Page 79 of Lost Prince

"You've failed to kill me how many times now? What makes you think this time will be any different?"

"Oh, I've learned from my mistakes. This time, I'm going to make sure you suffer before you die. Starting with her, you fucking cop killer."

I let out a low, dangerous chuckle, my eyes never leaving Peter's face. "You think calling me a cop killer is going to shake me? Please. I've been called worse things."

I take a step closer, my voice dropping to a menacing growl. "If you know so much about me, Peter, then you must know all the creative and painful ways I've hurt people who've crossed me and my family. The things I've done that keep stronger, scarier men than you up at night."

I love the flicker of fear in Peter's eyes.

“If you don't let Diana go right now, I promise you'll experience every single one of those methods firsthand. I'll make sure your death is long, slow, and excruciating. You'll be begging for the mercy of a quick bullet by the time I'm done with you."

I take another step forward, my entire body radiating deadly intent. "So what's it going to be? Are you going to let her go, or do I need to give you a demonstration of why they call me the Mad Dog?"

29

DIANA

I'm terrified as Peter presses the gun against my temple. My heart races, and I struggle to make sense of what's happening. How did a job interview turn into this nightmare? Who is Peter? Why does Lazaro think I'm involved with Peter's scheme? The accusation, the words coming from his mouth shock me to my core.

Lazaro's eyes burn with fury as he stares Peter down. I've never seen him like this, so cold and dangerous. It's like he's a different person entirely. I’ve heard about this side of him, but I've never seen it.

I close my eyes, praying this is all a bad dream. But the cold metal of the gun against my skin is all too real. I think of the baby growing inside me—Lazaro's baby—and a sob escapes my lips.

Lazaro's gaze flicks to me, and for a moment, I see something in his eyes. Does he realize I'm not part of this plot? That I'm just as much of a victim as he is?

“You don’t scare me, D’Amato,” Peter says, but his voice betrays his bravado. “You’ll pay for killing my father. All of you will. Just like your parents.”

Lazaro’s eyes flash with pain, but his expression remains lethal. My heart aches for him. Despite my own terror, I feel sadness for Lazaro and his family. To lose their parents in such a senseless, cruel way, and all as payback for a deed Lazaro didn’t commit. At least he says he didn’t. The fact that Lazaro seems to have part of his memory back suggests he’s telling the truth. Then again, maybe he’s just saying what he feels will help save us from Peter.

Peter's grip on me tightens, and I can feel him trembling with rage. His grief has clearly driven him to madness.

"Please," I plead with Peter, "Think about what you're doing. More death won't solve anything. It won't bring your father back."

“You shut up!” Peter jerks me back.

"Peter. Let her go. You and I can walk out of here together. I'll go wherever you want." Lazaro pulls Peter's attention back to him.

"You're lying.”

“You’re the one with the gun. You’ll still have the gun even if Diana leaves.” Lazaro takes a small step forward, hands raised. I hate that Lazaro is offering himself as a hostage to save me.

Peter's grip loosens slightly, and I hope against hope that this nightmare might end without bloodshed.

Peter tugs at his tie. “Fine. But she ties you up before you leave.” He yanks his tie off and hands it to me. “Don’t either of you try anything. I’ll drop her right at your feet, D’Amato, if you try anything.”

Lazaro nods, his eyes never leaving Peter's face. He takes another slow step toward us, holding out his hands.

Peter's arm drops from around my neck, though he keeps the gun trained on me. With shaking hands, I take Peter’s tie. I bring it to Lazaro's hands, my fingers brushing against his warm skin.In that brief moment of contact, I see a flicker of reassurance in Lazaro's eyes. It steadies me, gives me strength.

Our eyes lock as I wrap the tie loosely around his wrists.

“Make it tight,” Peter barks from behind me.

As I work, Lazaro leans in close. "Listen carefully." His voice is low and urgent. "As soon as you're free, get in Lola and leave town. Don't look back."

I swallow hard, fighting back a sob. I shake my head.

"You have to," he insists. "Don't tell my family about your… condition. Just go. You're too good for this life, Diana. You deserve better than all of this."