Page 77 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)
"What will Niko do with her?" Lucy asks.
I study her profile. "Niko will arrange everything. It won't be tied to you."
She swallows hard. “But where?”
"He’ll probably leave her at the house. It’s empty now that Giovanni is hiding, but she’ll be discovered eventually, and word will get back to him.” My words are measured, wanting to be honest but not wanting to say something to add to what she’s grappling with.
“A message.”
I nod. “A message.”
“It won’t be linked to me, so he won’t know I did it.”
My brow furrows as I consider that I’m misreading her. “Do you want him to know you did it?”
“I want him to know he doesn’t own me anymore.”
I’m amazed by this woman. Her parents mistreated her, didn’t honor the beautiful daughter they had. In her survival, she became cool and aloof, untrusting of others, but now I see a fierce woman coming into her own power.
“I’ll make sure he knows that,” I promise.
We arrive backat the penthouse, and I guide Lucy toward the staircase. “Why don’t you go see Elena? Rest.”
She stops and glares up at me. "Do you think I can't handle this? You think I’m weak?—"
“Lucy.” I press a finger to her lips.
Her eyes flame with irritation as she jerks back.
I smile and take her hand, holding it tight when she tries to pull away. “You’re one of the strongest people I know. But unlike your Family, the Leone Family recognizes that sometimes, people need time and space.” I trace the back of her hand with my thumb, willing her to feel the sincerity behind my words. “You should be with Elena. Tell her whatever you need to. Blame it on Niko or me if it makes it easier."
A steel edge hardens her jaw. "No. Elena deserves the truth. I won't hide behind lies."
"All right." I nod, respecting her resolve.
She squares her shoulders and heads up the staircase. I watch her go, my heart a mixture of aching to make the world easy and beautiful for her and being in awe of her strength.
Turning away, I make my way to Niko's office. Lou sits on the couch, scrolling on his phone.
"Any news on Giovanni?" I ask, going to the bar in Niko’s office for a drink.
Lou glances up, shoving his phone in his pocket like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He’s probably watching porn.
"Nothing solid. But he can't hide forever."
"We need to find him. End this thing. It’s drawing out far too long." With Giovanni gone, Lucy will finally be free. Safe. Gone.
“Any ideas that we haven’t tried?”
I think of how Niko is likely arranging to send Giovanni’s wife to him as a message. “Perhaps.”
Before Lou can ask me my thoughts, the door opens and Liam strides in. "Where's Niko?"
"Taking care of business." I take a sip of my drink.
“Something I should know about?”
"Mrs. Fiori won't be causing us any more problems.”