Page 108 of Die for You

But he stays firm.

“Lenny!” I beseech because he’s just signed his death warrant. There’s no way she’ll let him live. He signs over everything to her, and in return, she’ll make him dig his own grave.

Bria stirs, and her eyes flicker open. It takes her a moment to realize where she is, and when she sees me, she remembers why.

“You bitch,” she spits, tugging furiously at her restraints.

Gianna arches a brow because Bria’s not that good of an actress either. “You really did subdue her.”

Gianna believed we were all in this plan together, but by Bria’s response to me, she realizes that I knocked the bitch out. Well, Lenny helped, but she doesn’t know that.

This may work in our favor.

She looks at Lenny, then back at me. “What little liars I raised.”

“No, you raised us to be chameleons,” I correct. “You forced us to be a dozen different people to suit your needs. We did your dirty work for years. What more do you want?”

This has thrown a spanner into the works.

I wonder if she’s aware that I know who she really is to me. Did Francesco tell her?

Something is missing—I just can’t pinpoint what.

“Francesco, free them both.”

None of us have weapons, but it didn’t matter if we did. I won’t fight without knowing Lettie is safe.

Francesco does as he’s ordered, and the moment Bria is free, she charges me, slapping my cheek. I don’t have time to recover before she punches me in the stomach.

“Mamma!” Lettie cries, running for me, but Gianna grips her by the forearm.

“No!” I scream, dropping to my knees, interlacing my hands. “Please let her go.”

Lettie begins to sob, her lower lip trembling as Gianna’s fingernails dig into her tiny arm.

“I’ll give you everything. Whatever you want, it’s yours,” Lenny says calmly, walking slowly toward her, hands raised.

Francesco now has his knife to Lenny’s throat, but it’s in vain.

Lenny could disarm Francesco if he wanted. But we’re both powerless and at Gianna’s mercy. Whatever she says, we’ll both do.

“Oh, you tempt me, Lennon.” Gianna mulls over his offer, knowing he means it.

Coming to a stand, I never take my eyes off Lettie, assuring her that things will be all right.

My brave little angel wipes away her tears with a snivel.

“There is one thing I want,” she finally reveals.

The room is quiet because a storm is brewing.

“Playtime is over. It’s time to leave the hard work to the adults.”

“Done,” Lenny says without pause.

But that was too easy.

“And I want you to choose.”