tina'

was still throbbing from the events of the evening before, my thoughts were racing. Dante's arrogan

rs, navigating the house with his customary measured diligence. Now, down here, I could hear him softly talking with Matteo. Their f

ar from control? I was merely another student at university, hiding from my background, attempting to sta

atic expression. His black eyes swept over me, lingering momentari

he said, "We

ether I could be ready f

his. He views you as his path in; he wants rule over the city. If he gets his hands on you--"

a heavy blanket. And Luca, what then are yo

face. "Neither," he answered at last, his voice icy. "You are now part of

d warmth and no hint of affection. Like always suspected, I was a paw

rticipate in this? My voice

though, he got up, his back to me as he talked. " Valentina, it makes no differe

I wanted to believe I could easily leave this dream, the reality was I was imp

door, and Matteo's voice emerged from t

ked to the door opening just enou

Luca asked with

ned back to focus on his brother. "Men o

o fists, he swore beneat

hey carry a lot of weapons. We ca

d my heart. Here it was. The conflict Luca had cautioned me

ce austere. Stay right here. Leave

ying, I nodded. Luca lived in a terrible environment; I could

king behind him. I sat there, my heart pounding and my head whirling with all tha

e a victim mo

es. While the men around me battled and bled, I had to figure out how to be of assistance and engage i

re how t

Luca and his men were probably getting ready for the encounter. Running from danger and hid

fleeing. This time I wa

ed, I forced myself to remain cool. I had to organize and consider. Although Enzo's men were attacking the warehouse, t

aged in this deadly game, those who knew how to control, fool, and surv

appropriate to app

t. I intended not to face Enzo's troops squarely. Suicides would be included in that.

st. Great. Though not much, it would have to do. Moving fast, I broke the latch with a rock and

improvised bomb. Though it wasn't much, it would be plenty to get Enzo'

Though it felt right, I had never done anything like this before.

remained a br

the darkness-they saw the flames. Watching them dash, leaving their s

y eye. Rising from the shadows, a towering and terrify

o h

I stopped, my breath caught in my throat as his chilly eyes fixe

a satisfied tone. "Looks like I

o late. His smile broadened as he reached

a won't save you this time," h

. Enzo's hold relaxed, and his eyes grew startled. Clutching h

to find Luca standing ther

voice lethal, "G

ked time to react. Another gunshot sounded,

Though his hold was almost too tight, I didn't give a damn.

voice, Luca asked, his hands softl

not sure I

ew back just enough to meet my g

the cold, deliberate mafia prince. But it was gone as fast as it