Blame it on the shame Part 2

Chapter 22 (Lou-Lou)

If actual heartbreak could be captured in a single expression...the look on Ricardo's face would be the poster board for it.

I look down, because there's no way I can possibly look at him any longer.

And quite honestly? The sooner this is all over the better.

I'm barely even functioning. I cast a glance at my ring of death and swallow down the lump forming in my throat.

When I'm forced to lift my head and look at him, one thing becomes abundantly clear.

I never want to see Ricardo again.

My God, I never knew it was possible to love someone so much and hate them with the same vehemence.

My fist clenches with my next thought. He's too late.

He should have ridden in on his dark horse and chose me a fuck of a lot sooner than he did.

Hell, I chose him. I chose him over everything.

And it's a decision I'll regret for the rest of my life.

"What exactly is it that you want with my wife?" DeLuca repeats and I see Ricardo's eyes flash.

He stands up and shakes his head. "Nothing." He looks at me and my heart pangs. "Absolutely nothing. Coming here was a mistake." He laughs bitterly. "Congratulations to the happy couple. Let me know where to send the wedding gift."

He's making his way across the dining room when DeLuca says, "Not so fast, Ricardo."

My senses are on high alert when Ricardo turns back around. I'm ready to throw myself in front of him in case DeLuca decides to pull a fast one. Dammit heart. Pick a side and stick to it.

"Thank you for your earlier offer," DeLuca begins. "But it won't be necessary." He swings an arm around my waist and pulls me close. "The council and I have decided there are much better options to pursue."

Ricardo's eyes are narrowed into tiny slits and he takes a step forward. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

DeLuca's tongue finds his cheek and he places a hand on my stomach. "Your service over the last few months was greatly appreciated," he says and I'm beyond confused.

Until he says, "But now that I've been able to figure out how to fix a certain problem—I'm taking matters back into my own hands." He smiles sinisterly, "I'm really looking forward to your replacement."

I see Ricardo reach into his pocket but DeLuca tsks. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. I might not be able to take you out yet—at least not until my wife gives birth to my child...but I most certainly can and will take out Jackson and Tyrone."

Oh, my god. No.

The color drains from Ricardo's face and I'm too stu

This time, I do look at Ricardo. I need him to know this isn't true—I would never agree to willingly go along with something that would kill him. However, he refuses to meet my gaze.

DeLuca takes a sip of his wine and wiggles his eyebrows. "Now run along, vigliacco. I have important matters to attend to."

When he leaves, DeLuca faces me. "Go pack. Our flight for Italy leaves in two hours."

I consider throwing a dish at his head, but I storm off instead.

I have to talk to Emilio and find out just how fucked up this situation really is.

"DeLuca thinks I'm the key to breaking this curse?" I repeat and Emilio nods.

"He's crazy," I whisper-shout. "Like out of his mind crazy." My mouth hangs open. "Witches and prophets? This isn't a freaking paranormal fairytale...this is real life. My life."

"I know. And you're right...he's nuts," Emilio agrees. "But the prophet told him you were the chosen one and now the entire council believes that you're the one who will be giving birth to the next DeLuca son."

My face falls. "Well, technically I would have."

He rubs his eyes and leans back in his chair. "Yeah, but if that would have happened...DeLuca would have killed Ricardo. He was given permission by the council to do it the moment you give birth to a healthy baby."

His expression turns apologetic. "I had no other option, Lucia

"There was another way. Ricardo just agreed to take over. If I told him— "

"No. it wouldn't matter," he says, cutting me off. "One—who knows what Ricardo would have done after hearing that. He could have gotten himself killed sooner rather than later. And two—DeLuca has the entire council believing that he's nothing but a waste of DeLuca blood. A vigliacco."

He inhales deeply. "And Ricardo's done nothing to dispute that since he's been adamant about refusing to take his place—not to mention, the council knows Ricardo despises everything about being a DeLuca. Therefore, DeLuca would have easily convinced them to let him raise the baby and kill Ricardo." He swallows hard. "The council doesn't think he has what it takes. They'll never accept him and they'll never protect him...not until he sells his soul to the devil."

We stay silent for a few moments while I soak everything in.

I draw my knees up to my chest. "I need you to do something for me."

"What?"

"I know Ricardo's mad at you...but I also know he trusts you and looks up to you." I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "Before Ricardo left DeLuca told him he was going to impregnate me and replace him."

"Shit," Emilio mutters.

"I know. And seeing as DeLuca admitted that Ricardo's life is on the chopping block when that happens...you can just imagine what Ricardo thinks of me right now."

He nods and pulls out a cigarette. "He thinks you're helping DeLuca kill him."

I bat away at my tears but it's no use. "Despite the way I feel about Ricardo now...I can't have him think that, Emilio. I would never do that to him...ever. What I felt for him...what I still feel for him is real. You have to set him straight somehow. Tell him I would never go along with a plan to kill him. Please."

He blows out a thick cloud of smoke. "No, it's better this way." When I open my mouth to protest he says, "I think you're missing something here, Lucia

"What?"

"The only reason DeLuca would have outright told him he's pla

My insides twist with those words for a few different reasons. I sprout up from the floor and begin hyperventilating but Emilio grabs my shoulders. "Relax. I was already prepared for it. Not to get too technical, but I took a sample from Luke's body and I threw off the test."

I stare at him in disbelief. "How are you always one step ahead of him? No one is ever one step ahead of him."

He shrugs. "I'm an observer. I've watched DeLuca at work for over 35 years. You start to pick up things, and in turn, it makes it easier to anticipate the next move." He takes a drag of his cigarette, agony swirling in his eyes. "I couldn't anticipate his every move, though."

"Isabella," I say out loud before I can stop myself.