Cruel Saints

I’ll be surrounded by my father’s enemies, but it doesn’t scare me. Not when Dante is the enemy I fear the most.

“You’re to learn whatever they can teach you so you can help take over the business when you marry Dante.” Father’s eyes snap up to mine, and he pins me with an unforgiving glare as his words shudder through me. “It should be an easy task. Don’t disappoint me.”

Marry Dante?

God. No. No. No.

My mouth dries with the impending death sentence because that’s what it is. I will hang myself before vowing myself to Dante.

Knowing it would be stupid to argue, I bite my tongue to keep the words of protest from escaping.

“Lucian Cotroni is currently a guest at St. Monarch’s. Beware of him. His father is the head of the Mafia. You say nothing to him. Do you hear me?” Father pins me with dark warning creasing his brows. “The Cotronis will not hesitate to kill in order to take our business. You avoid Lucian Cotroni at all costs. Understand?”

I quickly nod. Not that I know anything I could tell the Cotronis. Dante and my father never share anything business-related with me.

“I’m only sending you there to learn something of worth, and so you’re out of the way. We have a new problem to deal with, and I need Dante by my side.”

Which means he won’t be with me.

I quickly nod again.

“Leave,” Father barks, and then Dante grabs hold of my arm, yanking me out of the study.

I’m dragged back to my suite and shoved inside. Dante presses his body against my back, and a repulsed shiver races over my skin as his breath skims over my ear. “It’s only a matter of time before you belong to me.”

He shoves me hard, and the force has me stumbling into the back of my couch. I hear Dante leave, and then he locks the door, so I can’t escape.

For a long moment, I stand still, processing what just happened.

I get to go to St. Monarch’s. I’ll be free of the villa. Even if it’s just for a short while.

My hope begins to blossom, making the blood rush through my veins.

I don’t know much of what happens at St. Monarch’s, but I do know Dante won’t be there.

God, I won’t have Dante watching and following me. He won’t be there to force himself on me or to beat me.

My lips begin to curve higher in a hopeful smile, and I press my hand to my excited heart.

I’m turning twenty-one next week. Only six days, and I’ll be rid of Dante, even if just for a short while.

I’ll finally taste freedom.

Chapter 3

LUCIAN

The Past - 20 Years Old.

Pristinely dressed in an Armani three-piece suit, I look at my reflection in the mirror. I have my father’s features. A sharp bone structure with the usual Italian dark hair and eyes.

I take after my father in every way, which has made us closer than most fathers and sons. Much closer. I’m not just Luca Cotroni’s heir but his confidant and only friend. With my father being the head of the Mafia, friends are not a luxury we can afford. It makes the bond of blood between us sacred and unbreakable.

“You ready?” Father asks as he walks into my suite.

A grin tugs at the corner of my mouth as I turn to face him. “I am.”

His gaze sweeps over me, and then he gives me a proud smile. “Today, you will take your rightful place next to me.” I watch as he pulls a gun from behind his back, and my eyes lock on the personalized Glock in his hand. “I had it made for you,” my father says as he holds it out to me.

Lifting my hand, my fingers wrap around the handle that’s engraved with our family name. Cotroni.

“Thank you,” I murmur as I accept my first gun. It means things will change now. I’ll no longer live the guarded life I’ve grown accustomed to. I’ll now stand by my father’s side during business deals. I’ll attend meetings between all the families. I’ll work with our allies, and I’ll come face to face with our rivals.

The weight of the Cotroni name bears down on my shoulders. It’s time to become the man my father’s groomed me to be all my life.

His eyes lock with mine, and then he asks again, “Are you ready?”

I know what he’s asking. Am I ready to make people fear me the same way they fear him? Am I ready to kill? Am I ready to rule the Mafia with a merciless hand?

“Yes,” I answer, lifting my chin with surety and confidence.

My father places his hand on my shoulder, his eyes holding mine with a severe look. “You give no second chances. There’s no place for mercy in our world. Show no weakness and fear. Never hesitate or second guess yourself. Be sure. Be cruel. You have to make them fear you. That’s where our power lies.”