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Amelia---Chokehold

The cool kiss of metal pressed firmly against my temple would make any person crumble. I am not most people. My entire existence has been defined by my bloodline. Generations of Mafia men run through my veins, and I will not allow myself to be the weakest link.

“What happened to you, Alonzo? What did I ever do to you?” I keep my voice demure, hoping to make him give me a second of doubt. I can see him from the corner of my eye. He’s furious, red in the face and his entire body shakes.

“Shut up,” he rages, pushing the gun harder against my skin. I know Duncan is nearby, and I keep Medina talking, hoping to stall long enough to give Duncan time to reach me.

“You know that killing me gets you nowhere. The instant I die, the others will come for you.” I turn my head slightly, allowing me to face him more head-on. “Are you prepared for war?” There is no answer as I begin moving my left hand up the side of my body. I nearly reach the blade hidden beneath my dress before I feel his hand on my bicep.

I gasp, the movement startling me. “I do not care,” he says, his front now against my back. “I have nothing left to lose, Amelia Conte. Killing The Fox will be worth the price of death.” His forearm is across my body, pinning me. I feel the corded muscle flex against the base of my throat and I know he’s trying to put me into a headlock.

Duncan should be here by now. I struggle against him, every attempt to reach my blade thwarted. I try to stomp on his foot but he’s too fast, anticipating my movement. Medina has tucked his head against mine, preventing me from knocking my head back into his nose. My voice catches in my throat, the scream dying as Medina squeezes. He spins us toward the large collection of windows, daylight streaming through.

I am running out of options.

“I’ll see you in hell, bambina.”

I close my eyes, allowing a tear to fall as I send my goodbyes out into the world. Sorrow fills me, devastation at the knowledge that I will never be held by Rhodes Alexander again.

I’m so, so sorry. I tried, Ro. Gods, I tried.