This was harder than I’d imagined.

I’d promised to take her back, but now that was the last thing I wanted to do.

I shouldn’t care about her. The last month had given her peace and quiet, lots of food, and lots of great sex. I was gracious, and I even gave her the means to end her life so she wouldn’t have to suffer anymore.

But I didn’t want that for her.

I wanted her to enjoy the Tuscan countryside every day. I wanted her to eat whenever she wanted. I wanted her to smile every single day. I’d never cared about someone else’s happiness, but I certainly cared about hers.

But there was nothing I could do. I had to take her back. That was part of the deal.

Pearl had already confronted Tristan and tried to purchase Adelina like some kind of livestock. But Tristan wasn’t an idiot, so of course, he didn’t say yes.

Maybe I could try again.

Make him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

I shut the door to my office on base and made the call.

It rang several times, telling me he might not pick up at all.

But he did. “Cane Barsetti. I thought I would be hearing from you sometime soon.”

“Tristan.” It was difficult for me to be cordial. He was about to take my woman away, my Bellissima. “How are those weapons treating you?”

“Worth every penny. You and your brother know what you’re doing.”

“We do.”

“So, your beautiful sister-in-law stopped by.”

I’d suspected this would come up.

“She’s got a mouth on her. I like it.”

“My brother does too.”

“I can see why. She asked to buy Adelina, but I compromised with a swap. She didn’t go for it.”

Because she wasn’t an idiot.

“Frankly, I thought it was a little disrespectful that she walked in here like she owned the place.”

I wasn’t going to apologize for it, not when I had no idea she’d done it until after the exchange was over.

“If she were anyone else, she’d be tied up right now. In fact, she’d probably already be dead. But I spared her…since I like you and Crow. But don’t expect me to be so gracious next time. Because I won’t be.”

The threat wasn’t veiled, but I couldn’t rise in anger since he was justified in making the statement. It was a stupid thing for Pearl to do, and I couldn’t make an excuse for it. Her neck could have been snapped. She was too arrogant, wearing the Barsetti name. Thankfully, it protected her. “Like I said, she’s a handful. But my brother is into that.”

Tristan chuckled. “I understand. Adelina is the same way.”

Now I wanted to snap his neck. If only I’d seen Adelina first, she could have been my slave instead. She would have been treated well, treated with respect. She wouldn’t have even felt like a prisoner.

“I expect you to be here tomorrow at seven in the evening. I’ll have the wire transfer ready.”

I had little more than a day left with her. She was already out of my grasp even though she was still sitting in my house. “I have a business proposition for you.”

“Really?” he asked. “This can’t wait until tomorrow?”

“No. Keep the second deposit for the weapons. And let me keep Adelina.” I’d just put ten million dollars on the table. Even to rich men like us, that was considerable money. He’d only enjoyed Adelina for a week, so it wasn’t like he would be missing much. He could have his wallet stuffed with cash and keep the artillery at the same time.

Tristan was dead silent.

I couldn’t gauge how he felt about my offer.

When Pearl walked into his lair, she didn’t have an offer. She didn’t have money to give. She was a terrible negotiator. Maybe dealing with me would have a different outcome.

“You want to buy my whore?” he asked coldly.

“Yes.”

“I told Crow’s whore she wasn’t for sale.”

I’d normally defend Pearl’s honor, but now wasn’t the time. Pearl would understand that. I was trying to leverage Adelina’s freedom—her life. “Everything is for sale—for the right price. Ten million dollars is a lot of money. We both know that.”

“Yes. But that whore is priceless.”

I clenched my jaw at the way he insulted her. I’d never called her such a thing. Never even thought about calling her such a thing. “Money is priceless, Tristan. How about fifteen million?”

“No. I’ll swap her for that cunt that stopped by. That’s it.”

“You don’t want her,” I said. “She’s a pain in the ass.”

“And I wouldn’t mind being a pain in her ass.”

My blood started to boil, infuriated he would speak of Pearl so viciously. “Twenty million.”

“The more you offer, the more her value increases.”

“Fine. Unlimited weapons for your soldiers—for a lifetime.” Maybe that would get him to reconsider.

He was quiet.

Hopefully, he was seriously considering it. It didn’t have an exact price tag, but it was a resource he could use forever. That added up to more than twenty million dollars—easily. It had to at least tempt him.

Tristan broke his silence. “No.”

My heart somersaulted into my stomach. If he didn’t take that offer, then there really was nothing else I could give him. His fascination for Adelina matched my own. There was nothing that could replace her. She really was invaluable—priceless.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Cane. And if you cross me…you know what will happen.” Click.

I listened to the line go dead before I tossed my phone on my desk.

A shadow was covering the sky, and I couldn’t see a thing. Everything was turning dark. A war loomed over the east, and now it was stretching to the west. Tristan was a powerful enemy I didn’t want to fight. Most of the wars of the world had been started over a beautiful woman.

I wasn’t going to be one of those stupid men.

I had to let her go.

I had to let her suffer.

And let her die.

---

Crow stopped by the base in dark jeans and a t-shirt. He walked inside my office without knocking, probably payback for what I did to him a few days ago. My feet were on the desk, and I was enjoying a full bottle of scotch by myself. My mood was sour, my jaw was clenched, and I had a migraine that an entire bottle of liquor couldn’t fix.

Crow stepped inside and examined the scene in front of him.

I didn’t even glance at him. I held the cool glass against my temple, using the temperature to numb my migraine.

Crow grabbed the bottle and helped himself to a glass. “I’m surprised you didn’t take the day off.”

I should be home with Adelina, comforting her before I had to drop her off tomorrow. But I needed time alone, time to cushion my painful disappointment. I needed to drown myself in alcohol to feel numb. “I’ll head home in a little while.” I took a drink and stared at the other wall.

“You doing alright?”

“If you’re going to say stupid shit, don’t say anything at all.”

Instead of walking out, Crow pulled up the chair and took a seat.

“I called Tristan.” I set the glass on the desk and rubbed my temple.

“And what was said?”

“I offered to buy Adelina from him.”

Crow sipped his drink as he swallowed my words. “I’m guessing he didn’t take your offer.”

“No. I put twenty million on the table, and he didn’t blink an eye over it.”

“Bones did the same thing for Pearl.”

“Then I offered to commission him with weapons forever if he let me keep her.”

Crow’s silence burned with anger.

“Don’t worry, he didn’t go for that either.”

“That must have been hard to turn down.”

“Didn’t seem like it.”

Crow took another drink. “So now what?”

“I have to hand her over tomorrow at seven.”

“I’m sorry, Cane. I know you’re fond of the girl.”

I was too fond of her. I’d just told Crow I’d buy her for twenty million dollars. There was no hiding it now.

“I already made this offer, but I’ll make it again. I can take her if that’s easier for you.”

“No.” It had to be me. I wasn’t gonna be a coward. I’d have to be strong for her, to make her feel strong. “But thanks anyway.”

“Is there anything I can do, Cane?”

The only response I gave was a shake of my head. “Just leave me alone.”

Crow didn’t move. He stayed in his seat, his drink still in his hand. “How about I be alone with you?”

“Why?”

“That’s what family is for, right? So you always have someone to be alone with.”

---

I didn’t sleep last night.

Neither did she.

We made love a few times, but it wasn’t the same. We were both thinking about the next day, the moment when I had to hand her over. She was thinking about the grotesque look in Tristan’s eyes, and I was thinking about his hands all over her body.

It was horrific.

I told myself it would get easier as time went on. Year after year, I would slowly make my peace with it. But it didn’t seem like that would ever happen. I would always feel terrible for what happened to Adelina.

That I didn’t save her.

The next morning, she packed. I’d bought her a lot of nice things since she’d come to live with me, mainly designer clothes and hair accessories. She took up half my closet with her things. She opened her bag and began to stuff everything inside, but then she faltered.

Because she knew there was no point in taking anything.

She couldn’t wear the beautiful things I’d bought. She’d be stripped down until she was naked, chained to a wall in a cage. She wouldn’t have a closet. She wouldn’t get to shower. She would be a pig in a sty.

Watching her return the clothes to the closet was the most painful thing I’d ever seen.

She didn’t cry or issue a sniffle. But her body sagged with depression. Her spine curved, and her shoulders hunched forward. She sat at the edge of the bed and crossed her arms over her stomach, her knees pulled to her chest.

I sat beside her, refraining from touching her.

She stared at the floor, her chest rising and falling deeply. “Do you have the pills?”

“Yes.”

“Can I have them?”

I didn’t move. “Where are you going to put them?”

“I don’t know…I’m not going to be wearing anything for long.”

I cringed at the thought. “They won’t dissolve in your mouth. You can put one on the inside of each cheek…”

“And then I can hide them in my room when he leaves me alone.”

“Yeah…” I closed my eyes when I pictured her lying on a stone floor, her ankles chained to the wall and tears in her eyes. She was dirty, her scalp was oily, and she was skinny. The image was too difficult to bear, so I wiped it from my mind.

She extended her hand, her palm facing the ceiling.

I opened my nightstand drawer and pulled out the small plastic bag. I dropped it into her hand.

She examined the pink pills, the perfect color to blend into her mouth.

“It’ll be over in less than five minutes…”

She nodded then placed them into her front pocket.

I sat beside her in silence, watching the minutes trail by before we had to leave. Her essence was heavy in the bedroom, in the entire house. It would take a while before the smell finally disappeared, for me to sleep in the middle of the bed because I no longer had to share. I wouldn’t see her hair in the shower drain or her toothbrush sitting on the counter. This house would return to being empty, to being silent. Ever since the first day I’d moved in here, she was here with me. I’d never truly lived here alone.

Now I would.

It was hard to imagine coming home from work without seeing her. It was hard to imagine talking to Pearl and Crow like everything was normal when Adelina was obviously missing. I knew Pearl was thinking about both of us that very moment, knowing exactly what was to come.

I waited for Adelina to cry. But she didn’t.

I waited for her to shake. She didn’t do that either.

She stayed absolutely still, staring at the opposite wall.

There was nothing I could say to make this better, so I didn’t say anything at all. Words meant nothing at a time like this. She was literally marching to her death. The only consolation I gave her was those pills.

They would end it quickly.

My hand moved to hers, and I grabbed it, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Her fingers responded to the touch, and she interlocked our fingertips. Her sight never left the wall, her breathing just as deep and even as before.

I sat with her and didn’t say anything at all. Being there with her seemed to be the final gift I could impart. She was still with me, and as long as she was mine, she was safe.

I just wished she could always be safe.

---

A short plane ride later, we were in Southern France. We drove from the airport to Tristan’s lair on the coast. There wasn’t another building for miles, and he had direct access to his own personal harbor. It made smuggling all the easier.

I drove ten miles below the speed limit, taking my time getting there. I was in no rush, and neither was she. I said I would be there at seven, but I didn’t give a damn about being late. Tristan’s anger didn’t impress me.

My hand held hers tightly on her thigh. I never removed it. I could gradually feel her pulse quicken as we came closer to Tristan’s place. Her breathing never accelerated, and her eyes didn’t fill with tears. She wore a cold expression, her walls already fully erected for what was about to happen.

I admired her more than I ever had.

She could break down and cry, but she didn’t. She could panic and scream, but she didn’t do that either. She faced death with her head held high and her shoulders back. She did it with both dignity and grace. Tristan could do whatever he wanted, but she would still be the most elegant thing in the room.

She reminded me of Pearl.

We reached the final road, and the mansion came into sight, the water in the background. The sun was already setting, and a beautiful sunset acted as the background. Like the sun was saying goodbye just to her, it slowly sank over the horizon.

Tristan’s men were stationed outside, their eyes on the car as I pulled up. I turned into the roundabout but purposely stayed parked a good distance away, giving her space as long as possible. The men spoke into their mics, telling Tristan we were there.

Adelina stared out the window before she looked at me, somehow looking more beautiful than she ever had before. Her brown hair fell perfectly around her shoulders, and her bright eyes glowed softly. All the bruises she’d had faded away shortly after she stayed with me. Now her skin was soft and flawless. She looked like a beautiful woman who belonged in a mansion with a diamond tiara on her head. She should be at home with a husband and children, enjoying a life where she could experience old age with joy.

She shouldn’t be here.

But saying all of that would make it worse.

I said the only thing that would mean something to her. “I admire you.”

Her eyes softened slightly.

“You’re so brave.”

She squeezed my hand. “You make me brave.”

I brought her hand to my lips and kissed her knuckles. “It doesn’t matter what they do to you. They can’t take your mind, your heart, or your soul.” My hand moved over her chest where her heart was beating fast. “So keep being brave.”

A soft smile formed on her lips. “Okay…” She fished into her pocket until she found the bag of pills. She took two out and placed them in the inside of each of her cheeks. “If I accidentally swallow…whatever.”

My eyes fell.

Tristan stepped outside with a few men, his hair just as greasy as it was before. He was in a black leather jacket and black jeans. At over six feet, he was a behemoth of a man. He stared at us down his crooked nose, annoyed that we were still in the car after seven.

Like I gave a damn.

“Thank you for everything,” she whispered. “You’re a good man, Cane. If you ever doubt your worth, just remember what I said.” She grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles.

Now I would miss her even more than before.

She placed her hand on the door and took a deep breath before she opened it. With her back perfectly straight, she stepped out and stood tall.

I got out of the car and came to her side. Without thinking, I cupped her face between my hands and kissed her. It was a soft kiss, a delicate embrace that I’d given to her hundreds of times. It was full of respect, friendship, and adoration. This woman had become my friend, my muse. I wanted to protect her, and I felt powerless when I couldn’t. “I’ll never forget you, Bellissima. You’ll live forever.” I placed her hand over my chest. “In here.”

Her eyes watered, and I knew it wasn’t because she was scared.

I took her hand in mine and began the slow march back to Tristan. We were hundreds of yards away, and the walk was unnecessarily long. But I wanted to give her every moment that I could, give her fresh air for as long as possible.

Within the blink of an eye, we were face-to-face with Tristan and his crew.

His eyes were only for Adelina. “I’ve missed you, Adelina.”

She stared at him coldly, her hand still in mine.

“I hope you haven’t forgotten me. If you have, I’ll enjoy reminding you.” He extended his hand.

She didn’t take it.

His eyes narrowed. “This is off to a good start. I enjoy punishing you.”

My heart was racing fast. I could hardly breathe. I was lightheaded. I was sick. “Where’s the money?”

Tristan turned his expression to me. “I have to admit, I thought you wouldn’t show up today after I rejected your offer.”

Adelina’s eyes shifted to me.

“Twenty million dollars for one whore.” Tristan shook his head. “Didn’t put it past you to run. But your offer only makes me want her more.”

I wanted to pull out my pistol and shoot him right between the eyes. His goons would incinerate me, but it would be worth it.

Adelina’s eyes stayed on me before she looked away.

Tristan turned to one of his men. “Send the money.”

A man in all black worked a tablet, tapping the screen with his fingertips. Tristan stared at me as he waited, and I didn’t drop my expression. I met his fiery look with my own. The man finished up and handed the tablet over. “It’s done.”

Tristan held up the device so I could see. The money went through to my account. It was done. “Satisfied?”

I gave a slight nod.

Tristan handed the tablet back. “Now your end of the bargain.”

I didn’t drop Adelina’s hand. She’d have to make the first move. I would stand there as long as she needed me to.

Tristan snapped his fingers. “Come. Whore.”

Adelina’s expression didn’t change. She slowly pulled her hand away and took a step forward.

I felt weak the second she was gone. I felt dead the moment she was no longer mine. My world changed in that instant. It twisted and turned, making me feel sick. She was the center of my world for the past month. Now she was gone, just like the setting sun. But for me, it would be eternal night. My sun would never rise again.

Tristan wore a smile that looked like a grimace. “Good girl.” He grabbed her by the neck and pulled her to his side.

Both of my hands tightened into fists.

“Welcome home, cunt.” Tristan pressed his lips right against her ear. “I have a welcoming party planned for you.” He grabbed her by the hair and yanked on her scalp until she was thrown to the ground.

My body immediately lurched forward.

One of his men grabbed me by the shoulder and pushed me back. I was surrounded by five men, all with machine guns. One false move and I was dead. It wouldn’t change Adelina’s fate.

Tristan turned to me, his eyes narrowing. “The deal is done. Leave.”

I couldn’t move. I knew exactly what would happen to her once I was gone. The second she crossed the threshold, she would be stripped and pushed onto a bed. He would fuck her a million ways until she was sore and in tears. She might swallow both pills then and there.

When I didn’t move, Tristan grabbed Adelina by the hair and yanked her back to her feet.

She didn’t make a single sound.

Like a man guiding a horse, he pulled on her hair like reins back to the three-story house right on the water. Even when she kept pace with him, he yanked on her anyway. His men moved with him, the two guards posted outside the house watching me.

I just stood there.

Tristan opened the front door then shoved her violently across the threshold. The door shut a minute later, and all was silent.

I remained where I stood, my chest rising and falling at an accelerated rate. All I felt was pain, unbridled burning pain. Air was circulating in my lungs, but the oxygen wasn’t reaching my blood. My muscular legs suddenly felt weak. I felt like I’d lost everything when I still had it all. Only a month had passed, and nothing was different.

But now nothing was the same.

I needed to turn around and go home. I needed to get back to my life. I was fine before Adelina came into my life. I would be fine again.

But I wasn’t sure if I could believe that.

I finally turned around and got into the car. Even when I was behind the wheel, I couldn’t start the engine. I was in no condition to drive. To an outsider, my face was stoic, and I didn’t share a single emotion.

But inside, I was dying.

Inside, I was broken.

All I could think about was her suffering, what Tristan was doing to her, how she was begging for death in that very moment.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and pressed it to my ear.

Crow answered immediately. “Hey, what—”

“It’s done.” The emotion didn’t escape my voice.

Crow was quiet for a while. “I’m here if you—”

Click.

I turned off my phone and threw it onto the seat beside me, onto the leather that was still warm from Adelina.

I finally turned on the car and drove away.

But I drove away as a different man than when I first arrived.