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“Getoutof my way!” I shove past him, knowing there's no way he’ll put up a fight with me in the condition I’m in and when I burst through the doors and see Thadeo DeMarco sitting in my husband’s desk chair with a scotch in his hand, I swear the heavy load I’m carrying is the only thing that stops me from charging at him.
“Leave us.” I can sense that Dario is close behind me, as I stare my father-in-law straight in the eye.
“Your wife forgets who she’s talking to, Dario.” He chuckles to himself.
“Hiswifeforgets nothing. You’ll do well to remember that when you're lying in your bed at night, wondering if it will be your last.”
“That sounds like a threat.” He smirks at me.
“It’s not a threat, it’s a promise. You killed my father. You separated a mother from her child. No wonder Cassio turned into a fucked-up psychopath. You’ve picked him up and dropped him back down his whole life.”
“Dario! Control your woman!” he bellows.
“Screw you, I’m liking what she’s saying.” I hear his voice come from behind me, and it builds up more strength inside me.
“Your son has offered to take me away from all of this, to start a new life and leave the DeMarco name to diminish with its reputation and all its power.”
“He wouldn’t. Tell her Dario.” He looks past me to his son for some reassurance
“I’d do it in a heartbeat.” He moves forward to stand by my side.
“You only have one son left, Thadeo, no replacements. The blood I’m wearing on this dress is proof of that.”
“So, what are saying?” He smirks at me as if he’s unaffected by what he hears.
“I’mtellingyou to stand down, it’s time to retire and let Dario make this city a safe place for us to raise our children.”
“Me? Stand down?” He scoffs a laugh.
It’s your choice. You can watch your family grow into something magnificent, or you can destroy it, but we won’t be around to watch it fall.” I leave him to think about his options before spinning on my heels and making my way upstairs for a shower.
“You need some help with that?” Dario steps into the room while I’m attempting to unzip my dress, and failing.
“Would be nice.” I manage a smile for him and after closing the door he spins me around so he can release me.
“Where is your father?” I ask.
“He left,” he assures me, kissing my neck as he slowly lowers the zip. “Do you want me to draw you a bath?” he whispers against my skin.
“I think I’ll take a shower, I don’t want to bathe in Cassio’sblood.” I close my eyes and recall the harrowing look in his eyes when he was talking to me.
“Of course.” Dario sounds deflated.
No doubt Dario will be mad at me for how I spoke for him downstairs. I get that it was out of order, but my rage got away from me.
“Dario, I’m sorr–”
“Don’t you dare!” He grabs my shoulders and spins me around. “Don't youdareapologize for a single, damn thing.” He looks like he’s battling with as many emotions as I am right now.
“I’ve never seen anyone stand up to my father like that. I’ve never met anyone in my life as selfless as you. What you said back in those woods. I don’t deserve that. I don’t deserve for you to want to stay here and let me be who I am, and you sure as Hell deserve better than what I can give you.”
“Dario.” I lift my hand up to stroke his cheek. “I’m happy. I’m in love with you as well as very tired and covered in blood. I just need you to take care of me.” I put it to him simply.
“I can do that.” He smiles, finding his calm as he takes my hand and leads me to the bathroom.
DARIO
ONE WEEK LATER
