BLOOD AND VOWS
She knew because she’d hand-picked them before the wedding, men with scars she’d paid for and silence she’d earned.
Still, the walls felt tight.
The air tasted like warning.
She sat on the edge of the kitchen table, gun in her lap, while Alessio stitched himself up again with shaking hands and no shirt.
“You’re not left-handed,” she said.
He didn’t look at her. “Doesn’t matter.”
“I could help.”
“I don’t need help.”
She stood slowly. “That’s the problem.”
He tied the thread off, blood leaking at the edge.
“You think I’m stupid,” he said, quietly.