Machiavellian (Gangsters of New York, #1)

by Bella Di Corte

Don’t you know, woman, the dirt is what’s going to make memories one day,

Scars on skin meant living. Blood on knuckles meant living. Dirt on white clothes meant living. Living meant taking chances, even if we got soiled up in the process.

“There is nothing lonelier than waking up to someone you’ve given your all to, only to realize they only gave half in the night. It’ll happen, and it’ll hurt, but you’ll survive.”

“So I will tell you what I think now, Amadeo. I think that you fell for that little girl’s innocence because she reminded you of your mother, in better times. That is why you saved Mariposa’s life, sacrificing your own. You know what true sacrifice is, and what is worth your soul now. Do not sacrifice the second chance you’ve been given for something that will mean nothing tomorrow. Do not shield yourself from love when the man sitting next to you loves you enough to give his life for yours. Allow love to consume you, Amadeo, because we become what we consume. What will you become if you continue to consume vengeance? What will it do to the butterfly you gave your life for? Your sacrifice will be in vain. Yours and mine. It will be worth nothing if you cannot feel anything but hate. That is what I know.”