I shrug, trying to project more confidence than I feel. "Then at least I'll know what they decided before they drag me kicking and screaming to the altar."
Gianna checks her watch. "We need to move fast. He'll be leaving any minute."
Through the window, I can see Dante emerging from the house, his phone pressed to his ear. He looks tense, focused—which is perfect for what we're planning.
"Okay," Gianna says, taking charge. "Elena, you're going to go out front and ask him about the security rotation or something. Keep him talking and facing away from the car. Sofia, you'll go around back and approach from the other side."
"What if the car is locked?"
"It won't be. He's in a hurry, and he's only going to be gone a few hours. Besides, this is a secure location—he won't think he needs to lock it."
Elena still looks skeptical. "And what's our story when he gets back and realizes Sofia is missing?"
"She went for a walk around the property," Gianna says smoothly. "Fell asleep in the garden. Food poisoning. We'll figure something out."
I grab both their hands. "Thank you. Both of you. I know this is risky?—"
"We're family," Gianna interrupts. "Dysfunctional, crazy family, but family. We stick together."
Elena sighs dramatically but nods. "Fine. But if we all end up dead, I'm haunting both of you."
We move quickly and quietly toward the front of the house. Through the window, I can see Dante pacing by his car, still on the phone. He's wearing that dark expression I've come to recognize—the one that means business.
"Okay," Gianna whispers. "Elena, you're up. Sofia, wait for my signal, then move."
Elena takes a deep breath and walks out the front door, immediately drawing Dante's attention. I can't hear what she's saying from inside, but she's gesturing animatedly.
Perfect.
Gianna nods at me, and I slip out the back door, keeping low as I circle around the house. My heart is hammering so hard I'm surprised everyone in a three-mile radius can't hear it.
The car is a sleek black sedan, and thankfully, Gianna was right—it's unlocked. I can hear Elena's voice carrying from the front of the car, something about guard rotations and security protocols. Dante's responses are curt, impatient, but he's engaged enough to keep his back turned.
I ease the rear passenger door open and slide inside, immediately dropping to the floor behind the driver's seat. The car smells like leather and Dante's cologne, and I have to fight the urge to think about how close we were in the basement just minutes ago.
Through the window, I can see Elena wrapping up her conversation. She gestures toward the house, and Dante nods curtly before hanging up his phone.
I hear his footsteps approaching the car, and I press myself as low as possible, trying to make myself invisible behind the seat. The driver's door opens, and the car dips slightly as Dante gets in.
"Finally," he mutters under his breath, starting the engine.
As we pull away from the safehouse, I allow myself a small smile of triumph. Phase one complete. Now I just have to survive the drive into the city without being discovered, somehow get close enough to the meeting to hear what's being discussed, and then figure out how to run where no one can find me.
Simple, right?
The car hits a bump in the road, and I have to bite my lip to keep from making a sound. This is either the smartest thing I've ever done or the stupidest.
But as we drive toward whatever fate Vito and his inner circle are deciding for me, I know I'd rather face the consequences ofmy own choices than sit passively while others determine my future.
Even if one of those choices might get me killed.
Even if it means I'm trapped in a car with the man who makes me question everything I thought I knew about myself.
I just hope I can stay hidden long enough to find out what I'm really up against.
CHAPTER 20
Dante
