MenaI glanced over at Alessio, and then my eyes traveled to the folder and the taser. Isaac asked him what he wanted to know, but since I was already at this point—I had no problem taking the lead. “Can I?” I gathered the courage to ask.Alessio’s brows shot up. "Why not?" he responded, to my surprise. I hadn’t expected him to agree that easily.I grabbed the folder and taser, then sat down on the chair, scooting myself closer to Isaac. I wasn’t even sure about what I was going to do, but I knew that I had to do this.It wasn’t just about protecting Isaac from torture or about getting answers. It was about proving to myself and to everyone else that I could handle this.If I could handle this, I could take on anything.“Either do it yourself or just kill him already!” Gian yelled from the back, losing his patience.I turned just in time to see Alessio raise his hand to silence his brother, then his gaze shifted back to me, giving a slight nod toward Isaac, signaling me to proceed.I
MenaGian waved his injured hand in front of me. “This isn’t about me right now?” his voice rose as he yelled in my face, his brows creasing in anger.“No, this isn’t about you right now,” I felt terrible that out of all the people in the room, I had to be the one to tell him—but it was true.However, Gian wasn't having it. He shoved his hand closer. "This isn’t about me right now?" he yelled again, his voice echoing off the walls of the warehouse. “Are your eyes not working?”I felt a lump form in my throat, seeing the pain in his eyes. He must’ve felt as if I was dismissing his feelings."I think you’re overstepping," his eyes narrowed.Before it could go any further, Alessio stepped in. “Step back, Gian,” he sounded tired, the kind of tiredness that came from having too much weight on his shoulders.I had unintentionally put Alessio in a position where he felt torn between his brother and me—and the last thing I wanted was for him to choose sides.Gian and Alessio glared at each ot
Mena"If I call my boss and give him the code, it means the operation has failed, and my life is in imminent danger, beyond the possibility of assistance," Isaac claimed.This was what we wanted, right?He was talking about ending everything, but why did it make me feel even more sorry for him?"Since I signed a contract, I’ll be nothing more than just a number in this operation, and they don’t have much on you, so you’ll be safe for a long time. It’ll remain registered as failed for a minimum of ten years," he said."And why would you do that?" Alessio questioned.“Because I won’t let you cut off all my limbs for something you deserve to know,” a sad smile crept across his face. “And I don’t want to spend my last moments trying to convince you about how sorry I am things had to be this way.”Even in his final moments, Isaac was prepared to protect Alessio. I hadn’t been there from the start, but if that wasn’t proof enough that their friendship meant something to him—I didn’t know wh
MenaStunned by the force in Alessio’s voice, Gian instantly fell silent. I realized what Alessio had done. It was a 5 against 1 vote, because I knew he was also against it, but he had chosen me over the group’s decision.Why would he do that?“Mena,” Alessio called out my name.Understanding what had to be done, I grabbed my phone and searched for Jessica’s number.Alessio took the scissors from Gian’s tight grip and made his way to Isaac to press the scissors to his neck. Gian, who had not moved a muscle since he had been yelled at, followed his every move with a vicious look in his eyes.“Don’t do anything stupid,” Alessio hissed at Isaac.I dialed Jessica’s number and put the phone on speaker, holding it out so everyone could hear. The line beeped twice, and then someone answered. “Hello?” I recognized Jessica’s voice."Jess, it’s me," Isaac’s face lit up a bit."No, I don’t want to talk to you—" Jessica began."Please, please—just hear me out!" Isaac spoke, sounding desperate."W
Mena“Someone had to do it,” Gian clicked his tongue, speaking as if he had just fixed a minor error, and not ended a life.With my back still turned, I looked from Pilar to Dante. I knew this had to be done, but for some reason, everything about Gian made me sick.I could see the look in all of their eyes.Dante, Donni—even Pilar. You couldn’t tell me he didn’t make them sick as well?“Get out,” Alessio commanded. He sounded angry, pissed—but I did not know why, because if Gian hadn’t done this, he would’ve done it himself.“What?” Gian chuckled.“Just go home, I’ll clean up here,” Alessio spoke, his tone more calmly this time.“Gladly!” Gian responded. “He got what he deserved, and now my job is done here.”Disgusting.“Yes, it is,” Alessio said. “Donni, you stay here—Gian, take Mena with you—““No!” I opposed. My heart raced, and anger flared up inside of me. How could he suggest I leave with Gian after what that monster had just done?“Don’t tell me to go with him,” I nearly plead
MenaAfter the strange women had come for Isaac, we followed them through the guarded woods and pulled up to a hidden mansion. The mansion was massive, with tall, bright windows that let in streams of sunlight.It was tucked away to the point I wondered how anyone ever found their way here. Outside, there was a large group of people working, gardening—and most of them didn’t look different from the nurses who came to save Isaac.It made me think again.Who did he call?Now we were waiting in a lounge, decorated with beautiful flowers and a lot of green. The air was fresh, the people were nice—so far, so good. Nothing strange.When I first heard Alessio decided to bring Isaac here, to this person he hadn’t mentioned by name, I felt a chill throughout my body. Strangely enough, now that we were here—I felt at ease and comfortable.More than I had been the first day I entered the Fanucci mansion.The only thing less peaceful was waiting for any news on Isaac’s condition. He had to hold o
MenaJulian walked over to his little bar and showed off his three special bottles. "What do you want to drink? Tell me.”I examined each bottle, picking it up to inspect it closer before letting out a deep sigh. I knew I couldn’t touch it, but looking would be alright. “I think I should probably take the one without alcohol.”He looked surprised. "You don’t drink?" Julian questioned."I do...just not now," I replied, setting the bottle back down gently.As Julian looked down at my stomach, I wondered if he knew what I meant. “Hmm,” he hummed, not going into it any further. He grabbed another bottle, waving it in the air.“I think this one is for you,” he poured me a drink. Then he led me to a sofa."You remind me of my niece," Julian started talking as soon as we sat down. He swirled the drink in his hand. "I haven’t seen her in a while, but she’s just like you."“What am I like then?"Julian smiled, "You’re soft, determined, and have these curious eyes—like you want to know everythi
Alessio"Being a good leader means doing what you believe is right, even when it’s hard. You’re doing that. And that’s why you’ll be a great head of this family."I tried to focus and pay attention to Dad’s words, but it was difficult since I didn’t deserve them. After we’d arrived back at the mansion, I found myself in the study with Dad and my brothers to discuss today’s events.As far as he was concerned, Isaac had died. That’s what his little spy, Gian, had told him—and that’s what I would make him believe for the rest of his life.That didn’t mean I didn’t feel bad. I felt like shit. Lying to my family on such a scale was something I had never done before. I had always tried to prove myself and do whatever was necessary to keep this family together—but this time I failed.It was as simple as that. Letting Isaac live? I had no real explanation for why I did what I did. The only thing I knew was that Mena told me to listen to my heart, and it answered for me."I knew there was no r