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My phone buzzes, and I rip the device out of my pocket. Unlocking the screen there are more messages from Stefano.
I haven’t tried to call him, because then I’d be playing straight into his hands.
They’ve had Gabriella for twenty-four hours now, and I try to brace for the worst as I open the text.
You’re quiet, cousin. I hope you don’t think you have any other option than to step down.
I suck in a deep breath before pressing play on the attached video.
It shows Gabriella still hanging from the ceiling by a rope.
She must be in so much fucking pain.
“Let’s get started,” the same man from the other recordings orders.
Again, they use a cattle prod to electrocute her, and by the time they’re done, Gabriella breathes heavily through the pain.
Her eyes flick to the camera, and I want to reach through the fucking phone and yank her to me, but instead, I’m forced to feel as my heart is pulverized to dust.
For a moment, she looks directly into the camera lens, and I know she’s speaking to me when she whispers, “Don’t surrender.”
The fucker behind her presses the prod to her back again and keeps it there until she loses consciousness.
Christ.
“We’re heading out,” I roar. “Right fucking now!”
My phone starts to ring, and seeing Stefano’s name, I accept the call and wait for him to speak first.
“Cousin,” he snarls, “do you have good news for me?”
“Just how fucking stupid are you?” I say, my tone as deadly as it's ever been.
“Careful. I have the upper hand.”
I almost fucking laugh. “You do? Let’s say a miracle happens, and you get rid of me. Do you really think the other four heads will call you their capo?”
“They will have no choice. When I overthrow you, they must accept me as their new capo.”
Has he lost his fucking mind?
“This isn’t the nineteen-eighties. You don’t get to just kill me and take over.”
Dario gestures excitedly that he has Stefano’s location.
“Step down, or Gabriella dies,” he hisses.
I just need enough time to get to her.
Fuck.
I hear myself suck in a harsh breath, and then I lie through my fucking teeth, “I’ll step down.”
I never thought those words would leave my mouth, but I’m willing to say anything to protect Gabriella and the family.
I’m not prepared to lose either of them.
Stefano lets out a burst of laughter. “You made the right choice.”
