Dante's POV
“I can stand in court and pretend I’m fighting for justice,” I said, my voice dropping with pain.
Reed’s voice was quieter now, but it burned. “So you’ll destroy yourself instead?”
“I’ll trade myself,” I said. “If that’s what it costs.”
He laughed bitterly. “You think you’re the only shield in this family? You think we can’t fight without you?”
“I think I’m the target,” I said simply.
For a moment, I saw it in his eyes, the memories he never spoke about, the threats he pretended never shook him. I could see everything.
“You’re afraid,” he said.
“Yes,” I answered without hesitation. “I am. Because this time it’s not just my name on the bullet.”
He looked past me for a second, to Clarissa. Then back at me. “You’re asking me to accept that my son is giving up.”
“I’m aski
