Page 142 of Righteous Enforcer
“Is there something you want, or are you just bored and find amusement in harassing me?”
Ivan laughs. "I won’t deny I enjoy watching you squirm, but I’m here for a reason. I'm feeling generous." He checks his watch. "I'm going to give him one more chance to play the hero."
"What do you mean?"
"You're coming with me tomorrow. Special event. We'll see if Adriano's feelings for you are strong enough to override his brother's command to stay away."
My blood runs cold. The shipment. He's bringing me as bait, dangling me in front of Adriano while his men prepare to killhim. Or maybe he wants to make sure Adriano believes I really am a traitor.
"And if he doesn't try to save me?" I ask.
Ivan shrugs. "Then perhaps I'll have to reconsider the value of keeping you alive. Or maybe I'll pay a visit to that sweet daughter of yours instead."
God, back to that. “Your threats are getting tedious.”
He leans close, his breath hot on my face. "You're nothing, Eva. A pawn. Useful until you're not. Don’t forget that."
He straightens, adjusting his tie. "Rest up. Tomorrow will be eventful whether Adriano cares enough to save you or decides you deserve to die alongside him."
The door slams behind him, and I let out a breath, praying my message reached Adriano in time.
God. How did I end up here?
Could I have made different choices like Adriano said?
Four years ago, when Lorenzo threatened me, what if I'd gone straight to Adriano?
If I'd told him everything, about the Russians blackmailing me, about his father's ultimatum, about the baby growing inside me, would he have protected us?
Could he have protected us from his father?
I close my eyes, imagining that alternate life.
Adriano standing up to his father, keeping me safe, raising Mirabella together.
Our daughter growing up with both parents, secure and loved.
Or would Lorenzo have simply killed me before Adriano could intervene?
Would Adriano have even believed me over his father?
The Dantes value family loyalty above all else.
And what about now?
If I'd trusted Adriano with the whole truth when he found me in New Jersey, would things be different?
Would he have understood why I spied for the Bratva, why I ran, why I kept so many secrets?
Maybe I'd be safe in his arms right now instead of locked in this room, waiting for tomorrow's bloodbath.
But I've seen the Dante men when they feel betrayed.
I saw Lorenzo's eyes when he accused me of betraying his family.
I've witnessed Alessandro's mistrust.
Even Adriano's face when he caught me in Atlanta was brutally menacing.
