Page 53 of Die for You

There’s no way for me to get in contact with Gianna.

After tonight, however, I fear she will penalize me for my rebellion and either turn her back on me or I will no longer be the hunter.

I will be the prey.

Nico takes my hand and slowly says, “Marry me. We will make a happy life.”

I stare at him, open-mouthed.

Funny, the first thing that comes to mind is that his English is improving, and I’m touched that he’s learning it for me. The proposal comes after. That’s how my messed-up brain processes it.

“But you don’t love me. And I don’t love you,” I reply, shaking my head. “That isn’t fair to you.”

He passes me the phone so I can type out my reply, which I do.

He quickly responds, typing frantically. “Love grows. But for now, this is what is important for you and the child.”

This is the plot twist no one saw coming, not even me, the narrator of my own story.

I mull over his words, his suggestion.

With the crucifix bearing down at me, I lower my head and clasp my hands and whisper, “Forgive me.”

Who I’m asking clemency from, I do not know.

I have wronged many.

Can I repent for my sins?

Time will only tell…

PRESENT DAY

“I’m so-sorry…”

I peer down at my Rolex, disgusted at this grown man slobbering all over himself.

Donkey looks just as bored. “I’m going to ask you again, where is she?”

“I-I can’t—”

“Kill him,” I cut him off, done with this conversation about ten minutes ago.

Donkey does as I order and shoots one of Gianna’s minions in the forehead.

He collapses on his side, blood trickling from the wound.

“Take out the trash.”

Donkey nods and gets to work while I walk toward my black SUV, desensitized to this entire event. That’s because this is just another day for me. The faces of the men I’ve killed are a blur. Their names? I couldn’t even tell you one.

They’re all nameless, faceless pests who stand in my way.

Over the past five years, my empire has grown. At the beginning, my leadership was tested by some, but when they and their families were made an example of, the men bowed to me.

I am ruthless.

And I don’t give a fuck.