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Lorenzo chuckles, but it lacks any warmth. “Then what? You think you can waltz into their world and take matters into yourown hands? You’d be dead the moment he gets wind of you being involved.”
“Better than living like this,” I snap back. “I won’t live in fear for the rest of my life. If you can’t—”
“Thank you,” he interrupts. “When you’re ready to act on this vengeance of yours, we’ll arrange a meeting.”
I process his words while trying to quell the storm raging inside me. “I’m ready.”
“I thought you might say that. I’ll get Gabe or Luca to organize a meeting with you.”
My mind whirls, wondering if Gabe and Luca will like me. The rest of his family, too.
“Do I pay them or you?” I ask.
“Gabe charges up to three million for a hit, sometimes more, depending on the target.”
I glance at West, who nods, letting me know he’ll pay it. I suspect he’ll pay anything.
Lorenzo continues, “And Luca is a loose cannon. He’d do it for a straight one million because he likes to kill people.”
I swallow as I think about that.
My cousins are fucking assassins.
“But you are family, Amelia. We always do what’s right for our family. If you want him dead and you’ve found no reason to walk away—”
“I haven’t,” I interrupt.
“Then there’s no charge.” He laughs. “Because truthfully, after what you’ve told me, I believe you. And once Marco finds out that Giovanni Vincenzo killed his brother, one of ours, he’s dead, anyway.”
“Oh, my God, thank you. I thought you were going to turn me away.”
“No, I had to make sure you knew what you were dealing with.” He clears his throat. “And I’m sorry for not finding out more from you three years ago.”
“It’s okay,” I whisper.
“I’ll be in touch.” He disconnects the call, and I stare at West, wondering what he thinks of me now.
I don’t have to ask him because he takes my hand and says, “You’re stronger and braver than I ever imagined.”
Chapter 28
Amelia
I gasp as Luca Morelli and Gabe Mancini stride into West’s penthouse in Manhattan. Their presence fills the room like a storm. Together, they exude an almost intimidating energy.
They scan the space, taking in Callum and Jackson before their eyes land on me.
“She looks like the photos of your mamma when she was young, Gabe,” Luca says, his voice deep and smooth.
Luca is very tall. Maybe six and a half feet. He has hair that is as black as coal, contrasting with vibrant blue eyes that seem to pierce right through me.
Gabe nods, his expression softening. “She does.”
Gabe’s hair is a shade lighter than Luca’s, more dark chocolate than raven. He has the same color eyes, and he stands tall, maybe a couple of inches shorter than Luca. “And she has the Morelli eye color.”
Callum and Jackson shift slightly closer to me, their protective stances unwavering. Tension thrums in the air; buzzing against my skin like static electricity.
“Relax,” Luca says, shooting a glance at Callum and Jackson. “She’s safe here.” He offers a reassuring smile that does little to quell my nerves. Their intense presence has me feeling both overwhelmed but oddly comforted.