I rested my head on his shoulder, trying to offer him comfort.
“Of course I am,” he said with a chuckle.
We swayed gently, the world around us fading.
“So, what’s it like having your father back in your life?” Liam asked.
“Honestly? Weird, but awesome at the same time.”
He raised an eyebrow. “It must feel good having him around, especially with everything that happened... with your mom.”
“It does,” I replied.
“As soon as this mess is behind us, do you think you’ll go back to Italy with him?” Liam asked.
It had crossed my mind. The future with Nico felt uncertain, and I sensed that he wouldn’t let me go easily if I left.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I haven’t thought it through all the way.”
“I imagine Nico would have quite the opinion about that,” he said, letting out a light chuckle.
“Honestly? I couldn’t give a shit what Nico thinks,” I scoffed.
“Wow!” Liam laughed heartily. “I’ve never heard you swear like that before.”
Sticking my tongue out playfully at him, I couldn’t help but grin. Ever since my abduction and the torture I’d endured, something within me had shifted. I had adopted a carefree, I-don’t-give-a-damn attitude. Whether that was a blessing or a curse, I couldn’t quite tell.
Before I could share that with him, Demon’s ears perked up, and he dropped down onto all fours, adopting a defensive stance.
“What was that?” Liam halted his rocking and stood, peering out toward the edge of the gazebo.
“What did you hear?” I asked, standing up and pulling my jacket tighter around me.
Then another noise sliced through the night—like a twig snapping and the rustle of leaves.
“It’s probably just a rabbit or something,” I said uneasily.
“If it were an animal, Demon would be bounding out there to catch it,” Liam countered. “Let’s head inside.” He took my hand, and I felt a surge of comfort in his grip.
We rushed down the steps, and I glanced back and saw Demon still standing sentinel, his gaze fixed on the shadows. “Come on, boy,” I called, patting my knee. He trotted over to my side, staying close.
We’d only taken a few steps when there was a crashing sound behind us, followed by something heavy hitting the ground.
Demon started to bark, and my eyes widened. A guard’s decapitated head rolled toward my feet and stared up at me.
“What the hell?!” Liam shouted. “We need to get out of here!” He yanked my hand and propelled me forward.
“Security breach!” he bellowed.
“Over here!” the guard stationed by the door yelled, sprinting toward us. Just as we reached the back door, an arrow zipped past me, grazing my ear before striking the guard in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground.
“We’re under attack!” Liam continued to shout. We burst through the door, hurling ourselves inside.
I glanced over my shoulder, my heart racing as I took in Liam’s frantic movements. “Go!” he barked. “Get the girls and the kids into the panic room! You too!”
“No! I won’t leave you, Liam!” I shot back.
“Damnit, Gigi! You don’t understand—just do it or?—”
