know what my father is up to? He must. Even so, I have no doubt that Niko can protect my sister. And I have to believe he’ll carry out his promise to me to end my father.

"Does Niko know?"

"Yes. Of course. That’s why I’m here. You’ll be safe in Italy.”

My mind is a whirl of confusion.

“I want nothing more than to honor my father's wishes to protect you." His voice softens. "But I cannot do that from Italy. Everything is set. You have a home, a life in Italy. My father left you an estate and enough money to live your days in peace with security.”

I know about the money, but the estate is news to me. It suggests that Giuseppe knew he wouldn’t be around much longer. He gave me my freedom, but also a place to be if I needed it. He treated me like a real wife.

“My father loved you, Lucia. You were always by his side, caring for him. He once told me you were too young to be bound to such an old man, but he was happy that he had you.”

I feel guilty for not accepting Giuseppe and Luca’s extreme kindness. "I’m grateful to you and Giuseppe. Really, Luca. But I can’t bow to my father.”

He inhales a breath, and I can see his expression turning from empathetic to serious. "I will not sugarcoat this. Returning with me is your best chance at safety. I can’t stay here and I can’t protect you here if I’m in Italy.”

Of course, he's right. As long as I remain in my father's crosshairs, nowhere in New York is safe. And while I hate the idea that I need protection, I know I’m no match for my father. Niko protects me now only because of Elena. But if—or more likely, when—things heat up between Niko and my father, Niko will see me as a liability.

But abandoning Elena now, when she needs me most? The thought makes my chest ache. She’s all I really have. Am I selfish, or am I looking out for her?

“I just can’t go.”

Luca watches me for a long moment, then nods. "I thought you might say as much." Luca pulls me into a fierce embrace. “I?—”

Suddenly, he jerked away from me violently. “Keep your fucking hands off her.”

Donovan’s eyes hold a murderous glare, first at Luca and then at me. He grips my arm and tugs me toward the elevator. "We're leaving. Now!"

15

LUCIA

“Let go!” I try to escape Donovan’s grip, but he holds tighter, his fingers biting into my arm.

“Don’t test me, Lucy. You’ll lose.” His voice is dark, and I should be afraid, but I’m not. Is it because I’m tired of being afraid? Resolved that my life will never be free? That my end could very likely be tragic?

“Donovan!” Luca follows us. The fact that he knows who Donovan is tells me Luca and Niko have spent more time together or know each other better than I realized. “She is mine.”

“Like hell,” Donovan bellows, punching the elevator button. “She’s mine.”

What? I again try to pull away. “I’m nobody’s.” That I know for sure. Luca is offering me a safe haven, but I’m not his. Niko, too, offers some protection now, but I’m not a part of his Family.

Donovan looks down on me, his expression fierce. “Think again.” Then he turns to Luca. “She’s under Niko’s protection, Luca. I don’t know what the fuck you’re up to.”

Luca glances at me. “You have a place in Italy. Just say the word.”