Page 100 of Prince of Sin

We make our way to the car in silence, the weight of our unspoken words and feelings growing heavier with each step. The engine roars to life as we pull away from the only home we've known together, the sound of it unable to drown out the thoughts consuming me.

For the first time in my life, I don't turn music on as we drive.

And as the convent comes into view, its imposing walls and solemn atmosphere a stark contrast to the vibrant life we once shared, I can't help but feel that the music of our love has reached its final note – a somber melody that will forever haunt the darkest corners of my heart.

ChapterForty

"Come on," Constantino says to me as I sit on one of the sofas in our father's old office. He's taken over the space since arriving at the mansion, and honestly, I'm just as happy to let him take things over. Without Raven, I'm nothing. I'm not even myself, and I'm certainly not able to lead the family.

"I know what will get you out of this pity party you're throwing yourself," he says, a sick grin plastered on his face.

"You got Raven to come back and give up being a nun to marry me?" I ask sarcastically, but deep down, I'm hoping for every word of it to be true.

"No," Constantino says, his grin widening. "I've got Carmine and Enzo tied up downstairs, and I'm ready to torture them for what they did."

"How is that supposed to make me feel better?" I ask, feeling my stomach churn at the thought.

"It'll make me feel better. Besides, I'll need you to clean up, so you might as well be there and have some fun with it."

I roll my eyes. "That's not really the type of fun I have."

"Don't be a pussy," Constantino says. I roll my eyes and follow him.

We make our way down to the dungeon, and I can feel the darkness closing in around us. Constantino has a sick way about him – it's like he revels in this stuff. He's got Carmine and Enzo tied up in the same cell that Raven was held in, except this time there's no cot, and they're chained in a rather painful-looking manner to the wall.

Carmine's wrists are shackled above his head, his body stretched out as far as it can go, while Enzo is bound in a more twisted position – one arm behind his back, the other pulled up and over his shoulder, straining the muscles in his torso. They both look like they've been through hell, and my stomach twists even more at the sight.

"Ready for some fun?" Constantino asks, rubbing his hands together. I don't respond, but inside, I'm screaming. This isn't what I want, but I'm trapped in this life, in this family.

"Let's get started," he says, and I brace myself for what's to come.

* * *

"Please, Teddy, you know us! We wouldn't betray the family! Don't listen to him. He's always wanted your brother's position in the family. He's trying to manipulate you." Enzo pleads, his voice strained from the awkward position he's in. Carmine, on the other hand, just sobs and begs for mercy.

"Enough!" Constantino snaps, clearly enjoying their desperation. He turns to Enzo first, picking up a pair of pliers from a nearby table. "Who were you working with from the Irish?"

"Never," Enzo gasps out, his eyes filled with defiance.

"Wrong answer." Constantino grabs one of Enzo's fingers with the pliers and, with a sickening crunch, breaks it. I can't help but wince at the sound, my stomach roiling.

"Okay, okay! It was O'Malley!" Enzo cries out, tears streaming down his face.

"Good boy," Constantino sneers, moving on to Carmine. "And who was your contact?" he asks, brandishing a knife now.

"I don't know! I swear!" Carmine's voice trembles, and he tries to shrink away from the blade. He's been holding onto this answer for some time, but I know his resolve is thinning.

"Fine," Constantino says, unimpressed, and proceeds to slice shallow cuts into Carmine's chest, making him scream in pain.

"It was Declan!" Carmine finally yells, tears mixing with sweat as they run down his face.

"See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" Constantino grins wickedly. With a sudden, brutal movement, he slits Carmine's throat, blood spraying everywhere. Enzo watches in horror, unable to tear his eyes away.

"Your turn," Constantino tells Enzo, and despite everything, I feel a pang of sympathy for the man who once offered me guidance. My brother drives the knife deep into Enzo's gut, twisting it mercilessly before ripping it back out. Enzo chokes on his own blood, dying a slow, agonizing death.

"Ah, that always gets me going," Constantino says with a laugh, wiping his hands on a nearby cloth. "I need to find some girl to fuck. Meet you back here in an hour. Just get them down. I've got something special waiting for them."

I can only imagine what that means. Guaranteed it's something horrific knowing Consty. He doesn't wait for an answer before leaving me alone with the butchered bodies of two men I once respected.