Page 54 of Crimson Fate

“Someone was following you?” she presses.

This is the last conversation I want to have with Eva, especially considering I have more questions than answers about who was in the mystery car. “It was probably me being paranoid,” I reply dismissively.

“I thought you were going to be gone the entire weekend,” Eva says, her brows pinching together in confusion. “Did things not go as well as you had expected?” I wonder if I hear a bit of hopefulness in her tone.

“Let’s just say the weekend brought more than we anticipated,” I answer.

“Why does that sound ominous?” Eva asks, stepping closer.

“I got a call from Anthony while I was out there. He told me some of the other captains aren’t willing to give in to Lorenzo’s offer. So I sent Gia back to the city with Nico and went to see Carmine DeLuca,” I explain.

Eva shakes her head wildly. “Wait, you did what? As in Carmine DeLuca, the kingpin of New Jersey? Are you crazy? Why would you do that? Do you know how dangerous he is? You went there by yourself?”

I chuckle at her excited response. “You do understand who I am, right?”

“Vincent, DeLuca is a different breed than you are or even your father was. I’ve heard they have dealings with the Cartel and—”

“Boss, should you really be discussing these things with her. Is it... wise?” Marco interjects.

“Eva’s not just anyone,” I remind him. “She was here the night everything happened with my father. She knows truths that only a trusted few know.”

He nods. “I’m sorry, I’m just trying to look out for your best interests.”

I meet her gaze, finding an ocean of resolve staring back at me. “I trust her. More than most people in my life.” The words hang in the air, a solemn vow that wraps around us, binding me to her beyond the reach of any familial bloodline.

“Great, I’m glad you trust me and all, but how about you share what the hell happened when you went to see Carmine,” Eva continues in a panicked voice. “I mean, you’re here, so that seems like a win.”

“Actually, going to see Carmine was probably the smartest thing I’ve done since I took over for my father,” I explain.

As I recount my encounter with Carmine DeLuca, Eva’s eyes widen with disbelief. They both hang on to every word.

“He revealed that we have a snake among us.” My voice was low and filled with a mix of relief and exhilaration. “Carmine told me Anthony has been playing both sides. He was the one who approached the DeLucas about using our businesses to help bring their drugs into the city more easily. He even told them he was given direct approval from me.”

Eva shakes her head. “Why would he share that with you?”

“He said he had respect for my father, so he was willing to allow me the opportunity to get my house in order. He also made it clear this is a one-time offer,” I explain.

“And you trust him?” Eva asks, closing the gap between us.

I shake my head. “I don’t see what he gains by lying to me. He could have kept me in the dark about Anthony and let things blow up in my face.”

Eva’s hand instinctively reaches for mine, her fingers intertwining with mine in a gesture of unwavering support. “What are you going to do?” she asks, her voice barely a whisper.

I take a deep breath, “I need to expose Anthony for the traitor he is, and it has to be done in front of the other captains,” I reply, determination lacing each word.

Marco’s eyes flicker with concern as he speaks up. “What if Anthony isn’t the only captain conspiring against you?”

I nod, acknowledging the risks involved. “Then I guess we need to devise a plan to expose them too.”

Eva’s grip tightens on my hand, her eyes filled with fear and determination.

“Eva,” I state, “you don’t belong in this world. While I trust you, I also want to keep you safe, which means I want you as far away from all of this as possible until it’s over.”

Eva’s eyes flash with defiance as she pulls her hand away from mine. “Are you serious? I didn’t abandon you that night Isabella tried to take everything from you, and I won’t abandon you now,” she declares, her voice filled with unwavering determination.

I can feel a surge of gratitude and love swell within me as I gaze at her, realizing the depth of her commitment. “But Eva, it’s dangerous,” I argue, my voice tinged with concern. “I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you.”

“So don’t let anything happen to me. Besides, we’re in this together, whether you like it or not.”