Page 78 of Lost Prince

Peter's grip on Diana tightens, his knuckles white around the gun.

“Maybe that's why I lived. Maybe your father’s ghost didn’t want you to kill an innocent man and he saved me.”

“My father wouldn’t give you the time of day.”

I take a small step forward, my gaze never leaving Peter's face. “Except he did. I wasn’t joking. He tried to get me out of the family business. I’m too stubborn, I guess. Or I love my family like you claim to love yours. Then again, maybe I survived so I could finally take vengeance on the man who's been terrorizing my family."

Peter's face contorts with rage. "You're lying. I don't believe a word coming out of your mouth, D'Amato. You killed my father, and now you're going to pay."

He presses the gun harder against Diana's temple, until her head is nearly resting on her shoulder. His eyes are wild with hatred. "I'm going to kill her. I'll do to her exactly what I did to your precious sister, Lana."

My blood runs cold at the mention of Lana. I don’t know the details of what he did except it involved torture that still haunts her. I want to reach out and snap his neck, but I have to play this cool. I can’t let him see how much his words affect me.

"Why should I care what you do to your minion?" I gesture toward Diana with a dismissive wave of my hand. "She's your spy. A good fuck, yes, but come on, Pete, you know I’m a heartless bastard." For once, I want my ruthless, violent reputation to make this man shit his pants so he'll let Diana go.

Diana's eyes widen in shock and hurt at my words. If there were any hope she’d forgive me, it’s gone now. But as long as she and her baby live, it will be worth it.

Baby?

I shake my head. I can’t think of that now.

Peter laughs bitterly. "Nice try, D'Amato. I saw how you looked at her when you came in. You were jealous. You felt betrayed."

I shrug, maintaining my nonchalant façade. "Nah, I was pissed that she was spying on my family. I have to admit, Peter, she’s good at it. I’d have never guessed her to be so cunning."

“Everyone knows you stick your dick in any pussy,” he spits.

I shrug. “That too.” I have to finish this. “You know you’re a coward, don’t you? Using a woman as a shield. Having met your father, I know that’s not how he taught you to be a man."

Peter's face is so red and tense, I wonder if he's going to stroke out. “You don’t speak of my father.”

“He’s so disappointed in you.”

“Shut the fuck up.”

I press on. "If you've got a problem with me, deal with me directly. Let her go. You got what you want from her. I’m here."

I take a cautious step forward, raising my hands. "Let's settle this between us. Man to man. Or are you too scared to face me without a hostage?"

Peter's face twists into a maniacal grin, his eyes wild with a dangerous gleam. He lets out a chilling laugh that sends shivers down my spine. "You think I'm stupid, D'Amato? I know all about you and your killer family. The 'Mad Dog' Lazaro and hispack of wolves. You're all the same—murderers, thieves, scum of the earth."

Diana whimpers. I hate the terror I see on her face. I hope to hell I can save her.

"I think all D'Amatos deserve to die. Every last one of you. And I'm going to make sure that happens,” Peter finishes. Years of hatred and pain echo in his voice. This isn't just about his father anymore. It's about destroying everything and everyone I love.

"You're delusional. You really think you can take on my entire family?"

"I promise you, your family's days are numbered, and I'm going to enjoy watching you all burn. I already killed your parents."

What?

"God, what a lucky night that was. The car accident was real, you know. But when I arrived to answer the call and realized who they were, well… they were sitting ducks.”

Peter’s words send a new level of rage through me. I wasn’t expecting that. I’m certain Elio and Lana believe our parents' deaths were an accident.

“But you… you're like a fucking cockroach. No matter how many times I've tried to squash you, you keep coming back. It's almost impressive, really."

I take a deep breath, working to calm the storm ready to burst from me. I can't let my anger cloud my judgment, not with Diana's life on the line.