“I don’t know if I can, Draco,” I murmur.
“You have to. For yourself. For me.”
His last statement catches me off guard. “For you?”
“We do this together or not at all. I’m sure you don’t want them to keep living. We don’t want that burden on our backs. They have to go.”
I release a ragged breath. I glance at my food and I’m suddenly no longer hungry. It feels like lead has been placed in my stomach. “I know they do. But I’m not used to watching so many people die all at once.” Toni was enough. Even Kevin was enough.
“After them, you won’t have to. Unless we are threatened, you won’t see another death happen in front of you.”
I don’t speak. Not for a while. I watch him, how he rubs the pad of his thumb and forefinger together. “Do you get satisfaction in doing this? Killing people?”
He half shrugs, picking up his orange juice. He lifts his leg and places his ankle on top of his knee. “Keeping strong threats alive makes you weak. They know too much, which makes them a bigger and stronger threat. If they escaped and ran to the wrong person, I would be fucked. But getting rid of them myself, and knowing those dangerous threats are gone, helps me sleep a little better at night. You’ll learn soon, Gianna. This life doesn’t come easy, but if you work with me, well, together we can become unstoppable. You just have to get the rest of your fire back, that’s all. And when you do, I want to be a witness.” He chuckles. “I’ve heard the stories from Lion. You play the good girl, but you’ll dirty your hands in a heartbeat if it means protecting yourself or someone you care about.”
I frowned. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Really?” he taunted. “Eighth grade, a bully named Sarah Cully. She pushed you off the slide and you came after her, pushed her off a swing, kicked her in the stomach, and then punched her in the face. The teacher didn’t see so you were proud. You told your father all about it as soon as he picked you up and he was just as proud. His fierce little cub.”
I narrow my eyes. “He told you that story?”
“Wouldn’t be the first story he shared with me about you. We were closer than you think.”
“I see.”
Someone knocks on the door. It’s Patanza with his new burn phone.
He sighs and drops his legs. After taking a sip of his juice, he places the glass down and then dusts himself off. “You finish eating. I have a phone call to make but it will be quick.”
I bob my head as he stands. “Kay.”
He kisses the top of my head. When he leaves, I collect a deep breath and then exhale.
I know he’s right. And deep down I want them gone, but I don’t want to see it happen. I have nightmares, all of them gory at best.
They deserve this, I know it, but no matter how I look at it, that will be their blood on my hands.
It’s time.
I’m not sure whether to freak the fuck out or run. Perhaps I should have hidden somewhere. This walk down to the shed is terrifying.
I thought I would have more time, but as soon as Draco made his phone call, he came back, saw I had finished eating, and then grabbed my hand, murmuring, “Come on, my queen. It’s time.”
Reina. Patrona. Queen and Boss. I was never going to get used to any of these names.
They just didn’t fit me . . . well, they didn’t fit the old me.
As for the new me, I’m not sure how they will fit. If I want to survive, they must. It’s just a matter of what I do to claim the titles.
My entire body feels heavy, as if gravity has weighed down most on me. Draco is walking beside me, Patanza in front of us with her gun clutched in hand, and Diego behind us, jaw tight, his tan, bald head shining from the golden rays above.
I had already noticed the silver handgun tucked in Draco’s belt. He also had the brass knuckles in his shirt pocket, and what looked like a knife in a leather case on the other side of his belt.
Seeing the long knife in its case made my blood run cold. I have no idea what it looks like, but I’m certain it’s sharp and deadly. Draco’s weapons are not toys. They are dangerous and just as intimidating as he is.
“Draco . . .” I whisper when we take the bridge across. Only a few more steps. I remember this walk, from the first day I was free, trailing behind Patanza like some lost puppy.
“Sí, Gianna?”
I peer up at him. His face is solid, eyes focused on me. His face is much too smooth for what’s about to happen. He’s way too relaxed.