Page 106 of Die for You

“What happened?”

His face pales slightly. “So it wasn’t you?”

I have no idea what he’s talking about. “Gianna has been busy planning this bullshit gala all week. I’ve barely seen her.”

Lenny mulls over my revelation. “Seven of my men and a work colleague were hung up like pigs, their insides on the outside. I thought it was Gianna. But perhaps I’m wrong. We both know Gianna doesn’t like getting her hands dirty. Could she have someone else working for her?”

“It’s very probable. This might very well turn to shit, which is why I have done something I hope won’t be necessary. But if anything were to happen to either of us, or to Nico, then I won’t leave Lettie to the state. No way will she be dumped in this hellhole like we were.

“Francesco, as her grandfather, is to have custody of her. I really hope it doesn’t pan out that way, but I had to be sure.”

Lenny’s cheeks billow as he exhales slowly. “Smart. Speaking of Nico…he’s safe, tied in my basement. Nothing will happen to him.”

“Was leaving him in the basement really necessary?”

“He has a TV,” Lenny replies as if that’s any consolation.

Lenny was smart not to bring him here. I don’t want him to see me this way. This is who I really am, and that’s someone not many can love.

If we live through this, then I’ll tell Nico it’s over. It isn’t fair to him. He was always the runner-up. I don’t regret the life we lived. We have some beautiful memories. But I don’t want to live my life a second longer without Lenny.

Bria is still out cold. But I imagine when she wakes, she won’t be too pleased about my admission.

“So what happens now?”

“We wait.”

“So typical.”

I do wonder what she expects me to do. There’s a house full of people, and I don’t see the night wrapping up anytime soon.

But that’s what gives Gianna the control she craves, knowing that she can engage in illegal dealings under the noses of so many and no one would do a thing about it because they fear her.

And when I hear her trademark walk echo off the hallway walls, my theory is merely confirmed. She is going to do whatever she wishes and return to the party like normal.

Lenny hears her heels stab at the floor and shifts in his seat.

This will change everything, and the terrifying thing is that we don’t have a backup plan. We don’t even have a plan. Until I know she has Lettie, we are at her mercy.

And when she pushes open the chapel door, she knows it.

I remain perfectly still, while Lenny cannot hide his contempt.

“You proved me wrong, Valentina,” Gianna says, the train on her dress now looking more like a tail dragging behind her. “But I knew you wouldn’t fail me. Too much is at stake.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Kill me already and be done with it. Death is preferable over having to listen to you for one more second.”

Gianna doesn’t flinch at Lenny’s words because she’s won.

“So what now?” I ask calmly.

Gianna walks over to Bria, grips her chin, and arches her head backward.

“Get your hands off!” Lenny roars, rocking in his chair.

I know this isn’t an act. He is concerned for Bria’s safety.

“You show compassion for your wife, but feel nothing for your daughter?”