Chapter 6

It felt like lightning ripped through her. Every nerve shook. It hurt—but underneath was this weird sense of finality.

She opened her mouth to explain, but Carlo wasn't even looking at her. He held Gina like she was glass and walked her toward the master bedroom.

"The doctor's on his way," he murmured. "Don't be scared. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

Every word sliced her up all over again.

Hands trembling, Vera hesitated—then sent him a message.

[Whether you believe me or not, I didn't hurt her.]

The second she hit send, her body gave out. She dragged herself to her room and crashed into sleep.

She figured he'd never reply.

But the next day, his message was waiting.

[Tomorrow is your coming-of-age. I'll hold it as scheduled.]

Vera froze. She hadn't expected him to throw her a coming-of-age party.

Maybe he remembered. Maybe it was his twisted way of giving her one last shred of dignity.

She wore the dress he'd picked out ages ago. Even found shoes that masked her limp.

At the venue, the host handed her a mic.

She gave a tight smile. "Thanks for coming to my coming-of-age—"

Laughter.

All eyes on her, dripping with mockery.

She stood there, blindsided.

Then came Gina, cradling some fluffy dog, trailing a pack of sycophants. Her smirk was poison.

"Vera, sweetie, I know you're finally legal or whatever. Sucks this party ain't for you. Carlo threw it for my dog."

The crowd howled.

And just like that, Vera got it. The message that morning—Gina. Using Carlo's phone. Just to set her up.

Gina caught her look and snorted.

"What, you still think Carlo's gonna save you?" She leaned in, voice low, sharp. "I can pull this right here on Quaranta ground. You really think the Don doesn't know?"

Then she kicked Vera's bad leg. Hard.

"Carlo told me to straighten you out. Knock that attitude right outta you."

Vera hit the floor, pain exploding through her. She tried to crawl.

Hands slammed her back down.

Gina flicked out a knife.

Quick. Mean. Dozens of shallow cuts.

Vera shook, vision tunneling, the edges of the world going dark.

Gina stepped back, admiring her work.

"Carlo says this is payback for touching my wound last time," she said. "You mouth off again, he'll snap your leg."

'My leg's already wrecked.'

Then Vera saw him. Carlo. Second floor. Watching.

He'd seen it all. Every cut. Every kick.

Her vision dipped. She smiled, bitter and broken, and lifted her eyes to him.

"I get it," she said softly. "I hope you and Gina get a lifetime of love."