Page 34 of Sweet Prison
I lift my bound hands and seize her chin between my fingers. For years, I’ve trudged through spilled blood without a second thought, not giving a fuck about anything or anyone. People were nothing but obstacles or pawns. My stepsisters included.
But now, as I stare into Zahara’s eyes, I can barely breathe for the myriad of unexpected feelings overwhelming me. Shame and guilt for ruthlessly using her all these years. Horror that my actions may have painted a target on her back. I spent the last two months thinking about her. Day and night. From the moment our gazes met at Nuncio’s funeral, the only thing I’ve been able to fully focus on is her.
“Nera is your family, and you’re throwing her to the wolves!” she continues. “Is there a person in this world that you actually give a fuck about?”
“Just one.”
Zahara’s eyes widen. She sucks in a breath, keeping her gaze glued to mine. A minute passes. I stand stock-still, my face mere inches from hers, marveling at the peace that has once again suffused every fiber of my being.
I’ve always been a volatile person, and that trait has intensified a hundredfold in prison. My violent outbursts have ensured I spend large stretches of my sentence in solitary. I’m angry. Constantly on alert. Ready to lash out for the tiniest littlereason. But now, with her next to me, I just want to close my eyes and enjoy this unexpected bliss.
She’s like a bandage over a bleeding wound. A remedy for my madness.
My gaze wanders to her mouth, and my thumb slides up of its own volition, caressing her lower lip. All I need is to lean forward just a little and—
Fuck!
Stepping back, I let go of her face. I must have finally lost my fucking mind in this dump—there is no other explanation.
“You need to leave, Zahara.”
“No. I’m not moving from this spot until you guarantee me that you’ll keep your promise to Nera. The minute you take over as the don, she and her child are free to walk away.”
“And why would I do that?”
“Because if this ploy with Leone goes ahead, you’ll still need me. I’ll continue being your eyes and ears without anyone ever knowing. Even my sister.”
She’s right. I need her, but not in the way she believes. Without Zahara, I’m certain there won’t be anything left ofme.
“Absolutely not,” I growl. “It’s too dangerous.”
“If your plan fails, the danger will be even greater. Nera and I will end up in Leone’s hands for good. He already planned to marry Nera off into the Albanian faction. I’ll probably meet the same fate.”
“I will not put you in harm’s way, Zahara.”
“You had no problem doing it before.”
“Before was different. Even if someone caught you going through Nuncio’s shit, your dad would never have hurt you. Still,I have regrets. Something else I’ll need to live with. But this time, you’d be in the middle of a rabid wolf’s den.”
“But you’re okay with sending Nera in?” She stands straighter, her chin lifting. “My sister and I are a package deal. I’ll help you see this through to the end, and you’ll set Nera free. If you refuse, I’ll convince her to run. We’ll take our chances on our own.”
“Leone will kill you both when he finds you. And trust me, hewillfind you.”
“Maybe. But it’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
I watch her, standing before me looking so innocent and young. In her alluring silk blouse with her luscious locks tumbling down her back, she reminds me of one of those delicate porcelain dolls my mother had around. She seems fragile, but there isn’t even a trace of softness in her steely expression. Only determination and resolve.
Fear explodes in my stomach. She truly means it. If I say no, they will both run, and Leone will chase them. And there’s no way I could save her while I’m locked up in this hellhole.
“I swear on Mom’s memory, Massimo. We will run.”
She’ll do it. Accept her terms.
No!
Then you’ve just signed her death sentence.
I squeeze my eyes shut. “You won’t place yourself in even the slightest peril. No calls. No more visits. Only letters.”