Page 102 of Die for You

“Your time will come,” Bria sneers with nothing but hatred.

“Let’s hope it’s after the canapes. The shrimp is to die for.”

Gianna grips my elbow, escorting me away.

And here we are—one big happy family.

We’re rivals and have attempted to destroy each other for years, but for the sake of pretense, we’re pretending to play nice.

I know what I’m supposed to do.

Gianna doesn’t need to remind me.

She wants Bria.

So Bria will be hers.

There is no elaborate plan.

No double-crossing.

We brought them here for a reason, and that reason is to capture Bria. What fate will befall Lenny, I don’t know. I suspect it’ll be for Gianna to humiliate him before taking his throne.

But Lenny won’t go down without a fight.

I can only hope we get Lettie back before that happens.

“I don’t want to give them an opportunity to blindside us,” Gianna softly says, smiling at guests like everything is kosher. “During my speech, I want you to subdue them both.”

I don’t even bother asking how she expects me to do that in a room full of people.

One of her rules is don’t ask stupid questions.

That’s why I don’t bother asking if she has Lettie.

“It’s do or die…don’t let me down.” And with that, she struts off, mingling with her adorning devotees.

I didn’t think I could hate her any more than I do, but her arrogance has her believing she’s untouchable. And that’s why I know she has Lettie.

One way or another, Iwillget her back tonight.

The quartet finishes, and Gianna strolls to the stage like she’s the queen of England. This is where she believes she belongs—at the top, with her minions fawning over her beauty and power.

I close my eyes for a moment, composing myself because it’s not much longer.

“Friends,” Gianna commences with. “Thank you for coming this evening to support such a great cause. Children have a special place in my heart, especially those who call Saint Maria’s their home.”

Guests nod with smiles on their gullible faces while I try not to gag on this syrupy bullshit Gianna feeds them.

“Saint Maria’s needs your help. Without your generosity, children like the ones behind me cannot be fed, they cannot learn. Your donations help better these little darlings’ lives.”

I place a fist in front of my mouth to stop the vomit.

“I wish for you to see how your donations help them. So, come tomorrow, these children will be available for you to get to know them. I don’t mean adoption, but day trips, or taking them to the movies. Anything you wish.

“And perhaps the more time spent with them, some may open your hearts and homes and make them a permanent part of your lives.”

I look around, expecting to see horror. But instead, I see admiration for Gianna. And I also see the perverse faces of some because what Gianna is proposing puts the children in the hands of potential predators.