Page 7 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)
“Then why am I here? Who is?—”
“You’re here for your sister, right? Well, if you want any chance to see her, first talk to Don Leone.”
“Why does he have my sister? Is this all some ploy to get my father?”
“You know, if you’d shut up and behave, you’d have these answers.”
I shook my head. “I’m just another pawn in your stupid games.”
For a moment, he studied me. “Nah. I see a fierce woman who’ll do anything for her sister.” His words stopped me cold. I wasn’t sure why except I felt seen. It was a stupid feeling, but there it was.
Of course, most of my encounters with him have been acrimonious. Like a few nights ago when Elena insisted we had to be respectful to Don Leone and show up for dinner. He had us locked up in his compound, but we needed to show respect?
But when we got to the dining room, Donovan was the one eating steak at the table.
“Don Leone lets his dog eat at the table?” I said before I could think better of it.
“Luce!” Elena gaped at me.
Donovan smirked at me. “Can you eat with that mouth or just spew garbage?”
“Surely, we can eat in your room,” I said to Elena.
Donovan shook his head. “Have a seat, Ladies.”
Once seated, he said, “I have to tell you, Princess, I’m surprised I’m not out back digging a hole in Niko’s mother’s garden.”
I had no idea why he was saying that to Elena, but I didn’t care. It was an asshole thing to say. “What’s wrong with you?”
He arched a brow at me, but it had that hint of smirk that suggested he was amused by me.
“I swear, you goons are the most insecure men on the earth,” I say.
Elena puts her hand over mine. “Maybe let’s not upset him.”
Donovan’s expression shows intrigue. “Insecure? Do tell me more.”
“Why else would you live your life picking on people smaller than you? You feel small, and threatening us makes you feel big. It’s disgusting.”
“What’s disgusting is how Elena spoke to Niko. Do you have a death wish, Princess? You must. Why else would you call him inept?”
Shocked, my head snapped to Elena. “You did what?”
She shrugged. “He said he’d protect you and Kate. I thought he failed. My anger got the best of me.”
Donovan sipped his wine. “Niko showed more restraint than I’ve ever seen.” He studied her. “He must like you.” The waggle of his brow suggested Niko must like her in bed.
“You’re crass,” I say with disgust. But what’s strange was that I got the feeling Elena liked it too. Despite what my father thought, I’d never had sex. Not with my boyfriend who promised to take me away, nor with my husband, Giuseppe, who was too ill to have any interest. I envy Elena if it’s true that she enjoys Niko’s touch.
Donovan winces,bringing me back into the present. His pained expression wrenches at something deep inside me. I don’t like this man. He’s always around me. Smirking. Winking.Sometimes being nice. Why? I don’t like it, and yet, each time I look at him, something inside me softens.
I’m able to get the tweezers around the bullet and pull it out. Then I secure gauze over the wound.
"Lucy…"
"Shh, save your strength.” I clean up the supplies. I don’t want to look at him like this…weak and vulnerable. It makes me feel protective of him, and I don’t want that. He represents everything I hate in life. Life in the Mafia for women is filled with misogyny and violence. We aren’t able to make any choices, any decisions on our own. We’re pawns to be sold off or exchanged. We are prisoners within the Family. It’s distressing to me that Niko has offered my sister complete freedom, including a new identity, and she wants to stay here with him. I hope that whatever discussion she’s having with Niko, he continues to push her away. With Giuseppe dead, maybe I can go with her. Would Luca, Giuseppe’s son and now the Don of the Conti Family, allow me to leave? Elena and I could be free to live our own lives.
I hover over Donovan, making sure he’s breathing. I check the bandage to make sure it’s secure.