Page 122 of My Solemn Vow

“Ah, ah, ah.” Neil cuts me off. “But look and see, there are four place settings at this table, and, oh, who is that?” He holds up another picture. This one is of Gregorio, Eduardo, and Berto entering the building.

But the photos can’t possibly be from the same day or the same time. I know they weren’t there. It’s why I picked La Fatal Piedra. Because it would be safe, not crowded, and the heads of the family are in Italy.

Valor turns to face me, his eyes narrowed.

Immediately I start talking. “That’s not the same day, and if it is, then it’s not the same time. The D’Medicis are in Italy. Leticia stayed behind to get the house ready for Christmas, it’s why we could do lunch and shopping yesterday.”

“Likely story, Miss D’Medici.” He clicks his tongue.

I want to correct him. I want to take ownership of being a Cavanagh, but it feels too heavy.

Neil puts the photos down and grabs the knife out of my lap. I force myself to stay still as the blade bites into my skin.

“Tell us what you told Gregorio and Eduardo,” Neil snarlsbut then draws back. “Tell us what you told them, and maybe Valor will kill you quickly.”

I plead to Valor and then to Ian. “You can check the cameras at the restaurant. I’ll convince Nonna Farinelli to share them with you. I have nothing to hide. Leticia has nothing to hide. I think she likes her father even less than I do.”

Neil pulls the blade along my skin under my jaw with more pressure than Valor used earlier, but I don’t know how deep he cuts. It hurts like hell though. I struggle, trying to raise my hands to push him away, defend myself, or stop the bleeding. Anything.

“Get her phone,” Ian commands.

He’s the least cold of the three but as equally calculating.

Valor is darkness. For a moment, it had disappeared when he told me he loved me.

I had hope that he’d hear me or be on my side. That whatever was happening between us would be strong enough.He told me he loved me. I guess I wasn’t clear when I prayed for his love.

Valor moves, not quickly, but he does go, leaving the heavy, soundproofed door open behind him, Kerrianne asleep upstairs in her bed.Please, God, be merciful and don’t let her wake.

“We should just kill her and get this out of the way. Your son is clearly soft for her.” Neil postures.

He pulls the knife down the side of my throat, and it’s not as deep as the cut under my chin, but it stings, bringing tears to my eyes.

No. No. No. He’s a bully like Gregorio. We don’t let them win.

“Not until we see the whole picture. If she’s guilty, then Valor gets to kill her himself.” Ian’s use of the word ‘if’sends a flutter of hope through me.

Maybe I won’t die after all.But blood runs down my neck and soaks my blouse, and it scares me. I force myself to focus on steadying my breathing.

Valor comes back with my phone in his hand and his eyes onthe screen. He’s unlocked it and is flipping through it. He puts it on the table and pulls out his phone.

Ian and Valor start comparing information from just yesterday.

“She went to some shops first and then went to La Fatal Piedra.” Ian defends me.

Valor starts, “There’s Kerrianne at home and then La Fatal Piedra.”

Immediately I jump in. “I would never take Kerrianne to meet with Gregorio. First, because he hates children, and second, the family is old school. Women are not to be part of business, and he barely tolerates me. A female child? They would never.”

“And yet, you were the one who called the truce.” Neil chides. “To protect, Kerrianne.”

“Anyone of age could call the truce. That’s been the rule since it was implemented. Anyone can call the truce so long as they’re willing to put their life on the line for it to be upheld. I did. I was willing to put my life on the line to protect —”

“Enough!” Neil moves forward, thrusting the knife into my stomach.

A scream flies from my lips with the impact, and I try not to pass out. The pain rips through my body, causing the world to flutter in and out of focus. I try to lock my eyes on something to tether me to this world. All my brain can do is focus on Valor.

He pulls Neil away from me, but not before Neil turns the blade. I scream until my lungs give out, until the darkness threatens to take me under, and I wish that maybe it would. They’re going to kill me anyway. Maybe it’s easier if I die now.