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Vendetta del Cuore

Page 8

by Leigh Kenzie


  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “You really want to claim that fag as a brother? He must fuck everyone like some whore.”

  The sentence shocks me. I didn’t even hear the people come in while I’m getting cleaned up by Luca who stiffens with a growl. He tosses down the washcloth he was using to wipe me as he takes a step towards who was speaking. From the look of distaste on Eamon’s face, it’s clear who made the proclamation. I scramble out of bed and reach for my clothes. I don’t even bother with my underwear, just pull on my pants. I leave the shirt off, so they get a good look at my scar. I’m proud of it…proud of being a member of Il Padrone’s family. Fuck them if they think I’d ever go to their side.

  “Boys. Back off,” Master says calmly. Luca is almost directly in front of Eamon, and I notice Ignacio is in the room as well, looming behind Eamon, so close that my supposed-brother can probably feel Ignacio breathing down his neck. Luca pulls back immediately, going over to his own clothes and pulling his own pants on. Ignacio moves a little slower but listens to Master’s command.

  “I am sure that Eamon didn’t mean to insult those under my command,” Master remarks, using thinly veiled sarcasm. His warning is clear.

  “Of course not,” Brendan interrupts the tension in a strong voice. “He apologizes. He has a busy schedule and needs to leave now.”

  It’s a clear dismissal, and while Eamon looks like he wants to argue, he gives a sharp nod and leaves with one of the guards. I don’t know where he’s going, and I don’t fucking care. Instead, Brendan and I stare at each other. I can tell he’s assessing me, and I’m not sure what he finds. His gaze does linger on my scar, and even though that’s what I hoped for, I'm not sure I feel comfortable with it.

  After the silent appraisal, Brendan clears his throat before acknowledging it, “How are you faring?”

  “Fine,” I respond curtly, having no patience for him and the O’Connel family. Fuck them if they think I would have otherwise.

  “Are you being treated well?” Brendan asks before continuing without pause, “I can provide excellent follow-up care for you. I want to make sure you’re out of danger. As head of our family, I take that responsibility seriously. You belong with us instead of being owned.”

  He can’t hide his own disgust there. I ignore the sharp inhale around me and barely make out Ignacio’s muttering of a dead body, whatever that is about. Instead, I tip my head up and widen my stance, making it clear I’m formidable in my own right. My hands clench into fists before I manage to relax them.

  “I am exactly where I belong, surrounded by real family. You were nowhere to be found, and don’t give me shit about not knowing. If that was true, I can’t believe you’ve made it this long. And how dare you talk about ownership,” I snarl, unable to prevent the words coming out of my mouth. “I have a Master who is always truthful, and it’s an honor to be his and belong with the others. You want to own me as well—to claim me because we share blood. I will never go through that again. My loyalty has nothing to do with genetics anymore, and you can walk out those fucking doors if you think I’ll ever go back to that.”

  “Emilio, think about what you’re doing,” Brendan urges as he comes closer. “These are people who caused you to end up with a gunshot wound and almost die. Not to mention someone who called you a toy and destroyed your reputation! He’s deranged and obviously brainwashing you. Come with me, and I’ll give you the best of everything. I won’t mistreat you, and I’ll even make sure you’re able to continue your education.”

  The last words are an arrow to my heart but not in the way Brendan thinks. I partially miss school, but if I ever wanted it, I know Master would make it possible. I don’t miss who I was, though. I don’t miss the boy I used to be, and I won’t be denied my vengeance against Radcliff and anyone else involved in the death of my mother.

  The tension in the room is so high it feels combustible. One wrong move can lead to destruction. I’m already surprised it hasn’t. Insulting Master in his own house takes more balls than I thought Brendan had. He must want to keep up appearances desperately. I’m outraged as he doesn’t understand loyalty—how haven’t they been crushed yet?

  “Get. The. Fuck. Out,” I growl. “How dare you speak ill of my Master?! You are nothing to me. He is everything. I don’t want to hear from you again. Next time you want to play family, maybe get Eamon in line as he doesn’t want to be family with a ‘fag’ anyway.”

  I’m vibrating with anger at this point and take a step towards Brendan. His only reaction is to look bored and give a nod. I have a feeling he was testing me, and I don’t care what he’s decided. He turns to leave without another word, following his guard out as Ignacio and Luca flank them wordlessly. Another guard falls in silently behind them, but I can tell he’s useless as well. Luca and Ignacio seem to be barely withholding their own rage.

  As soon as they leave, I take a deep breath and feel the tightness leave my body. My shoulder aches a bit from it, but I ignore the pain. I look carefully at Master who remained in the room. I’m not sure if I overstepped. Instead of the displeasure I expect, I see amusement and something else. He saunters over to me and gripping the back of my neck pulls me into a searing kiss. It’s full of passion, his tongue demanding access to my mouth and ravishing it. There’s clear domination, and my knees go weak in response. It’s a dizzying feeling, this desire to submit, and my entire body shudders as his other hand squeezes my ass and tries to pull me even closer. I can’t get enough, and even though I feel like I can’t breathe anymore, I don’t want it to stop. I actually whimper desperately when he breaks the kiss. His forehead leans against mine, and we’re breathing heavily. He pulls back and looks into my eyes. That’s when it dawns on me.

  It’s pride in his eyes.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Sitting in my office, I can’t help but run through what happened. It’s not often I’m surprised, but the vehemency of Emilio’s defense certainly shocked me. I’m proud of him for standing up against Brendan and for defending our Family. I’m not foolish enough to believe it was solely about me. The bond between the boys is as strong as ever. If anything, the addition of Emilio has cemented it, made it even deeper. His inner flame and soul draws people to him, an asset he needs to learn how to weaponize. Yet his passionate claim for me showed his respect and that matters. Some may consider him foolish for his beliefs or think he’s simply making the best of what they consider a bad situation, but Emilio is unlocked. He no longer carries the chains of society, and that’s because of me. There’s a reason my boys are loyal. I may mold them, train them, even steal them away from their previous lives, but they always had that spark in them. Fuck anyone else who can’t see it.

  He’s picked up more than I thought. Emilio could easily tell Brendan only wanted to use him as a pawn, as a way to look good. I’m confident he’s ready for the next test. It’s time to give him his belated birthday present and see how deep his loyalty goes.

  I hear a knock on the door as I finish the thought, and I give permission to enter. Luca strolls in and stands in front of my desk, choosing not to sit. I look up at him as I lean back in my chair. He quietly huffs, walking a thin line, as he sits down.

  “Do you doubt him?” I ask. Luca is the only one who knows what’s coming.

  “No. He’s already proved his loyalty. Fuck. He’s taken a gunshot for you, and he told Brendan to fuck off. Why do this?” Luca responds tightly, tugging at his hair.

  “The gunshot wound is certainly a testament but could also be considered a reflex,” I respond sitting forward sharply, “And you know the difference between words and deeds. I’m sure you remember your own time.”

  I can tell by his deep breath and far-away look that he does remember it and relives it. He should. It doesn’t matter that he had told me he loved me beforehand. This life isn’t easy, and I will make everyone walk through fire to earn their spot.

  “I won’t kill him if he fails,” I state gruffly, “but I think y
ou’ll be surprised how much he needs this. And it’s a perfect birthday gift. And don’t even bother giving me bullshit about how none of you get birthdays. I know damn well you celebrate each other’s and made sure he had plenty of gifts. I’m simply giving him one last one.”

  Luca’s eyes roll as he slumps down. I consider punishing him, but I’ll let him have this moment. He can always pay for doubting me later.

  “It’s time. Let’s go,” I command as I stand and stroll to the door. I don’t even look to see if he’s following. He may hate what will happen, but he knows he can’t fucking stop it.

  Ignacio and Emilio are waiting for us in the foyer, talking softly to each other. Both quiet immediately upon seeing me and wait for my acknowledgment. I take a moment to look at how they’re dressed. Ignacio must have gone shopping for them both, their suits are Italian, clearly well fitted, and the light jackets will come in useful. The only deviation is that while Emilio’s is a classic black, Ignacio’s is fog colored, that much gray would have caused anyone else to look washed out but not him. Yet, both have a nod to each other as each of them are wearing ties the color of each other’s suits. It’s a striking picture they make. Ignacio has devised yet another way to stake his claim on Emilio, even if it’s being part of a brotherhood.

  “Let’s go,” I say as the guards open the door for me. The limo is waiting for us, and I enter first, the rest piling in. Emilio is sitting next to me while Luca and Ignacio sprawl on the other side of the limo. There’s an edge in the air and not even Luca tries to break it. I can feel the heat emanating from Emilio and the dash of fear. He wasn’t told anything about what would happen. Just to be ready.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The air is stifling in the limo, and I’m not sure what will happen. All Master said was I’d be receiving my birthday present. It doesn’t sound like anything conventional and from Ignacio’s solemn demeanor, I’m not sure it’ll be anything I actually want. By the time the limo pulls to a stop, I’m trying not to hyperventilate, and only Ignacio’s calm eyes directly in front of me keep me steady. I haven’t looked at Luca or Master. I’m not sure I want to see their expressions.

  Once the door opens, I take a bracing breath, and I slide out. My first surprise is Marcus is there waiting in front of a building. It’s nothing special from what I can tell. It looks like an old work building in the middle of nowhere. It sends a chill down my spine when I realize this could very well be the scene of a horror movie with no one around to hear my screams. I run through everything mentally, but I can’t think of a reason Master would want to punish me. With a gulp and straightening my shoulders, I follow Master into the building, passing Marcus when he holds open the door.

  The first thing that hits me is the smell. It’s the sense of despair, of bleach that can’t quite cover the stench of blood. The lighting is too dim to see much, so I follow closely. We head into a smaller room, and a light is turned on. I can’t smoother my gasp of shock.

  “Radcliff?” I choke out. I can’t believe it’s him. I was positive that Master would have killed him by now, though, from how he looks, I’m surprised he’s alive. There are bruises covering his entire body, places that have been sewn up, and his clothes are ragged. The stench makes it clear they haven’t been caring for him well, and I cringe internally as I remember being in filth of my own. It doesn’t appear he’s suffering from the same thing Allesandro did to me, I see no diaper at least. He’s lost weight, but it’s the look he gives me that highlights the change.

  Instead of the disgust, he showed last time, there’s a wariness and pain in his eyes. It even appears like he wants to beg—for what, I’m not sure. If it’s forgiveness, he won’t find it here. He’s strapped to a chair that’s bolted to the floor, and there’s a gag stuffed in his mouth. I never thought I’d see him like this.

  “Emilio,” Master snaps, and I automatically cringe. He must have tried before if he’s that exasperated. With an ashamed look, I glance at him. Seeing him give me a nod, I relax slightly or rather as much as this situation allows at least.

  “Cliff still hasn’t given us an answer about who gave him the information about your heritage or helped set things in motion. Not even Ignacio was able to get him to talk. It’s your turn,” Master says gravely. I notice that Ignacio has silently moved things away so there’s a tray of tools now visible. I blanch a bit before steeling myself for what needs to happen. Master makes it clear he’s leaving, and I want to whimper. He waves me forward and bends down to whisper in my ear at the door.

  “Get me that information. Then end it. Take your revenge.”

  I swallow audibly and nod my head, unable to speak. I know by his serious gaze, I had better deliver. They’ve taught me interrogation techniques and how to use the various tools, but as I watch each man slip through the door I can barely stuff down the panic. Ignacio’s wink on the way out helps me ground myself. I know he believes in me. This is my time to prove I’m strong enough to extract my revenge.

  I slowly turn back to my brother. Taking slow, deliberate steps toward him, I finally stand in front of him. Our eyes are locked, and though, I haven’t started yet, we’re both breathing heavily.

  I reach out with a shaking hand and touch his cheek, stroking it gently. I can see past the marks on him and remember the boy he used to be. How he’d play Monopoly with me, how he’d give me candy even when mom said no, and how I always used to idolize him. Those memories rush through my mind, one after the other, stuck in a loop. I remove my hand from his face, letting it drop by my side, and he looks away, tension vibrating through his body.

  I stare at him a little longer before I reach around and unhook the gag, removing it slowly. He doesn’t say anything, just moves his jaw trying to make it feel better. Glancing around I see bottles of water and another chair. I grab a couple of bottles and move the chair so I can sit in front of him. Before I do, I remove my suit jacket and roll up the sleeves. The silence stretches out between us, an entire gulf of quietness we can’t find our way through as I sit down. I crack open a bottle and take a sip. It draws his eyes back to me, and I watch as he tracks the movement of water desperately.

  “Thirsty?” I ask quietly. His nod is weary, and I lean forward cautiously, tipping the bottle to allow him to drink. I pull it back, watching as his tongue tries to moisten his lips, wanting more liquid that I deny.

  “What happened, Radcliff? I know you’ve never had this level of hate in you before,” I ask mournfully, needing to understand.

  “Look, you have to let me go. There’s a door to the outside in here. You just need to open it, and I’ll disappear. Get these restraints off me. I’m your brother. I know you don’t want to hurt me,” he pleads, his voice still scratchy from being dry.

  “I can’t suddenly let you go. Not without an answer. You don’t know what he’d do to me. You know that video that disgusted you so much? I did that for you because I thought there was no way you’d give me to him. He’s tortured me. I need to know the answer before I can do anything,” I implore him, leaning forward to touch his knee.

  “Look. I’m sorry I said that. I should have known it was you looking out for me. We’re brothers. I didn’t think he’d keep you or hurt you. I always heard he had a soft spot for his boys. I only wanted to protect you. I thought if I gave you to him, it would keep him from hurting you to get back at me,” Radcliff responds earnestly. I can tell he wants to believe the lies he’s telling me, and it takes everything in me to not call him out, to feed into this facade.

  I stand and pace around the room, muttering to myself, trying to rectify these feelings. I know he’s full of shit. He’s also the only brother I’ve known for twenty years. Fuck. I hate this. I feel the burning need for vengeance and the overwhelming need to offer him forgiveness like I’d been taught by our mom when I was a kid.

  “Look. I can’t just let you go like this,” I reiterate as I go to stand over him before dropping my voice to a whisper and flicking my eyes to the door lea
ding outside, “but…if you give me the answers Master needs, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

  “If I haven’t given answers to his thugs, why do you think I’d give them to you?” Radcliff sneers. I’m not surprised he wasn’t able to keep his pleading demeanor for long. It causes me to sigh and take a step towards the tools Ignacio pulled out for me.

  My mind catalogs everything on the table. Ice pick, knives of different sizes, blow torch, hammer, pliers, and I don’t even recognize the rest. There are also some shots available. I read the cards they’re on top of and note morphine and epinephrine. Both good choices, but I hope I don’t have to use them. I look around the room to see if there are any other tools I can use and notice some rusty nails sticking out from the wall. I grab the hammer and go to the wall, carefully extracting each nail. I carefully breathe in and out, centering myself, before turning back to face my brother. Someone I thought always had my back, but lies twisted our relationship until it left only the rotting remnants of brotherly love.

  Stalking closer, I sit down again and grab one of his hands to steady it. He can’t move, but he tries to curl his fingers as soon as he guesses my intention. Without a word, I jam one under his fingernail. The resulting scream doesn’t faze me as much as I’d expected. I go to the next finger and do the same thing. By the time I reach the fourth finger, he’s no longer cursing but breathing hard, and when I glance up, I see the tears streaming down his face, his mouth moving silently as he tries to beg.

  I grab the water and bring it to his mouth, tipping it carefully as he struggles to breathe. I don’t want him to choke and die on me before I have answers. I feel adrenaline running through my body, and I’m hyper-aware of every movement he makes. This is the most powerful I’ve felt, like a fucking lion ready to kill a rodent. I don’t bother to speak, I just stare at him, wanting him—needing him to break first.

 

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