Chapter 3 Civilized Men

Gabriel smirked, a sharp, cruel twist of his lips, as his piercing eyes roved over Amelia. The defiance in her gaze intrigued him, her small act of courage a stark contrast to her brother's spineless pleas. He lowered his gun slightly, letting the tension in the air ease-but only for a moment.

"You've got guts," Gabriel said, his voice low and smooth. "I'll give you that. Most people wouldn't dare to step in front of my gun."

Amelia swallowed hard, standing her ground despite the weight of his stare. "I'm not afraid of you," she lied, hoping he couldn't see the slight tremor in her hands.

Gabriel's smirk widened, as if her bravery was a source of amusement. "You should be."

Paul stepped forward, his cane hitting the ground with a sharp thud. "You've made your point, Russo. Now lower your weapon and let's talk like civilized men."

Gabriel turned his attention to Paul, his smirk fading into a cold expression. "Civilized?" he repeated mockingly. "Your son raped my cousin. You think I'm here to negotiate civility? No. I'm here for justice."

"Justice?" Paul scoffed, though his voice was strained. "This is revenge, not justice. And my son claims he didn't do it."

Gabriel's jaw tightened, his hand flexing on the gun. "He didn't deny knowing her. That's enough for me."

Rodney opened his mouth to protest, but Amelia shot him a sharp glare, silencing him. "Enough, Rodney," she hissed under her breath before turning back to Gabriel.

"You have a valid reason," Amelia said, her voice firm. "But killing him won't bring your cousin peace. It'll only lead to bloodshed. You don't want that, do you?"

Gabriel's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, silence stretched between them. Then he took a step back, slipping his gun into its holster. Relief flickered on Amelia's face, but it was short-lived.

"Fine," Gabriel said. "I'll spare him. But someone has to pay for his sins." His eyes darkened as they landed on Amelia. "You. Your coming with me."

The air grew heavy again as his words settled over them.

Paul's face twisted in fury. His calm expression totally disappearing. "Absolutely not," he growled, his grip on his cane tightening. "You're out of your damn mind if you think I'd hand over my daughter to you!"

Amelia's breath caught in her throat, as she processed Gabriel's words. If she went with him, there was no telling what would happen to her.

Gabriel shrugged, indifferent. "Then we'll pick up where we left off. And trust me, I won't hesitate this time. Either I take her, or I take your son's life. Choose."

Paul stepped closer. "You lay a hand on my daughter, and I swear-"

"You'll do what?" Gabriel interrupted, his tone icy. "You're out of moves, Old man. This is the only deal you're getting."

Paul's chest heaved, his fury almost blinding him. "You bastard!" he spat, his voice shaking. "How dare you-"

"Dad!" Amelia shouted, panic flashing in her eyes. She turned to her father, her voice trembling. "Dad, please. If it's between me or Rodney's life-"

"No!" Paul snapped, his hand slamming down on his cane. "You're my daughter, Amelia. I won't let this madman take you."

Amelia stepped closer to her father, her hands gripping his arms. "I'm your daughter and I don't want to lose my family. If he kills Rodney, You'll kill him, Then he's men would kill you. Don't you see? We can't win this fight!"

Paul clenched his jaw, his eyes flickering between Amelia and Gabriel. "Never. I won't let this happen." he said through gritted teeth.

"Dad," Amelia pleaded. "It's about survival. Someone has to pay, and if it's me... at least Rodney and you will live."

Paul looked at his daughter, his heart breaking at her words. "Amelia... you don't understand what you're asking. Once you go with him, you may never come back."

Amelia forced a small, shaky smile. "I know, Dad. But I'll figure it out."

Paul's fists tightened on his cane. He wanted to fight, to defy Gabriel Russo and his audacious demands. But deep down, he knew Amelia was right. They were outmatched, and refusal meant certain death.

Gabriel watched the exchange silently, his expression unreadable, though his patience was visibly wearing thin.

"Times ticking," Gabriel drawled, tapping his watch. "What's it going to be, Old man? Or should I start painting your lovely estate with your son's blood?"

Paul glared at Gabriel with all the hatred he could muster, but he knew he had no choice. With a deep, shuddering breath, he looked at Amelia, his voice breaking. "I'm so sorry, my girl."

Amelia nodded, tears brimming in her eyes, but she held her head high. "It's okay, Dad. I'll be fine. I promise."

Gabriel's smirk returned as he gestured for Amelia to come forward. "Good choice."

As Amelia stepped toward him, Rodney grabbed her arm. "Amelia, don't-"

She pulled away, her voice firm. "You owe me, Rodney. Don't make this worse."

Gabriel reached out, taking her wrist as if sealing a deal. His grip was firm, almost possessive, but he offered her a mocking smile. "Welcome to the Russo family, sweetheart."

Paul turned away, unable to watch as Gabriel led his daughter to the waiting car. His heart shattered with every step she took.

Rodney stood frozen, guilt and fear etched on his face.

As Gabriel opened the car door for Amelia, she paused, looking back at her father and brother one last time before sliding into the car.

The car door slammed shut, and with it, Amelia's old life.

Gabriel glanced at her as he slid into the driver's seat. "Brave move back there," he said, his tone almost amused. "But you'll learn that bravery has consequences."

Amelia didn't respond, staring out the window as the car pulled away, her mind racing. She had saved her family, but at what cost?