Page 109 of Capuleto

I didn’t know who deserved death more, her for being a traitor or me for being an idiot.

I thought about the affiliation ritual to the 'Ndrangheta with my cousin Salvatore.

My uncle, my father, and all those present watched us solemnly.

Don Giuliano had just proclaimed the oath to join "La Santa" as the new "santistis."

"In this holy night, in the silence of the night under the light of the stars and the glow of the moon, I form the holy chain, in the name of Garibaldi, Mazzini, and Lamarmora, with words of humility, I form the holy society. Say it all with me: I swear to repudiate, up to the seventh generation, any criminal society I have recognized until now to defend the honor of my wise brothers." His voice fell silent to hear our response.

"I swear to repudiate, up to the seventh generation, any criminal society I have recognized until now to defend the honor of my wise brothers."

My cousin and I looked at each other. I tried to set aside the resentment I felt for him and kept silent about what I had promised never to say.

We were offered a revolver and a cyanide pill to culminate the so-called "poison oath," or in other words, the punishment to be applied in the event of a "grave mistake."

Though I knew the law, it was at that moment that I truly understood what I was taking on.

My uncle's words echoed in the room.

"From this moment, you will not be judged by men, you will judge yourselves. If you have committed a grave mistake, you judge which path to take: either commit suicide with cyanide or shoot yourself with the revolver. You must always keep one bullet in the chamber. That last bullet is for you."

The ceremony ended with the congratulations and pride of the other members. We were both key pieces within the organization, and much was expected of us.

There was a feast; oaths always came with good food and wine, and in the end, my father took me aside to remind me how happy he was.

And now... Now I was surely shaming him.

"Hey, do you really think you’re going to keep me tied up the whole time?" I turned my head and looked at the traitor. Her arm was still bleeding, and she raised her eyebrows.

"No, of course not. Maybe I should bring you a glass of Moët while you bring your brother over to screw me over?"

"No, I’d rather you go down on me, since you do it so well, and worship this dress I put on to wait for you." She spread her legs to reveal her tempting sex, like a carnivorous plant with a mosquito.

"Sorry, this fool doesn't stumble twice on the same stone. Once was enough." Her knees closed.

"You could at least treat my wound since you're the one who tried to kill me. It’s to keep from staining the mattress with poison, I'm sure you wouldn’t want to lie on my spilled blood."

"Don’t worry, I have no intention of lying with you. When you die, I’ll burn you on the bed; there won’t be a damn trace of you in this house. And no, I won’t treat you; if it gets infected, tough luck, you should have thought of that before trying to destroy me and my family." She let out a sigh.

"Romeo, you have to listen to me. You’re making a mistake."

"I sure did make a mistake, but don’t worry, I won’t make it again."

"You have to let me tell you everything I know!"

"Save your breath and efforts. You don’t need to speak to me anymore. Consider yourself a prisoner in my house. You have no voice and no vote. I could let you die of thirst and hunger, so be thankful if I allow someone to bring you food and water."

"Oh, please!" she protested.

"Neither please nor any bullshit! You've treated me like a puppet, but it's over. There's nothing left of the man you married, you've wanted to see the bastard I can be, well, you're in luck. Get used to the idea that I won’t have any mercy on you, you don’t deserve it. And if you scream, annoy me, or try any nonsense, I’ll put a dog muzzle on you and lock you in Brutus’s kennel, so you understand your place." Nikita waved her arms, giving me a withering look. "Have a good night, Koroleva."

I heard her calling me as I closed the door, but I wasn’t going to give in. I’d be a fool if I did.

I could have left her in her room, but I preferred her in mine because I could tie her to the headboard. I went to her room to look for her phone; I wanted to find out everything I could that didn’t come from her lying mouth.

I knew her unlock pattern, I had seen her use it hundreds of times.

Why wasn't I surprised that she had a missed call from someone named YK and a WhatsApp message?