Page 72 of Die for You

I understand her anger. I would react the same way. However, if she stands in my way, Iwillsend her away, kicking and screaming if I must.

“What does she have over you?” Bria asks, her eyes heavy with tears. “You won’t even tell me what’s going on. This isn’t a marriage, Lenny. I didn’t sign up for this.”

“Then fucking go!” I scream, pointing at the door. “No one is holding you prisoner.”

“Is that what you want?”

“I’m not playing these childish games with you.”

“Then choose. Me or her.”

Leveling her with utter gravity, I state, “I don’t do good with ultimatums, you know that. But I choose neither. If you want to leave, then that’s your choice. I’m telling you what’s happening. You either accept it or you don’t.

“I’m sorry this is upsetting you. I understand why it is. But please, understand me—this is happening with or without your blessing.”

Harsh, but true.

My daughter is the only thing I care about right now, and Bria’s tantrum is just wasting my time.

I turn back around, which probably isn’t wise because the last time my back was turned, Bria stabbed me. But I guess we’re now even because I am doing the same thing to her—figuratively speaking.

Bria sniffs but is too strong to cry.

She leaves, and I honestly don’t know if she’ll return.

I finish clearing some space for Valentina, not that she deserves it.

We may be fighting for the same thing, but we’re not on the same team.

My cell chimes, and it’s a text from Donkey, reminding me about inventory tonight at the shop.

This is the last thing I want to be doing, but at the end of each month, I do a count on what we have. Then we place an order with our suppliers. I keep a close eye on my product because I don’t want anyone stealing from me, like Bria did to Aldo.

This is the only way I can ensure my men are loyal and not stealing from me or undercutting me in any way.

“Hi.”

I clench the cell in my hand because her voice soothes and angers me in the same breath.

Valentina was waiting for me while I spoke to Bria, not that I accomplished anything. She would have heard the whole thing.

At least she knows to stay out of Bria’s way.

But Valentina isn’t here to rekindle old flames. She’s here because something bigger is at play, and if Gianna is the mastermind, then who better to take her down than the kids she shaped into killers?

I have no idea when Nico will arrive. If I don’t see him, we won’t have a problem. It’s a laughable notion that we’re all to coexist under the same roof because one of uswillsnap.

Living together like one big happy family is the most absurd idea.

“I’m happy to stay in a motel,” Valentina says for the tenth time.

“It’s safer to stay here.”

She arches a brow because that’s not entirely true. Not with Bria on a warpath.

“I understand why she’s upset, and I don’t want to encroach on her home. I’m not here to cause any trouble. You’re her husband, and I get it. Your virtue is safe, trust me.”

“Ditto, sweetheart.”