[REBECCA]
I froze, my whole body going numb.
That voice. The same voice that haunted not just my sleep every night-but my whole life.
That voice broke me-until I thought I was beyond repair.
That voice belonged to the devil.
Raffaele, my mind screamed. No. No. No. Please no. Not now.
I wanted to cry and scream at this unfairness. I wanted to fall down and crumble into dust until I had nothing left. That way Raffaele wouldn’t get to me.
My head ran wild until I could feel myself almost fainting. Breathe. Breathe, Rebecca.
I sucked in a harsh breath and took a step forward, peeking past Artemy’s shoulders. I was still hidden behind him; only the top of my head was visible as I looked at the man in front of me.
He caught my eyes and smiled. I once thought he was handsome and charming. I was even slightly enamored by him when we first met. When I finally found his real truth, I realized that it was all just a pretty face, but his heart was black. He didn’t know how to love.
He was the true definition of evil.
And that smile on his face, some women would fall for it. But I knew that smile. It was sadistic and filled with the promise of pain.
“Love, it’s time for you to come home now,” Raffaele said, looking at me as he placed his hand out as if he expected me to take it.
I shuddered and hid behind Artemy, my hand going to his back, my fingers clenching around his jacket as I held on for dear life.
This couldn’t be happening. I was supposed to be safe.
My breathing came out in hard pants as my chest grew tighter. I was losing it-losing myself again.
Artemy. Oh no. No. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. He wasn’t supposed to find out my truth this way.
Everyone froze around me. Brayden, Leon, Milandro, and Artemy. Silence. Utter silence. Brayden glanced down at me, his eyebrows furrowed. When he saw me cowering behind Artemy’s back, he took a step toward me, protecting me.
Leon and Milandro looked confused while Artemy stayed frozen. His muscles were tensed underneath my fingers, and I wished I could look into those eyes so he could see my real truth. That I loved him and never wished to betray him.
The air went from cold to deadly. It smelled like death even though nobody had died yet. It chilled me to the bones, and I shivered, fear slithering its way into my spine. My knees buckled, but I held on to Artemy, refusing to fall.
Nobody had died yet.
But there would only be one end. Bloodshed. War. We were all going to bathe in blood until one family would be left standing.
And in that moment, I wasn’t sure which one.
The Ivanshovs or the Cavalieris.
“Take your fucking eyes off her,” Artemy snapped. “And get the fuck off my property. You do not want to start war.”
“I’m not here to wage war. As soon as I get what I’m here for, I will leave. This does not have to end in bloodshed, Artemy. Give me what I want and I’ll leave without any disturbance,” Raffaele said calmly, as if he was discussing a business deal.
And that was when it happened.
Guns were drawn, and I was pushed behind. Brayden, Leon, and Milandro pointed their guns at Raffaele and his men. “Get out,” Brayden growled. “Or I’m going to have your fucking brain splattered on the ground.”
I trembled at the threat like it was said to me. This was going to end badly, and through it all, I was going to leave Artemy broken.
I couldn’t leave him. I was his Angel. He needed me.
From my place behind their backs, I saw Raffaele raise his hands up and let out a low chuckle. “Do you see my men pointing guns at you? No. As I said, I’m just here to take back Rebecca-my soon-to-be wife. She comes with me, and no blood needs to be spilled.”
No! I wanted to scream, but my voice was gone. I was paralyzed with fear. So much pain and fear. My heart was cracking under the pressure.
“Your what?” Brayden sputtered as he blinked down at me.
Artemy still hadn’t said anything. He was quiet-so quiet. Why wasn’t he saying anything? Why wasn’t he yelling?
Say something, Artemy. Please. Say something.
“Oh, I see she hasn’t told you yet. What a shame,” Raffaele tsked. “Well, let me indulge you then. The woman you are protecting behind you right now is Rebecca Cavalieri. The late Herman’s daughter and only child. And also, my very soon-to-be wife. The Italian’s queen. Your enemy.”
“No,” I whimpered. No. Stop it! I brought my hands to my ears and shook my head, but I couldn’t block his words, his voice.
Leon stared down at me in shock, Milandro glared, and Brayden just stared with his emotionless eyes. While Artemy-nothing. He gave me nothing. His back still faced me as he kept his eyes on Raffaele.
He hadn’t drawn his gun. No, he just stood there. Staring. Unmoving.
But I could feel it…the fury rolling off him. I knew he was begging for control. He was trying to keep the monster in.
For whose sake? I didn’t know.
“C’mon now, love. Don’t be shy. It’s time for you to come home. You have wandered away for too long,” Raffaele said, his voice almost soothing, but I knew he was taunting.
I looked at Brayden, begging him with my eyes, saying the words I couldn’t speak. Please, don’t let him take me. Please.
Brayden shook his head and then looked at Artemy. His eyes went back to Raffaele, glaring. “Only over my dead body will you take Rebecca away,” he finally growled menacingly.
“This doesn’t have to be hard. Artemy, as a Boss, I’m sure your people are more important than just a measly whore who keeps your bed warm.” Raffaele chuckled.
His laughter rang through the air, and my blood roared. It felt like my ears were bleeding. His voice, his presence, his sadistic laughter, it was all too much for me.
His last words finally got a reaction from Artemy. But not one I expected.
“Brayden, get her inside,” Artemy said, his voice calm, yet so cold and deadly.
Brayden nodded and took my arm, pulling me toward the gates. I saw Artemy, Milandro, and Leon still standing, facing Raffaele. But Raffaele’s eyes were on me, trained on my body and every movement I was making.
Brayden stopped at the gates, and I huddled closer to him, seeking protection.
“Get the fuck out of here, Raffaele. This is the last time I am going to say this. It takes only one bullet to be fired and war will be upon us. Leave my property or my men will be forced to shoot.”
Raffaele raised an eyebrow and started to back away slowly. “You are right. We will let Rebecca decide.”
Artemy’s fists tightened even further, his face murderous.
Raffaele sent me a wink. “I will be waiting, love.” With that, he got into his car, his men following behind as they drove away.
And then we were alone.