Page 56 of Crimson Fate
“Gia,” Eva announces.
My eyes widen at Eva’s suggestion. Gia, Anthony’s own daughter.
“I don’t know, Eva,” I say cautiously. “I don’t think Gia would ever betray her father.”
Eva fixes me with a steely gaze, her resolve unwavering. “Vincent, think about it. Gia is the perfect candidate. She’s caught between her loyalty to her father and her love for you. If we can convince her you’re concerned her father may have gotten in over his head and you want to help him, maybe she will give you what you need to end this.”
Marco chimes in, his voice laced with doubt. “That seems like an awfully dangerous position to put Gia in.”
I contemplate their words, weighing the risks and potential rewards of involving Gia in our plan. It’s a dangerous game we’re playing. “No matter what, her world is about to be torn apart,” I remind Marco.
Marco nods slowly, understanding the gravity of our situation. “Alright, boss,” he says, his voice tinged with apprehension.
I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions that threaten to consume me. Hours ago, I thought that perhaps Gia and I might have a future together, and now I am contemplating betraying her.
I look at Eva and Marco, their faces reflecting the weight of our decision. “We need to proceed cautiously,” I state firmly. “I’ll take care of Gia. Marco, I need you out there talking to soldiers, figuring out what other capos might have flipped. Eva, you move forward with planning the party with all my captains to announce my engagement. We’ll use that as the opportunity to out Anthony and anyone he might be working with in front of everyone.”
Marco nods in understanding, his loyalty unwavering. “Consider it done, boss,” he says, determination etched into every line of his face.
As Marco leaves to carry out his task, Eva turns to me with concern in her eyes. “Are you sure about involving Gia in all of this?” she asks softly. “I know I suggested it, but if you are in love with her, I wouldn’t expect you to—”
“When did I say I was in love with her?” I ask sharply.
She shakes her head. “You went away with her this weekend, and you were willing to marry her. I just assumed maybe some feelings had started to develop.”
I consider her words and sigh heavily before responding. “Gia could be the key to getting the evidence we need and exposing Anthony’s betrayal to the other capos. If anyone can get him to let his guard down, it’s her. Maybe I was starting to develop feelings for her, and I don’t know—I guess I could even see a future with her, but I’m not in love with her.”
Eva’s eyes light up when she hears me say the words, and I try not to read too much into her expression.
As Eva and I discuss the plan, I am torn between a feeling of excitement and relief to be working toward securing the legacy of my father with Eva’s help, but also a bit of grief for the glimpse of a future with Gia I had, but I know can never be. I’m not sure if I’m sad about the fact I know I’ll lose Gia in this or if it was more the promise of what could have been. A future I never dared imagine. One where my playing the role of husband and father could actually exist.
“I guess we should get started then,” Eva interrupts my thoughts. “The first thing I need is a list of everyone I should send an invitation to.”
As Eva and I delve into the logistics of planning the engagement event, my mind continues to whirl with conflicting emotions. Gia’s face flashes before my eyes, her captivating smile and the way her laughter tinkles through the air. A part of me can’t help but wonder what it would be like if things were different—if we could genuinely have a future together.
But I push those thoughts aside, reminding myself of the necessity of this plan. Gia may be caught in the crossfire, but her involvement is crucial in exposing Anthony’s treachery.
The only solace I take is having Eva by my side, once again helping me through yet another dark moment. I’m not sure what I would do without her.
Chapter Twenty
The clock chimes midnight, a haunting echo in the sprawling estate that’s become too much of a fortress and not enough of a home. My gaze lingers on Eva, her eyes too wide, too alert for this hour. I can tell she’s considering the risks I’m facing. I don’t want to be alone tonight.
“Stay,” I start, my voice low, trying to sound more like an offer than an order. “Amelia’s old room is empty. It’s late, and Marco... he has already left for the night, and I don’t want you leaving without an escort.”
She looks up at me, the ghost of a smile tugging at her lips, a stark contrast to the tension coiled within me. “If you’re sure it’s not a bother.”
I nod, suppressing the urge to reach out and assure her with more than words. “I prefer knowing you’re safe here with me.”
The silence stretches between us, heavy with things unsaid, until she breaks it with the clear ring of her laughter, sudden and bright. “You know what would make me feel even safer? A late-night snack. Any chance your kitchen is stocked with something sinfully unhealthy?”
“Seriously?” I ask. “After everything tonight, are you actually thinking about food?”
She pats her stomach and grins at me, replying, “I’m always thinking about food.”
A smirk plays on my face as I turn to lead her toward the kitchen. “Me too, come on. I think Amelia hid her chocolate stash somewhere in there.”
As we walk, the tension eases from my shoulders, replaced by a warmth that has nothing to do with the plush rugs beneath our feet. The refrigerator’s hum fills the air as I flick on the kitchen light. Shadows retreat to the corners, banished by the soft glow that bathes the countertops in warmth.