Page 201 of Bitter Poetry

Ettore’s smile is enigmatic.

I know my brother. I know Leon. They are going to come for me. If they even have a chance of getting close, they’re going to need to bring Carmela.

Ettore knows it too.

CHAPTER 60

CARMELA

I’m curled up on the couch, lost in dark thoughts, when the door opens. I rush to sit up as Dante enters, brush the hair from my face, and search his expression for clues.

“What’s happened? Is he back?”

“Not yet.” His jaw is locked tight as he sits down on the couch next to me and draws me onto his lap.

My heart is beating too fast. I still don’t know Dante like I do Christian, but I want to have the opportunity to. Only shadows are clinging to me. They’ve had a hold ever since I walked into the coffee shop earlier today.

“But I have spoken to Ettore,” he continues. “And he’s offered terms for Christian’s return.”

“Terms? What are they?”

“He wants you in exchange.”

The bottom drops out of my stomach. “I’ll go.”

He sighs and kisses the top of my head. “I know you would. But if you think Christian would want you to take his place, you don’t know my brother very well.”

“We’re going to do something, though?”

“Yes,” he says. “We are. Unfortunately, that’s going to have to involve you.”

“Whatever it takes. I did this. It’s my responsibility to make it right.”

“Correction,” he says. “It’s my responsibility to make it right. But I do need your help, and although Leon and I have spoken at length, we don’t see any way around it.”

“I don’t care what it is.” It’s dangerous. I can already tell.

“We’re going to meet with Ettore as if we were making the exchange.”

“He won’t expect you to hand me over. He’ll expect you to do something.”

“He will.”

I search his eyes. “Do you have a plan that doesn’t involve flying bullets? What about my father and Jessica? Will this put them in danger?”

“I have a team on standby, ready to move your father and sister. After this, it wouldn’t be advisable for them to remain under the watch of Ettore’s men. As for flying bullets, there are no guarantees beyond none of them will go anywhere near you.”

“Do you—” I can hardly get the words out. “Do you think Christian is still okay? Will he… will he really be there?”

“I told Ettore we would not meet him unless I could see my brother alive and on camera.”

“H-how is he?”

“Not good. But he was alive. So you need to brace yourself when you get there and play your part. You’re my prisoner, as far as Ettore knows. So you need to act like you hate me and Christian. Can you do that for me, Carmela?”

“Yes,” I say without hesitation. “I’ll do anything, be anything you need.”

CHAPTER 61