Page 96 of The Don
“Ma’am,” he grumbles.
We both know Ruben’s home is heavily guarded and the chance of me actually being able to leave is slim to none. “I just want to speak with Ruben.”
He takes a step back, pulls his phone out of his pocket, and brings it to his ear. Salvo puts distance between us so I can’t hear the actual conversation. “You’re so damn spirited, aren’t you?” Rose murmurs.
Salvo returns and gestures toward the shed, where a door opens and Ruben appears. The moment my eyes land on him, I know he’s working Adrian over. “Amorina, why are you here? You should be resting in bed.” He looks toward Rose, then back at me.
I quickly assess him and I’m thankful to see Ruben’s not hurt—confirming that Adrian must be in a world of pain. “I need to see him.”
“No,” Ruben’s response is definite.
“I’m not asking.” I gulp as I straighten. “I need to see him,” I repeat with a quiver.
“No.” Ruben steps toward me, slides his arm around my waist, and turns me from the shed. He slowly begins to walk me away. “You need to go back to bed.”
I stop and take a step backward. “I’ve asked you for nothing and you’ve given me everything. But now, I’m asking for this. I need to see him, because he needs to look into my eyes and see that he hasn’t won. I have.” Saying those words makes my skin break out into goose bumps.
“Amorina...” Ruben shakes his head but I lift mine higher.
“I can and I have to do this.” I intake a breath and stare into his hooded dark eyes. “He took so much from me, please, don’t let him take this too.”
“What’s happening in there is enough to give you nightmares for the rest of your life.”
“More than what he’s already inflicted on me?” I shake my head. “This is my closure.” Ruben’s jaw grinds together as his nostrils flare in anger. “I understand you want to protect me, but I’ll never be able to move on if I can’t confront him. Just once.”
Ruben pinches the bridge of his nose. He opens his eyes and looks to Rose. “Stay outside.”
“I have to be with her,” Rose argues. I grab onto her hand and squeeze, silently telling her I’ll be okay.
“You either stay outside, or she doesn’t go in.”
A tear rolls down my cheek as I look at Rose. “I know that whatever is going on in there neither of us should see. I’m not going to scare you any more than you have been because of me. I need to do this.”
“Fuck, Eliza,” Rose groans as she shifts her weight from foot to foot. “We’re family, we stick together.”
“Yes, we are. But this is something I have to do alone.” I won’t subject her to any more hurt.
After what seems like a lifetime, Rose finally agrees. “I’ll be right here.” She points to a spot beside the door.
“Thank you.” I lean in and give her a hug before Ruben leads me into the shed. Truth is, Rose hates Adrian, and given half the chance, I know she’d kill him without regret. But he deserves a long and painful death.
The moment I’m inside the shed, the air is filled with dread, hate, and hopelessness. Toward the back of the brightly lit shed, Adrian is wearing only his briefs and shackled to a chair. Blood is dripping out of his nose, one eye is swollen shut, and he has cuts all over his body. So much blood.
“Uncle,” Dominic says when he sees me. Ruben lifts his hand, motioning for Dominic to stay where he is.
I drift closer to Adrian, who looks like he’s passed out. His head is lolled to the side, and his breathing is labored. “Is that the best you’ve fucking got?” Adrian groans as he lifts his head and blinks with his one good eye. My heart is hammering inside my chest as I float closer. He turns his head to see who’s approaching and he wrestles against the restraints. “What the fuck is she doing here? Get her out.”
Something about his terror is calming me. I look over to Ruben and say, “Are you done with him?”
“Not even close,” Ruben replies.
A proud smile stretches my lips. “Good.”
“Be a good little cunt and fuck off,” Adrian spits toward me.
I hear Ruben advancing but hold my hand up to stop him. I snicker when I see Adrian’s had a few teeth knocked out. His mouth is inflamed from the beating he’s already received. I take another step closer and Adrian attempts to free himself from the restraints. “I’m going to watch as they peel the skin off your bones.” Adrian intakes a sharp breath. I shuffle closer. “I’ll encourage them to burn your eyes out of their sockets, and then I’m going to cheer as they shove barbed wire up your ass and tear it out. And I’m going to love every fucking minute of it,” I say in a low voice.
Adrian’s one good eye widens while I smile. “Honor among family, Uncle. Please, I don’t want her here.”