Page 61 of Die for You

I counted her ten toes.

I was in love.

There is no other word for it. For the first time in my life, I felt perpetual love and knew I would die for my daughter.

I didn’t know what to expect when I left the convent. I had just disappeared. Gianna would surely be hunting me.

But I was surprised when things remained calm—for a little while anyway.

Lettie was six months when I received a package on my doorstep.

A box and inside, a phone.

Within minutes, I was sent a text with an address.

The peace within soon vanished, and I was thrown back into a world I did not want to be in.

I met Vince at a farmhouse.

He made it clear that I was seen as a traitor, and I should feel privileged that Gianna gave me another chance.

I killed Enzo that night.

And since then, I’ve killed many sons and daughters in hopes that I will be one step closer to saving mine.

I thought with Enzo’s death, I would be free.

I thought wrong. Because his death gave Gianna the power she wanted.

But she needed someone to run her empire in Italy.

I never understood why she didn’t just come here and do it herself. It’s what she wanted for so long. But instead, order after order came, and I carried out each one. Numb to it all.

Her instruction led me back to America, which made me believe she couldn’t come to Italy, as her empire in America was crumbling, thanks to Lenny.

I fought him, and although both of us could overthrow the other, we never did.

I couldn’t kill Lettie’s father.

I couldn’t kill the love of my life.

The feelings were still just as strong.

Instead of fighting, we would just end up fucking.

And then, like always, one of us would disappear come morning, leaving the other wondering if it was all just a dream.

And that was how life was for a little while.

Gianna’s demands lessened, and I was able to live a relatively quiet life.

But I knew it was only a matter of time.

Over the years, I grew to understand Gianna and learned her habits. She never gave up. If she was quiet, it was because she was conspiring to succeed.

I would get instructions when she believed she could win, only for her plans to fail.

Someone was always two steps ahead of Gianna.