Chapter 5 - The Guilt Breaks
Wednesday evening, a torrential downpour washed over New York City. The Rossi penthouse was quiet, save for the crackling of the fireplace. Matteo sat in his leather armchair, swirling a glass of scotch.
Camilla emerged from the bedroom, wearing a silk robe. She looked completely shattered. The dark circles under her eyes were impossible to hide with makeup anymore. She walked over and sat on the rug by his feet, resting her head on his knee.
"Matteo," she began, her voice cracking. "If... if I ever did something terrible, something unforgivable, could you ever forgive me?"
Matteo looked down at her. He could see the confession fighting to claw its way out of her throat. She was at her breaking point, caught between the mafia wolves holding her brother and the lion she was supposed to marry.
"I am a man of loyalty, Camilla," he said softly, stroking her hair. "In my world, betrayal is paid for with blood. But I also believe that a cornered animal will do whatever it takes to survive. If someone I loved was forced into a corner, I wouldn't punish them. I would slaughter the ones who put them there."
Camilla froze. She looked up at him, her beautiful eyes shimmering with tears. She opened her mouth to speak, to finally tell him about Julian, about the bug, about the Morettis.
But her phone buzzed on the coffee table. A text from an unknown number.
May you like
Matteo caught a glimpse of the screen: PIER 42. IF THE INTEL IS BAD, WE SEND THE BOY BACK IN PIECES.
Camilla’s face drained of color. She swallowed her confession, stood up quickly, and forced a smile. "I'm just overthinking the wedding vows. I need some sleep."
