Bound By The Past (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles Book 7)

Anna and Sofia giggled as they rushed out of the bathroom in their blush-colored bridesmaid dresses. Every time I saw them together, I was surprised how similar they looked when one didn’t pay close attention. Anna’s hair was slightly darker than her cousin’s but they had the same eyes. The Cavallaro blue.

Dante, I and the kids had booked the suite right beside Ines and Pietro’s suite in the best hotel in Indianapolis, so the girls could spend time together. The suites were even connected by an adjoining door. Last night they’d watched movies together in bed until midnight, not willing to part from each other until absolutely necessary. I really wished those two lived closer.

I kept an eye on Sofia and Anna while Ines helped her daughter Serafina get ready for her wedding. I couldn’t wait to see her in her dress. She was gorgeous, an angelic appearance and would look magnificent in white.

I peered into the bedroom to see how far Leonas and Dante were. Leaning against the doorframe, I smiled as I watched Dante help Leonas bind his tie. Leonas looked dapper in his grey three-piece suit, wingtip shoes, and carefully styled hair. The similarity was absolutely startling and got more prominent the older Leonas got. At only seven he was already his father’s spitting image. Their personalities, on the other hand, weren’t as similar. Leonas could be temperamental and rash at times, even if he was already good at keeping up a mask in public.

Dante glanced up, noticing me. His eyes took in my dress, a form-fitting dark green mermaid-style piece. I wore the emerald jewelry that Dante had gifted me over the years.

Leonas peered up as well. “Do I really have to wear this suit? The shirt scratches and the vest is too tight.”

Dante touched his shoulder. “We have to convey a certain image in public. Not to mention that this is the biggest social event in a while.”

“Weddings are boring,” Leonas mumbled.

Anna stepped up beside me. “They aren’t. You don’t know what you’re talking about. We get to dance all night!”

Sofia nodded enthusiastically, linking fingers with my daughter.

Leonas made a puking sound.

“Behave today,” Dante said firmly.

Leonas nodded but he gave Anna a murderous look. She grinned.

Dante touched Leonas’ head then came my way with an exasperated expression.

“No fighting in church today, you hear me?” I said sternly, glancing between Leonas and Anna.

“He always starts it,” Anna said.

“Liar.”

“I don’t care who starts it. I’ll end it,” Dante said, sounding stern.

Anna moved toward him and hugged his middle. “I’ll make sure Leonas behaves.”

Dante chuckled. “I’m not blind, Anna. I saw how you kicked your brother under the table during breakfast this morning.”

Anna flushed. Leonas jutted out his chin. “See. Liar, liar, pants on fire.”

Dante shook his head with a smile. Sometimes those two were like cat and mouse, and sometimes they were inseparable. Sofia pressed her palm over her mouth, stifling laughter.

“Sofia, are you ready?” Pietro called, coming into our suite in a tuxedo.

I glanced at my watch. “We really should go now if we want to be in church in time.”

I smiled at Pietro who looked stressed and even a bit nervous. “This will be a beautiful wedding. Serafina and Danilo are such a beautiful couple.”

“Yeah,” he said slowly. “But it’s not easy to let your daughter go. You’ll see what I mean once it’s time for you to marry Anna off, Dante.”

Dante’s mouth tightened as he regarded Anna who exchanged a conspiratorial smile with Sofia. Then both turned red. “It’ll be Sofia’s turn first. She’s older.”

“We’ll see,” Pietro said with a laugh.

“Come now, it’s getting late,” I urged.

Taking Leonas’ hand, I led him out of the room. Anna and Dante followed close behind. Together we took the elevator down to the valet parking. Sofia and Pietro would go to Serafina’s room and head out later.

“Mom, don’t hold my hand when we’re in public. I’m not a little boy anymore,” Leonas said quietly from his place on the backseat. Dante shot me an amused look as he steered the car away from the hotel.

“You’re only seven.”

“He thinks he’s a grownup,” Anna piped.

“You talk about boys with Sofia,” Leonas muttered.

“Stop spying on us!”

I squeezed Dante’s hand. “In the mood for a little bet? I say they don’t get through the wedding ceremony without a fight.”

“I only take bets I win.”

I rolled my eyes. “Of course. That’s why we own casinos. The bank always wins.”

“That’s right.” Dante smiled smugly.

The church was at the outskirts of town because the wedding location was in a renovated barn. Serafina had wished for an outdoor wedding and Danilo had agreed despite his family’s tradition for a more formal affair in a hotel ballroom.

Many guests had already gathered in front of the church. The moment we arrived, all attention was on us. We shook hands and greeted everyone until we finally filed into the church. Danilo was already inside near the altar, squatting in front of his eleven-year-old sister Emma who sat in a wheelchair since a car accident a year ago. The father of the boy she was supposed to marry, the Cincinnati Underboss, had canceled the marriage negotiations right afterward, which had led to a huge scandal and was why his family wasn’t invited to the wedding.

“Can we go over to Emma? I want to say hi,” Anna whispered. I touched her cheek, overcome by emotions at her consideration. Dante and Leonas were talking to the Underboss of Detroit so I indicated to them that we’d go ahead. Dante gave me a small nod. I took Anna’s hand then paused. “Or are you too old for hand holding?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m okay.”

I laughed and led her to the front. Danilo straightened the moment he saw us heading their way.

I shook his hand. He was a tall, handsome man with brown hair and eyes. Serafina with her fair beauty would complement him well. “Hello Danilo, I hope you’re not too nervous?”

“I’ve waited for this day for a long time,” he said politely.

Anna hugged Emma carefully. Emma too was dressed in a bridesmaid dress, her brown curls arranged beautifully on her shoulders.

“You look pretty,” Emma said.

“You too.”

Emma blushed and looked down at her lap in obvious embarrassment. My heart ached for her. In our world girls were judged by their beauty and by their capability to bear children. As a disabled girl, she’d be regarded as less because she was considered as lacking in both areas, which was complete and utter nonsense. Yet, despite her father’s efforts, she wasn’t promised to someone yet. I still couldn’t believe how disgusting the Cincinnati Underboss had reacted to the accident.

Danilo’s expression was full of protectiveness as he regarded Emma and Anna.

I bent down to Emma. “Your brother is a handsome fella.” She smiled shyly up at me then peered up over my head at Danilo.

Straightening, I turned back to Danilo. Anna told Emma about her visit in the Indiana State museum. She always insisted on going to museums when we visited a city, much to Leonas’ chagrin. Emma actually seemed interested.

“Your sister is going to miss you once you move out,” I said quietly.

Danilo frowned. “I moved out a few months ago, but Emma is going to live with me as soon as Serafina has settled into the mansion.”

“Oh,” I said surprised then glanced toward Danilo’s parents. His father had been battling stomach cancer for a while now. He didn’t look good. Too thin and pale, and much older than late forties. “Because your mother needs to take care of your father and doesn’t have enough time for Emma?”

Danilo didn’t say anything, his expression polite but making it obvious that he wouldn’t discuss his family with me.

I smiled then glanced at my watch. “I think we need to take our seats. It’s not long now.”

Danilo gave me a quick smile then pushed Emma over to his parents. Anna and I took our seats in the first row as well. A few minutes later, Sofia, Ines, and Pietro joined us. Even though it was tradition for the father to lead the bride to the altar, Samuel would do it. He and Serafina were close as could be expected for twins.

Danilo took his place in front of the altar, looking perfectly composed. Tall, dark, and handsome, many girls admired him. I bent down to Anna. “He’s got many fans among the ladies.”

Anna bit her lip, her eyes twinkling. “I know.”

I didn’t get the chance to ask what she meant because Pietro stood abruptly, his phone pressed to his ear and a look of utter shock on his face.

“Pietro?” Dante asked, standing as well.

“Someone attacked the bridal car and is trying to kidnap Serafina.”

Dante

A hush fell over the crowd, their attention shifting from Pietro to me. I gripped Pietro’s shoulders.

“Where are they?”

“About two miles from here.”

I pulled my gun and my men followed my example. I ordered half of the men to stay here and protect the women and children, while the rest of the men and I headed out. Before I left, I kissed Val harshly, then motioned at Enzo and Taft to stay close to her and our children.

I ran out of the church, followed closely by Danilo and Pietro. Danilo was barking orders at his men. He’d learned to carry the weight of responsibility early and he wore it well.

His eyes were wild with determination before he jumped into his car and led the way. Pietro and I chased him, followed by even more cars. Who was behind the attack? The Bratva? Luca?

Soon smoke rising up from a black car caught my eye. We pulled up beside it. Pietro and I jumped out of the car. A body lay on the ground in a puddle of blood and beside it crouched Samuel, clutching a hand over his bleeding side. Pietro rushed toward him, not even paying attention to our surroundings. Raising my gun, I scanned the area but didn’t spot anyone. I joined them, squatting on the ground beside them. Serafina’s bodyguard was dead. Two shots had blasted through his stomach.

“What happened? Where are they?” Danilo growled.

Samuel’s gaze flickered with terror. “It’s the Camorra. They want Fina.”

“Fuck!” Danilo snarled.

Samuel stumbled to his feet, pointing into the woods. “They ran that way. Let’s go!”

Danilo ran off and I followed.

“Fina!” Samuel shouted. I glanced over my shoulder. Pietro was close behind but Samuel had trouble keeping up with us due to his wound.

Serafina’s scream rang out off to the right. We sped up. More men joined us, fanning out. Twigs snatched at our suits. The terrain was uneven and made running difficult, particularly dressed as we were. Serafina’s attackers probably had dressed more sensible for a chase.

“Serafina?” I called.

“Fina?” Pietro’s voice was shaky.

We ran for a long time, but Serafina didn’t call out again. I wasn’t sure if we hadn’t run in circles. Orientation in the woods was close to impossible.

“They are gone,” I said quietly when we stopped to catch our breath.

Pietro supported Samuel who could barely stand by now, looking ashen. His shirt and trousers were covered in blood.

Danilo shook his head, his white shirt plastered to his body from sweat. “Search the fucking city!” he roared at his soldiers. His men rushed off, back to the street and their cars.

“Call your doctor and tell him to come to the church,” I told Danilo.

He nodded. “I’m heading out now. I know this city, every corner, every nook. I’m going to find them.”

“Do that.” He stormed off. Pietro helped Samuel back to the street, while I gave orders to the Underbosses and Captains who’d joined us on the chase. They needed to give our contacts in the surrounding areas, at airports and close to the Camorra border a heads-up so they kept their eyes open.

Samuel sagged into the backseat. I bent over him and pulled his hand away to check his wound. “The bullet has gone straight through.”

Samuel grasped my arm, leaving bloody handprints all over. “Remo and Fabiano, they attacked us. Their goal was Fina.” He shook. “Fuck, Dante, what do they want with her?”

“Let’s get you to a doctor, Samuel,” I said, trying to remain calm even as my thoughts were spinning out of control. Pietro sat beside his son on the back seat and I drove. Pietro looked completely shaken as he pressed down on Samuel’s wound. “Everything will be okay,” he repeated.

They both seemed in shock. I’d fought with them before. They kept a calm head even in the most dangerous situations, but this was different. Serafina was in the hands of the Camorra and we all knew what that meant.

I drove even faster, needing to get back to Val, Leonas, and Anna. I had to see them with my own eyes, needed to make sure they were safe and healthy.

Danilo’s doctor awaited us in front of church. Ten Made Men stood guard around the building, the rest of the guests were still inside. The moment Samuel was in good hands, I hurried into the church.

Val, Leonas, and Anna sat with Ines and Sofia still in the first row. Val’s worried gaze hit me and relief filled me seeing my family was okay. I wouldn’t let anything happen to them.

Ines jumped up from the pew and rushed toward me. She was barefoot and her makeup was smeared from crying. I caught her as she stumbled against me, her frantic eyes meeting mine. “What’s going on? Where are my children? Where’s Pietro?”

I wrapped an arm around her. “Ines, Pietro is all right. Samuel was shot.”

Her fingernails dug into my arm. “Where is he? What about Fina? Dante tell me!”

Val came up behind her but apparently she’d ordered the children to remain in the first row. Everyone in church was looking my way.

“Samuel will be fine. He’s been taking care of.” I paused, not sure how to say what needed to be said. For a moment I looked at Anna who watched me with wide, horrified eyes. I couldn’t imagine what the news would do to my sister. If Remo had Anna in his hands. My throat corded up just considering the option. “She got captured, Ines. But we sent out men to search the city for her, and I alerted every soldier to keep an eye out for her. We’ll find her.”

Ines stared up at me, her chest heaving. She shook her head. “Who’d kidnap my daughter? Why? She’s innocent!”

I feared that was exactly why Remo had chosen her. Fury slithered through my veins. He’d gone too far, and he’d pay for it.

Ines clutched me even harder. “Dante, tell me who!”

Her voice was shrill, more fearful than I’d ever heard her. Not even when she’d found out she was to marry Jacopo had she looked this terrified. “The Camorra.”

Ines stumbled back, her trembling hand pressing to her mouth. She would have sunk to her knees if Val hadn’t wrapped a steadying arm around her. “Shhh, Ines, we’ll find her.”

Ines looked at me with blame in her eyes and it cut me worse than I’d ever admit. “I need to see my son.”

“Ines—”

“Take me to my son,” she whispered harshly. Sighing, I motioned for one of my men to take her to Pietro and Samuel.

When she was gone, Val came toward me. If everyone hadn’t been watching, I would have clutched her to my chest, and I could tell from the look in Val’s eyes that she wanted to do the same.

“Are we safe here?” she asked in a shaky voice, her gaze finding our children who were peering our way. The terror in their face was something I’d never wanted to bear witness to.

“I doubt the Camorra will risk another attack, not now that we’re alerted,” I said in force calm. “But we’re going to evacuate everyone now.”

Franco Mancini came toward us, supporting his weight on a cane. He wasn’t much older than me but cancer had marked him. In the past, this would have made me relive my own pain of Carla’s suffering, and while I’d never forget her and what had happened, my worry over my family and my love for them was at the forefront of my mind now.

“Danilo called to inform me that Serafina was kidnapped by the Camorra. I assume we’ll have to postpone the wedding then.”

I gave a terse nod, trying not to linger on the thought that postponing might not be enough. The Falcones weren’t known for sparing anyone. If we didn’t catch Serafina soon…

“We need to evacuate everyone now, Franco. Tell your men to make sure everyone has enough guards to reach their hotels. If possible, they should head back home right away.”

Franco sighed. “This is the worst day in the history of the Outfit.”

He walked back to his wife and daughter, and I headed from man to man and gave them instructions on how to bring their families to safety. As Capo, I needed to show strength and remain calm, even if I didn’t feel it.

Val waited patiently with Sofia, Anna, and Leonas at the front while Taft and Enzo kept an eye on them with drawn guns.

When everything was organized, I headed to my family. Sofia and Anna huddled together, hugging each other, looking terrified. Anna jumped up and embraced my middle. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and stroked her head. “Daddy, I’m so scared.”

Fierce protectiveness filled me. “You don’t have to be. You’re all safe.”

I hoped the sheer force of my determination would be enough to prove my words correct. Leonas stood and came toward us. He looked mostly confused but I could tell he was scared as well, only trying to hide it. He touched Anna’s shoulder. “Dad and I will protect you.”

Pride filled me. I pulled him against my other side and squeezed his arm. Val got up, her arm wrapped around Sofia who looked completely shaken. I kissed Anna’s and Leonas’ head then gently untangled myself and went over to my niece. I sank down on the pew to be at eye level with her. Tears ran down her cheeks, and her nose was red.

“Where are Fina and Sam? And Mom and Dad?”

“Your mom and dad take care of Samuel. He was hurt but he’s going to be fine.” I hesitated. How to tell an eleven-year-old that her sister had been kidnapped by the enemy that wasn’t any better than the worst monsters from her nightmares? Her eyes held mine hopefully and terrified at once. I touched her cheek. “We’re looking for Fina. Someone took her but we’re going to find her.”

Her face twisted and she covered her face with her palms, starting to sob. She sank against me, her face buried in my neck. I lifted her in my arms as I stood. She was a petite girl, smaller than Anna. Her arms came around my neck, clutching tightly. “It’s okay, Sofia,” I murmured.

“Let’s get you to a safe place,” I said to Val.

Val made a brave face and wrapped her arms around Anna and Leonas.

“I’ll drive them. One of you drive a car in the front another in the back,” I ordered Taft and Enzo. I regretted not having more guards for my family. Once we were back home, I’d have to consider new options.

“Will do, boss,” Enzo said, and he and Taft jogged out of church. Drawing my gun, even though the outside was protected by my men, I stepped out with Sofia on my arm, and Val, Leonas, and Anna behind me. The parking lot was mostly deserted by now, as most guests had already vacated the place. As Capo, I couldn’t leave among the first even if I wanted to protect my family. I headed toward my bullet-proof Mercedes, glad that Indianapolis was close enough to Chicago to drive, so I had my car with me. I set Sofia down on the back seat but she clung to my neck, trembling. “It’s okay, Sofia. I’ll protect you. Once we’re back at the safehouse, I’ll let your parents know where we are so they can join us with Samuel.”

Anna slipped into the car and linked her fingers with Sofia. “I’m here.”

Sofia pulled back, sniffling. She had Ines’ eyes. Overcome by a new wave of protectiveness, I stroked her head again before I straightened and closed the door. Leonas sat beside his sister, trying to make a brave face. I gave him a tight smile and he lifted his shoulders a bit more.

Val took my hand the moment I got behind the steering wheel. She was shaking, but held her head high, trying to appear calm.

I gave the coordinates of the safehouse into the GPS then gave Taft and Enzo a sign before I set out. We arrived thirty minutes later.

It was a house surrounded by high walls and a vast garden, designed to give home to people in need of protection, especially important visitors.

I didn’t relax before we were inside. Val took care of the kids, leading them upstairs so they could change out of their clothes. The house always offered a wide array of clothing, for children, women, and men, so I was sure Val would find something fitting for herself and the kids.

I took off my jacket then lifted my phone, calling Giovanni. “Where are you?”

“In the hotel, picking up your and our luggage. We’re going to take it to you.”

“Good. Who else is in the hotel?”

“Most of the Underbosses and Captains have already left. They’re trying to bring their families to safety.”

“Can you tell someone to pick up Ines and Pietro’s things? I don’t want them in the hotel. They need to come to the safehouse as well.”

“Of course. Do you want me to stay? Or should I return to Chicago?”

Giovanni had taken over as my Consigliere while Rocco remained locked in that cell. I had a feeling his life might be of value soon. Sighing, I sank down in an armchair. “I need someone to hold the forte in Chicago while I’m not there.”

“Then Livia and I’ll return today. We’ll just drop your suitcases off at the safehouse.”

I hung up then called Danilo. It took a while before he picked up. “Any leads?”

“They headed out of town on Interstate 70 then switched to smaller roads. We lost their trail around Terre Haute but I have sent out every available man. We have to stop them from leaving our territory.”

“They’ll try to take a private jet or helicopter because it’s safer and quicker than taking the road.”

“We can’t let them take her to their territory…” The despair in Danilo’s voice was palpable. This was supposed to be a day of celebration for Serafina and him, instead they experienced hell. Serafina… I couldn’t allow myself to consider what she might be going through at the hands of Remo, or I’d lose any objectivity.

“The Outfit is looking for them. I’ll head out to join you as soon as Samuel and Pietro get to the safehouse.”

Taft and Enzo came into the living room and I ended my call with Danilo.

“We checked the premises and turned on the surveillance cameras. But we should add more armed guards in the surrounding streets.”

“See who isn’t needed for the search for Serafina.”

“I could ask my son and a few of our men to come from Chicago. He’s the best.”

Pride rang in his voice and he had every reason to feel that way. Santino was one of my best soldiers.

I nodded distractedly. “They should hurry. We’ll stay for a couple more days at least, until things have calmed and we’ve found Serafina.”

“Do you think we’ll get her back quickly?” Taft asked.

I stood. “We have to. Now ask for reinforcement.”

They left and I stared out of the window, trying to consider my options. Remo was a monster. Unfortunately, he was a clever monster if rumors could be trusted. I’d never met him or his brothers, only his father. That man had been a narcissistic maniac who could be driven to rash decisions. I hoped Remo would be the same way.

Steps rang out. Tension shot through my body and I turned around, my gun drawn. Val froze. She was dressed in jeans and a simple T-shirt, a rare sight.

Now that she didn’t have to keep up appearances for the public or our children fear shone clearly in her eyes. I crossed the distance between us, cradling her face and kissing her. “You are safe. No matter the price, I’ll keep you safe.”

Val swallowed, her eyes swimming with tears. “I’m so scared for Serafina.”

I gave a terse nod. “Once Pietro and Samuel are here, we’ll head out to join the chase for Serafina.”

“Be careful,” Val pleaded.

“I’m not worried for myself. I can handle the situation.”

Val closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to my shoulder. “How are we going to protect our children in this world? War with the Camorra and the Famiglia…” She shuddered. “How can we all get out of it unscathed?”

I kissed the top of her head. “You and our children will, I swear.”

“You too. I need you to be safe too.”

I tightened my hold on her, not saying anything. My safety was irrelevant as long as my family remained untouched. I’d lay my life down if it protected them.

Valentina

This morning, Anna’s laughter had rung in my ears, now I had to watch my daughter curled up in the narrow bed in the safehouse, dressed in foreign pajamas. Her hair was still in her pretty wedding updo. She’d refused to let it down.

Tears burned my eyes. They had all day, and it became a harder struggle containing them with every passing moment. Taking a deep breath, I walked toward the bed and sank down on its edge. I touched Anna’s neck, feeling the pins in there.

Anna sobbed into her pillow, completely shaken. I wished she hadn’t been witness to the chaos, the panic and Ines’ and Sofia’s open sorrow, wished I could have protected her from the harsh realities of mob life. I wanted to preserve her and Leonas’ childhood for as long as possible. Now it had ended far too soon.

Anna turned her head slightly, peering up at me with terrified eyes. “Mommy…”

I leaned down and kissed Anna’s temple, tasting her tears. Her anguish felt worse than my own. “Can I take your pins out? You can’t sleep with your hair up like that.”

It was such a meaningless thing to worry about.

Anna nodded then buried her face in the pillow once more. I began to remove one pin after the other until Anna’s brown hair fanned out on her back. I raked my fingers through the curls, trying to calm myself as much as my daughter.

A creak made my head turn. Leonas stood in the doorway, dressed in too big sweatpants and a T-shirt, his hair standing on end. He looked a little lost. Sometimes he appeared older than his seven years, but today he was the little boy I wanted him to remain for as long as possible. “Is your dad home yet?” I asked.

Leonas shook his head and came inside hesitantly, his green eyes darting to his sobbing sister. He stopped at the end of the bed, watching Anna cry with a wary expression as if Anna’s tears were something contagious.

I stroked her hair almost mechanically.

I held out my other hand to Leonas but he stayed where he was. He reminded me of Dante when it came to dealing with emotions and his problems. He tried to solve them on his own.

It was way past midnight and considering that we’d been awake since sunrise we should have been tired but neither of us craved sleep.

“Can I play poker with Taft and Enzo? They told me I need to ask for permission.”

“You sure you don’t want to stay here?”

Leonas looked at Anna then at me and gave a jerky shake of his head. “I want to play poker.”

“Okay, then do that.” Everyone dealt differently with trauma. If distraction was Leonas’ balm then I wouldn’t stop him. He left quickly and I turned back to Anna then stretched out beside her. She lifted her head slightly to look at me. “Mommy, will they kidnap me as well?”

“No,” I said fiercely. “No, they won’t. You will always be safe. Always.”

Anna nodded. “Is that why Daddy insists I am homeschooled?”

Dante and I had actually considered sending Anna to the same private school Leonas went to at the start of the new school year in a few weeks. It was meant as a surprise for her. Now I wasn’t sure if we’d go through with it. I actually wished Leonas could be homeschooled as well, but Dante wouldn’t budge on that. “Yes.”

Anna bit her lip. “I feel so bad for Sofia. I’d be terrified if someone hurt Leonas.” I touched her head.

“Will they hurt Serafina badly?”

For Anna ‘they’ were a general concept, some shapeless enemy who wanted to hurt us. She didn’t know it was the Camorra or what they stood for. She couldn’t imagine the horrors that might await Serafina at the hands of those monsters. How long would those fears remain shapeless concepts for my daughter?

Anna fell asleep eventually and I slipped out of her room. I didn’t want to sleep, worried about letting down my guards without Dante near. I crept down the corridor toward the bedroom where Ines and Sofia were. I knocked gently.

“Come in,” I heard Ines’ raspy voice.

I stepped inside. Sofia was huddled in a blanket on an armchair, staring blankly down at a book while Ines peered out of the window which gave her a view of the driveway.

Waiting for her husband and son to bring her daughter back to her.

The room oozed anguish. Sofia briefly glanced up but didn’t smile.

I stopped beside Ines, following her gaze toward the lit driveway. Several guards walked the perimeter with machine guns.

“I don’t think any form of torture can be worse than this,” she whispered. I regarded her profile. Even tear-stained, with messy hair and in jeans Ines carried the famous Cavallaro pride with ease. It was something I’d always admired. “It feels as if someone’s burning my heart. Just thinking of what Serafina is going through…” Her voice died and I could see her struggle to keep her composure.

She finally looked at me. “This war must end, Val. It must end now. Too many people have paid with their lives already and now it’s my daughter’s life on the line. I won’t stand back. Tell Dante to make a peace treaty with the Famiglia and the Camorra. Let there be peace before it’s too late. There’s enough money to be made for each famiglia.”

“After what Luca and Remo did, Dante won’t have peace with them. It’s a matter of pride.”

“Pride.” Ines leaned her forehead against the window. “We must give them what they want. We must save Fina. We must.”

“Ines—”

“Can you please leave?”

I took a step back. “Of course.” Sofia lowered her gaze to her book, avoiding my eyes. I turned and left the room. For a moment, I braced myself against the wall outside the room. With every act of violence on either side, peace was more unlikely.

I headed downstairs into the big communal space where several guards were playing poker with Leonas. It was a strange sight, my young son perching on his chair, with all the armed, muscled men around him. His expression was focused and determined as he scanned his cards. The men were drinking coffee or Coke, and Leonas, too, had a glass of the sugary concoction in front of him. I usually didn’t allow our children to drink it except for New Year’s or their birthday but today wasn’t the time for rules.

Enzo’s brown eyes slid to me and he got up. The rest of the men were about to do the same but I quickly raised my palm to stop them.

“Please continue. I can’t sleep. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“You aren’t,” Enzo said. He sank back down and gave the other men a sign to continue. “You can join us if you want.”

That earned him a few surprised looks from the other guards.

Leonas snorted. “Mom can’t play poker. She’s a woman.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “Excuse me?” I strode over to the table. “I’m a good poker player. I used to manage a Casino.”

The men exchanged amused glances as Leonas’ eyes widened. “You did?”

“Yes. Are you playing Texas Hold ’em?” It was the only form of poker I was good at.

“Yes, we are,” a young man right beside me said. It took me a second to recognize him as Enzo’s son. They had the same maroon hair and light brown eyes. Only his name wouldn’t come to my mind.

“Would you mind if I join you to show my son that a woman can play poker too?”

Chuckles sounded.

Enzo’s son pushed back his chair and stood, towering over me. “You can have my chair. I’m going to grab some food.” He was a handsome man in his early twentieth with dimples that probably got him plenty of attention from the ladies. Dante had mentioned him before because he worked as a second Enforcer with Arturo. He was the moderate butcher from the two of them. Finally, his name clicked.

“Thank you, Santino.”

He inclined his head then turned and strode away. A look of pride lay in Enzo’s face. I sank down. “What are the limits?”

“Ten and twenty.”

I realized I didn’t have my wallet with me. In the confusion of the day, I wasn’t even sure where it was. “Someone will have to lend me some money.”

An older man across from me took out a wad of cash and gave me half of it. “I offer fair interest rates.”

I chuckled.

“I negotiated them with him,” Leonas said proudly.

I narrowed my eyes. “Hmm. Very well.” Considering that Leonas didn’t know percentage calculation yet, I doubted the rates were fair. “I’ll let Dante check the details of our arrangement later.”

The men bellowed.

“Let’s say we forget about the interest rates,” he said with a wink. Considering he was my father’s age, I knew it was the typical soldier humor, and I actually preferred it to the stiff reverence I often received.

Leonas beamed at me as we began to play. I could see that a weight had lifted off his shoulders. He was still young, younger than Anna and for him, it was easier to get past the seriousness of the situation.

I allowed myself to be distracted by the game and Leonas’ eagerness to prove his worth.

My eyes prickled with tiredness when the front door opened in the early morning. I jumped to my feet and so did everyone else. Dante, Pietro, Danilo and Samuel stepped in, looking exhausted, ruffled and subdued. The rising sun illuminated their forlorn faces almost mockingly.

Leonas darted toward them and hugged Dante’s middle. “Did you catch the bad guys?”

One look at Dante’s face told me they hadn’t. They didn’t know where Serafina was. My heart clenched tightly considering what this would do to Ines.

“No, we didn’t,” Dante said quietly.

“But you will catch the bad guys soon?”

The bad guys. My eyes took in the four men in the lobby with their guns, jaded eyes, and scarred bodies. I wondered if little boys in the Camorra asked their dads the same question when they spoke about us? Would Luca’s son ask his father that question when he talked about Dante? Bad was always a matter of perspective.

Yet, one thing was certain, the Falcones were the worst. Even in our world.

Danilo shook his head with a harsh expression and stalked past us toward the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a generous amount of a dark liquid. “Why the fuck are you gambling in a situation like this?” he snarled at the soldiers. The men lowered their heads.

Steps pounded upstairs. Ines followed by Sofia stormed down the staircase. Sofia didn’t stop and barreled straight into Pietro who hugged her tightly. Ines froze halfway down once she caught a look at the men’s expressions.

“No,” she whispered. “No.” She clutched the banister and slowly sank down. “No!”

Sofia lifted her head, looking at Ines then at Pietro and Samuel. Her young face fell. Samuel staggered toward his mother and pulled her to her feet. She clutched him desperately and sobbed.

The guards disappeared into other parts of the house to give us privacy and to escape Danilo’s open wrath.

My eyes met Dante’s but his expression was a mask of control. It must be bad if he acted like that.

Glass smashed.

I jumped then realized Danilo had flung his glass against the wall. He gripped the edge of the table tightly, rage burning on his face.

Dante cleared his throat but nothing penetrated Danilo’s fog of despair.

Pietro led Sofia upstairs while Samuel helped Ines. I approached Dante, touching his shoulder. He gave me a strained smile. It made me ache all over. “I’ll bring Leonas to bed and then check on Anna. Why don’t you go ahead and catch some sleep?”

I nodded, even though I didn’t feel tired in the slightest.

Dante headed up the stairs with Leonas.

I slanted a look at Danilo who was still bent over the table and considered going to him to offer him words of assurance but he appeared like a man who preferred to deal with his sorrow alone. He straightened and noticed me. “This isn’t the wedding night I imagined.” The words rang with despair and fury alike. He was a man fighting for composure. I wasn’t sure what to tell him and I had a feeling he didn’t want me to say anything. Suddenly, his expression smoothed. He strode toward me. “Tell Dante, I’ll head out to my family’s mansion. I’ll be back tomorrow morning to continue our search.”

He didn’t wait for my reply, just left, even leaving the door ajar. I closed it then leaned against it, trying to hold on to my composure. I pushed off the door and went upstairs. The hallway was dark except for the light squeezing out under the door to our bedroom. I opened it.

Dante sat on the edge of the bed, his arms propped up on his thighs, looking a little stunned and… guilty.

I stopped beside him and touched his shoulder. “This isn’t your fault.”

Dante shook his head, his mask slipping back into place. I hated that he felt the need to do so but it also told me that his inner turmoil was so strong that he wanted to protect me from it. “I’m Capo. This is my territory and it’s my duty to protect my people, my family. Serafina should have been safe.”

“Nobody could have foreseen this, not even you. It’s dishonorable to attack a wedding. Remo Falcone plays by his own rules.”

“He’ll try to force me into his game,” Dante said quietly, but an undercurrent of fury swung in his voice.

“What do you think does he want with Serafina?” I asked.

He shook his head. “I’m not sure about his motives.”

He was lying and that was more of an answer than his actual words. Good God, the rumors of the Camorra sent a chill over every woman’s back. “You’ll save her in time.”

Dante pushed to his feet, his eyes almost wild. “Will I? In time for what? It could be too late as we speak. For all we know, Serafina’s defiled body has already been dropped off so we’ll find it. Do you even realize what kind of horrors Remo Falcone is capable of, Val?”

I stared, my heart beating in my throat.

He gripped my arms in a too hard grasp. His anger wasn’t directed at me but Good Lord, it hit me like a hurricane, leaving me disoriented and shaken. “I am a monster, but even I haven’t done half the depraved acts the Falcones are capable of. Remo revels in torture as if it was his fucking drug of choice. And his crazy brother is a psychopath in the true sense of the word. He doesn’t feel anything. He can cut you up and have a pleasant conversation with you while he does it. He could maul women and children without a spike in his fucking pulse rate. Serafina is at the mercy of men like that, Val.”

My lips parted for words of consolation that would have done nothing and so Dante didn’t allow them to pass. He jerked me against him and kissed me brutally.

His kiss was harsh, angry and desperate at once.

I answered his kiss even if I wasn’t aroused. This wasn’t about lust. He tore at my jeans until they pooled at my feet with my panties, and I stumbled out of them.

He pushed me down on the bed and climbed on top of me, parting my legs. Two of his fingers slid into me, testing my readiness. His zipper hissed and then he filled me in a hard thrust. I arched up in discomfort. Dante blinked down at me, and his guilt blazed up in the dark fog of his anger. I crossed my legs over his lower back and pulled him down on me, raking my fingers over his back. I wanted to show him that this was okay.

His lips pressed down on mine again and he began to thrust into me, hard and fast, his moves fueled by his anguish, which seemed to cloak us both.

The pain was good, it was welcome.

This wasn’t the lustful pain I’d come to enjoy. This was pain, pure and simple, a drop of physical discomfort and an ocean of emotional hurt. My body fought against both but I surrendered until the tears I’d held back all day finally burst forth.

Dante stilled on top of me. He hadn’t come. I doubted he’d felt any pleasure. His face sank down against my throat and he shuddered as he began to soften inside of me. He didn’t cry, never had in all the time I’d known him. “What am I going to do?”

“You’re going to lead us out of this, Dante. I trust in you and no matter what you decide, I’ll be at your side. I’ll always be there.”