broke through the darkness and cast long shadows across the driveway. Her chest throbbed with her heart. She wanted to turn around, close the door and act like nothin

ould shy away from. But it was not just any cha

her and she turned around to see Giovanni standing

cut off as he caught the resolute expre

eep breath and walked out of the doorway. Her br

ith frustration and fear. "This is a mistake. Yo

rong, her spine rigid as she turned to look at him one last time.

arply. "This is not a game, Izzy. Luca is dangerous.

ation. "I know how the DeLucas

ing from me, I'll find o

his back and went upstairs again. Izzy heard him mumbling, but she couldn't catch the

posing in a dark suit that almost vanished in the night. His

s if the whole history between them wasn't ruled by blo

t come here because I wanted to. I was

t what I want." He stepped closer, his aura palpable. "You don't mi

and not budging. "I stand badly being manipulat

s eyes again. "If I were into playing games, Izzy, you'd be in my bed by now. This is

ront door, and part of her knew that this co

nodding toward the

and Izzy hesitated for only a moment before climbing into the seat. The door shut behind her, and she looked out the window to see Giovanni

nd the car began to glide pr

on building between them, the weight of his gaze never leaving her. The gentle thru

inquired, his voice low and velvety like

looked straight back at the road. "I guess it has

Santino stood up a little moving closer to her still sitting on his seat. 'I think you've been given the wrong story

urrowed. "Com

families? It is not power sharing. It is not even territory. You know what it is? It is survival. For a long time now the DeLuca family has been in a ceaseless

his words. "What does that supposed

I've been watching you. You're not like the others. You're clever and very determined. Most importantly, you

. "You're not asking m

help me. To ensure your family doesn't keep me at war because if that happens, there

was saying. "Why should I help you then? After

emy is not always what you think it is. Sometimes it's the people

to face him fully now, and her breath was sligh

as almost too knowing "You w

e with tension. Santino didn't speak anymore as the car finally stopped before some non-public premi

asked, her voice ti

s eyes hot. "You'll see what

ght a figure moved out of the