Page 60 of Merciless Queen (Moretti Mafia #1)

Caterina

As much as I wanted to dive into tormenting the sick fuck in my basement, my wife needed me first. I saw the fear in her eyes when the flashback consumed her, and I never wanted to see that look in her eyes again.

Shooting him in the head would’ve been too easy.

He didn’t deserve an easy death for what he did to Harlow.

I made a promise to her that I would kill anyone who touched her, but I wouldn’t do it until I knew she was okay.

I left Harlow with Lizzy while I put Michael in the basement.

Malachi and Alexi were down there starting his torment, but I told them not to kill him.

That was my job, and mine alone. I wanted to make him bleed for everything he did to her, even if I didn’t know the full details.

I wouldn’t push her to tell me what he did to her, but the electrocution was going to be his demise.

What person got off on inflicting pain on someone who didn’t want it?

When I walked into the room, Lizzy was holding Harlow, but to my surprise, Harlow was not broken beyond repair after seeing one of the men who hurt her.

She looked up at me and smiled, the smile meeting her eyes this time, but there was still a wave of fear.

Lizzy hugged her before leaving the room after giving me a quick goodbye.

It was time for me to take care of my wife, and then I’d take care of the bastard who hurt her.

We didn’t say anything as I kicked my shoes off and slipped out of my pants. I pulled the covers back and held Harlow close to me as I pulled us both under the blankets. She was using my strength, and she could take everything she needed.

“He was one of the more brutal ones,” she finally muttered.

“You don’t have to tell me.”

She nuzzled her head into my chest. “It’s okay.

I want you to know what they did to me.” She took a deep breath, messing with one of the buttons on my shirt.

“Some of them just wanted sex. I don’t know if they liked the selection or if they just liked the fact they didn’t have to woo a woman to get into her bed.

I liked them more,” she whispered the last part.

“And then there were men like Michael. They wanted me to scream. They would torture me and make me hurt before brutalizing me. Michael used the stun batons and tasers when I would be quiet. Eventually, you get used to the brutality.”

“I’m sorry you went through that.”

She shrugged. “We can’t change the past. They made me numb, but when I’m with you, I feel alive. This is how I want to feel for the rest of my life.”

I kissed her temple. “I’ll make sure you feel alive every day for the rest of your life. I wasn’t there to save you before.”

“Does it change you?”

“What?”

“Killing people.”

I sighed, running my hand up her arm. For a normal person, I would’ve said yes.

An innocent person wouldn’t last a day in this life.

I killed my first person at such a young age.

It shaped me to be the woman I was today.

If Vincenzo never came into our lives and uprooted our foundation, then I wouldn’t be who I was now.

I would still be in this lifestyle, so I would be able to kill people without it fazing me.

“I was born in this life, Harlow. I would still kill people even if Vincenzo never entered my life. There would be another monster I’d have to deal with. I’m a killer, Harlow. I won’t change who I am even if it makes you upset.”

“I don’t want you to change. I’m safe because of you. D-Do you think it w-would change me?”

“I don’t want you thinking you have to do what I do. You are my wife, but you weren’t born into this lifestyle. I can’t tell you if it will change you, because I don’t know.”

She nodded. “I know. I was just…What if he gets me again? And what if I have to kill him to protect myself?”

“Then that’s different. If he tries to get you, I want you to fight. And if he succeeds, do what you need to do to survive.”

“What if I can’t?” Her face dropped, and I saw tears falling down her face.

I put my fingers under her chin and lifted her face to look at mine again. “Then fight until I can save you. I will always save you, bellissima.”

“I love you.”

“And I love you. If you want, we can spar more.”

She nodded. “Please.”

Harlow got comfortable in bed, resting her head on my chest until she was snoring softly and her body was relaxed.

I was going to kill Vincenzo. It was the only way to keep her safe.

When a war started, I’d make sure she was back home in Italy or have Roman protect her.

Even if I died, Harlow could run my kingdom.