Diavolo (Devil’s Playground #1)

12. Chapter 12

12

His confession, surprisingly, coaxed neither fear nor shock from Elyse. Dwelling on such emotions felt pointless. This wasn't the first time someone had tried to end Alessandro's life, after all. Nor would it be the last. She needed to stay one step ahead by getting to the bottom of this vicious cesspool. Answers were necessary because his enemies might soon become her enemies.

"Who wants you dead? And why?"

Alessandro grimaced. "Haven't I told you enough? Angelo , per favore , let it rest ."

She glared. " I can't . A man wasshottwo days ago with a bullet meant for you."

"It will not happen again," he vowed.

"How can you be so confident?" Elyse muttered. "You're not invincible. Last time I checked, it's pretty easy to kill a man."

"I have no intention of dying," he concurred, "and I repay my debts. Always . I promise you. The threat has been removed. You may rest easy."

The soulless timbre in his voice unnerved Elyse. Alessandro had once uttered something similar to her when she first arrived in his Crans-Montana chalet, but the meaning behind his words, at the time, seemed far more honorable. A life for a life, angelo. Elyse had assumed he was trying to repay her for saving his life. I always repay my debts. Her mind crept toward darker, more sinister places. It seemed Alessandro's debts also included punishing those who'd wronged him. Urgently, Elyse demanded, "Did you kill him?"

Alessandro's dark eyebrows rose. "Who?"

"The man who shot Marcello," she whispered in distressed tones. "Is that why you disappeared for two days?"

With a nondescript grunt, Alessandro glanced away and refused to answer her. Elyse placed a hand on Alessandro's cheek and turned his face back to her, forcing him to meet her gaze. Emotion brimmed in her eyes. "Please don't force me to put on a black dress before the white one."

The bedsheets rustled as he moved closer to stroke her cheek. His gaze grew soft and doting. "I will give you a lifetime of happiness before I die."

She sighed. "I wish I had your confidence."

He smiled at her. "I cannot wait to see you in your white dress, Signora Vitale. "

Elyse arched an eyebrow at Alessandro. She saw right through his charming smile and sweet nothings. The bastard was trying to divert her attention again.

"I haven't agreed to marry you," she snapped. "I'm simply not rejecting you. Yet ."

With a low chuckle, Alessandro rolled on top of her and nestled his head into the crook of her neck. He kissed her behind her ear, along her jawline, and nipped at her collarbone. Flutters of pleasure flew through her. Instinctively, Elyse's legs fell open, allowing him to settle more comfortably between her thighs.

"I will convince you yet, my queen," he whispered huskily. "You and I were meant to be together. A Vitale and a Graviano. When our famiglias unite, the world will be ours to bend and break."

Alessandro's fingers dug into her hips, pulling her cunt closer to his cock, as she demanded, "Is power all that you care about?"

" No ," he answered, "but the acquisition and accumulation of power is not a choice for men like me. It is needed for survival, much like air or water or—"

His breath caught.

"Or what?"

" Fucking ," he groaned. Alessandro had grown hard again. He rubbed against her pussy. "If I beg now, angelo , will you put an end to this miserable game? Let me in for fuck's sake ."

She laughed. "Fuck me as much as you want, Mr. Vitale, after you convince me to marry you."

Elyse felt him twitch and swell between her legs. Her cunt throbbed in response, but— thank God —she was too tired to act on it.

"So," he deduced, "you will be mine on our wedding night?"

"I don't know," Elyse replied wearily. "Just don't die on me until I make my decision."

He grinned like the devil. "I will live. Just to spite you. And watch you walk down the aisle in a white dress. Toward me ."

She bit back a smile. "You're being too optimistic."

"Regarding me— living? Or us— fucking?" Alessandro snorted. "I am very much a realist."

"Agree to disagree." Elyse yawned softly. Exhaustion clouded her thoughts. Matters remained unresolved between them, but Elyse decided to let it rest for now and pursue the answers she sought another day. The need for sleep grew too strong to ignore. She yawned again.

Alessandro brushed his lips across her temple before rolling off of her to his side of the bed. "You can barely keep those lovely green eyes of yours open. I think we have talked enough for tonight. Get some rest. We have plans tomorrow."

She asked groggily, "What's going on tomorrow?"

"A charity ball. Black tie. You will be coming with me."

Elyse could only muster a sleepy grunt in response. With a small, tender smile, he reached over to clasp her hand. "Sogni d'oro, cuore mio."

Thanks to the hours Elyse had been pouring into her Italian studies, she was pretty sure that cuore mio translated to my heart. But where had this term of endearment come from? He’d never addressed her as such in the past. Before Elyse could summon the energy to ask about it, slumber overtook her.

As Elyse slept, Alessandro watched her. He couldn't seem to look away. In this moment, his brimming confidence seemed to dim with uncertainty. He laughed quietly to himself. Elyse didn't hear him at all when he confessed in the dark.

"There was a void. Here . Before you." He guided her palm to his chest, pressing it against the strong, steady beats. "Fuck me but I did not know what I was capable of feeling. Until you.”

The night stretched onward into a black nothingness. Elyse remained lost in her dreams. Eyes shut, breaths slow and deep, she didn't see the intimate, possessive way in which her smaller hand remained tucked in Alessandro's larger one until the first trickles of dawn crept through the windows. Nor did she feel him wrap his body around hers as though his flesh and bone might shield her from the dangers in his world. When Elyse awoke the following day, it was already noon. The taxing events from the past few days had taken a toll on her body. Elyse felt as though she had rested well, but her mind didn't feel fully recharged or refreshed. Her eyes flicked open. She glanced to the other side of the bed. It was empty.

Alessandro was already gone.

With a sigh, Elyse rolled out of bed to get herself ready for the day. A few minutes later, she wandered into the living room to check on Marcello. Malina was sitting beside him dutifully.

Elyse smiled at the housekeeper. "Thank you for watching over Marcello last night, Malina."

"Think nothing of it," she replied in her usual gracious, perfunctory manner.

Marcello was dozing on the couch. As Elyse started taking his vitals, he awoke with a start. His brown eyes shot open. Marcello gasped. "Dr. Romero!"

"Hello, Marcello," Elyse greeted him. "I hope you slept well last night?"

He quickly averted his gaze. "I-I did."

Marcello appeared to be the youngest out of Alessandro's three henchmen. Elyse placed him somewhere in his mid-twenties. He spoke with a slight lisp and appeared quite shy, wielding far less bluster than Monte or Luca.

A shrewd gleam sparkled in Malina's blue eyes. She teased, "Dr. Romero, it seems that you and Mr. Vitale are getting on...well?"

Mierda . Elyse's cheeks turned slightly pink. Had Malina and Marcello heard them last night? She closed her eyes, briefly, in mortification. It was entirely possible. Elyse had been so overwhelmed by Alessandro's return that she, like a hormonal, emotional idiot, had forgotten that they weren't alone in the flat. This could never happen again. She struggled to formulate a halfway dignified response under such awkward circumstances. Speech eluded her. Frantically, Elyse busied herself with the task at hand, taking Marcello's temperature, blood pressure, and pulse while praying that Malina would leave well enough alone.

Once Elyse finished up with Marcello, he closed his eyes and pretended to go back to sleep. Tactful boy. She wouldn't forget this small kindness. In a hurry, Elyse exited the living room. She went to the kitchen to fix herself some breakfast. Much to Elyse's chagrin, Malina followed her. The housekeeper smiled warmly.

She didn't seem willing to drop the subject. "I am happy for you both, Dr. Romero. You will have a blessed union."

Elyse coughed as she reached for some bread to make toast. "Thanks."

The older woman paused as though she had something more to say. She coughed. "Dr. Romero?"

Elyse started buttering her bread. "Yes, Malina?"

"If I may..."

She put the bread in the toaster. "Go on."

"I do not wish to overstep..."

"Nothing you say will offend me," Elyse assured her even though her nerves were now on edge.

Malina confessed quietly, "I like you, Dr. Romero. I have observed you closely these past few months. You are a strong woman. Smart. Kind as well. A worthy match for Signor Vitale ."

She didn't know quite how to respond to Malina's praise. "Um, thank you?"

The housekeeper continued, "I have worked for the Vitale family for decades now, and I had the privilege of watching Signor Vitale grow from a boy to a man. He has always been a free spirit, as good of a man as his circumstances will allow, but much has changed these past few years. It troubles me to see Signor Vitale lose his shine."

Elyse didn't know where Malina was trying to steer this conversation when the older woman asked, "Did you know? Signor Vitale had three older brothers."

Had?

"What… happened to them?"

"Dario was the eldest. He was in line to inherit the family business. The younger two, Giacomo and Nero, were not happy about it. They schemed to have Dario— removed . Then, they killed each other in pursuit to become capo ."

"So… Mr. Vitale is the last one standing?"

Grimacing, Malina confirmed her question with a nod. "From a young age, Signor Vitale was clever enough to present himself as a non-threat. By shirking his duties. Playing the fool, so to speak. And purposely losing their father's favor in the process. It was the only way he managed to escape the carnage. His brothers would have turned on him, too, if he showed any interest in challenging them for their father's empire."

Elyse's heart dropped. "Oh, Dios …"

No wonder Alessandro was so adept at masking his emotions. He always seemed to know which carrots to dangle and the exact words to use around others. This killer instinct permitted him to turn every piece on the chessboard into his pawns. Elyse was still pissed at Alessandro for using his talents to entrap her, but she resented him a little less since, apparently, becoming a master manipulator had been paramount to his survival.

She glanced at the housekeeper. "Sounds like you have a soft spot for Mr. Vitale."

"If I seem protective of him, it is because Alessandro has always been the only Vitale who treats me with kindness and respect."

All of a sudden, it hit Elyse. This chat felt very much like a discussion that might occur between a bride-to-be and her future mother-in-law. Mierda. It was a bit uncomfortable. But she managed to paste a smile on her face. Elyse promised, "Don't worry, Malina, I'll treat Mr. Vitale with every ounce of kindness and respect that he deserves ."

Malina went on to advise, "Do not be so hard on him, Dr. Romero. The duties Signor Vitale has been forced to carry would have broken a lesser man."

"What do you mean?"

The housekeeper gave a subdued pause before answering, "There was a time, many years ago, when Alessandro's father struggled with expanding the cosca's influence to the upper rungs of European society. Millions of euros were at stake, but elites refused to do business with Vincenzo Vitale because they did not trust him. It was also around this time Vincenzo made the abrupt decision to send Alessandro away. To the UK."

"But why?"

"Because of the St. Francis School. Followed by Oxford. His father shoved him into the very institutions that have produced countless world leaders and corporate billionaires."

What a cold and calculated move, Elyse realized then, that Vincenzo had played on his own flesh and blood. Clearly, he wanted his son to rub elbows with sons of the very men who'd turned their backs on him. In order to, possibly, use Alessandro build a bridge with the new generation for his agenda.

"Vincenzo warned Alessandro not to return home until he learned their ways, integrated inner circles, and secured valuable connections. His father even threatened to disown him— by cutting off funds and letting him rot overseas —if he failed to deliver."

Elyse's heart grew heavier and heavier as Malina affirmed her suspicions about Vincenzo's twisted motives.

"Imagine. A boy of eleven. Snatched from his mother's arms, his home, his friends, and everything he knows to be used as a pawn on a chessboard. Alessandro lived away from home for over ten years. To his credit, he had a knack for drawing others in and charming them to his will. Alessandro came close to fulfilling his father's wishes, but he chose to walk away in his twenties. He dropped out of Oxford. His father has never forgiven him for this rebellion. The only reason Vincenzo keeps Alessandro around is because his brothers are dead, and he is the only living heir to the Vitale line."

"His father's a fucking monster," Elyse whispered in outrage. This harrowing account contained the most telling truths ever revealed about Alessandro. Vincenzo made Papá look like a fucking saint. Elyse had never met Vincenzo, but she already hated the old hijo de puta for putting her man through hell. Son of a bitch.

"I do not disagree with your assessment, Dr. Romero. To this day, Alessandro never lets down his guard. Because of his brothers. And what Vincenzo forced on him. He wears a mask at all times."

"It must take a toll," Elyse observed quietly, "to live in such a way."

The older woman implored, "Do you understand where I am coming from now? Signor Vitale may be flawed, but he is nothing like his father. I swear, he cares for you, Dr. Romero. I can tell. Please do not hurt him."

Elyse's eyes fluttered in surprise. It was rather touching to see how deeply Malina cared for Alessandro. This was also the first time the older woman had been so open and forthright with her. She decided to return the favor, "The last thing I want is to hurt anyone. It goes against my personal beliefs andmy principles as a medical professional, but..."

Malina prompted, "But?"

"Even though I sympathize with Mr. Vitale for enduring such a difficult upbringing, at least, he was able to swim among the sharks— as a man . You must admit, his world treats women with even less sympathy. Sometimes, a woman must put herself first. Or she might drown in these waters."

Understanding shone from Malina's blue eyes. "You are no schoolgirl, Dr. Romero, I will grant you that much, and I am relieved to hear that you already recognize the kind of world we live in. It will make your transition more bearable. There is a reason why I have not been able to resign from my position with the Vitales after decades of service, and it is the same reason why you must marry Signor Vitale. We are not allowed to leave. Your future withhim will be a comfortable life, but it will not be an easy one. His world was not made to serve our sex. You must be prepared to stand tall if you do not wish to lose yourself in his shadow."

"Rest assured, I'm prepared to do whatever it takes. I understand that Mr. Vitale needs a dragon at his side. Not a damsel."

"Hearing you say this puts me more at ease."

"But I could use an ally," Elyse murmured. "An insider to guide me. So that I won't be charging into battle— blind ."

Malina smiled astutely. "I wonder where you could find such a useful person, Dr. Romero?"

Elyse eyed Malina questioningly. "I wonder..."

Blue locked on green, and goosebumps formed along Elyse's skin. It felt as though an unspoken truce had been struck between two sly females.

Malina lowered her gaze for a moment. "Has Signor Vitale told you about the charity ball this evening?"

Elyse possessed a hazy recollection of Alessandro bringing up something about a ball last night. But she'd passed out before they could continue their conversation. "I think he mentioned it to me. Briefly. What do you know about it?"

The housekeeper's eyes lifted back to Elyse. "There will be important guests in attendance tonight. Politicians. Prominent businessmen. Men whom Signor Vitale will need to recruit for various causes. If you do not know how to help him, take care to stay out of his way. Watch, learn, and take notes. Until you figure out how these observations can be used to your advantage."

She nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Malina. I understand what you're trying to tell me."

"One more thing, Dr. Romero," Malina added, "Signor Vitale's stepsister will be in attendance as well. It might serve you to befriend her."

The fuck? All three of Alessandro's brothers were six feet under, but his stepsister was still alive? Interesting . Elyse's eyebrows rose. "What's her name?"

"Valentina Rizzo."

If Valentina had managed to survive the bloodbath between the three older Vitale brothers, she wasn't someone to be taken lightly. "What does she look like?"

"Signorina Rizzo is blonde and blue-eyed. She stands a bit taller than you."

Valentina was… blonde? Could Valentina be the same blonde who'd showered in Alessandro's Zurich villa? Darkly, she wondered if Alessandro's blonde stepsister might also be missing a red bra from her closet. Paranoia spiked even though Elyse knew that she shouldn't jump to conclusions. "I'll be sure to seek out Valentina tonight."

Malina cleared her throat. "Just sit tight and be patient. Knowing her, she will hunt you down first."

Green eyes flickered. "I see."

"Are you familiar with Machiavelli, Dr. Romero?"

Why was the housekeeper bringing up old Italian writers? With a look of uncertainty, Elyse nodded. "I believe so."

Malina smiled. "He was the one who wrote about keeping your friends close. But your enemies closer. Hold onto these words, Dr. Romero, when you encounter Signorina Rizzo tonight."

Instantly, everything made sense. Malina was warning her about Valentina Rizzo. Elyse grimaced. "Can't wait to meet her."

It took over two hours for Elyse to get ready for the charity ball. She'd never attended such an upscale event. Elyse felt at a loss. She didn't know what to expect from the other guests. She didn't know what would be expected of her, either, and Alessandro was nowhere in sight to provide guidance. The unhelpful bastard had left the flat hours ago.

Thank God for Malina.

She helped Elyse with her hair and makeup. They picked out a sequined Dior gown for the evening. The crystals glimmered like diamonds under the light, and the pale champagne silk poured over Elyse's hourglass curves like liquid gold, complementing the olive-hued warmth of her skin tone beautifully. A low V neckline displayed the swells of her cleavage in a sensual yet tasteful manner.

Then, in her typical bush-beating, non-linear manner, Malina proceeded to lay out Alessandro's agenda for Elyse to decipher.

" Signor Vitale is looking forward to introducing you to his friends and business associates."

Translation? The man wanted everyone to know that a Vitale would be marrying a Graviano.

"He hopes your marriage will open doors to new opportunities and partnerships."

He also wanted people to know that his scope of influence would soon expand.

Through Malina's subtle implications, Elyse managed to grasp what Alessandro intended to convey to the other guests. He wanted his enemies to let go of old grudges. And stay out of his fucking way. He expected allies to continue supporting him. Or face the consequences.

Indeed, it seemed tonight was a night for Elyse to be seen and recognized for her Graviano blood. She was about to be introduced to the major players in Alessandro's circles. Players consisting of rich, powerful men who made their millions on the right side of the law as well as those who built their empires along the shadowy borders of society.

Malina believed the gold dress would serve their purpose well. As Elyse studied her striking reflection in the mirror, she couldn't disagree with the older woman's assessment. She felt like an absolute goddess in the Dior gown. The otherworldly, unrecognizable femme fatale staring back at her certainly looked striking and expensive enough to strut at Alessandro's side for the evening.

And yet—panic gripped Elyse. Because the woman in the mirror wasn't her. This woman was a stranger. Days ago, trying on the couture wedding dresses had softened Elyse's objection to marriage. Fantasy had swept her away. This Dior dress did just the opposite. It warned of the reality that loomed after the wedding. Little by little, this quiet epiphany crawled over Elyse like the slow, creeping terror a person might feel after realizing that she was trapped inside a sealed cell with flesh-eating spiders.

Her Graviano lineage already redefined her existence. A life of normalcy was as good as dead. There would be no going back, Elyse realized with horror, once she showed her face tonight as Alessandro's fiancée.

If she married the man, her identity as Dr. Elyse Romero would be overshadowed by her new role as Signora Vitale . Her medical school training and achievements as a surgeon would mean nothing. After the wedding, Alessandro and his men would be the ones determining her value. What little remained of her self-worth was precious to Elyse, and, however dangerous and foolish it might be to reject Alessandro's protection, she suddenly felt the urge to run , to run from the wedding, to run as far away as possible from this claustrophobic fate. In a crazed, haunting manner, fear melded into her pulse with each quickening beat— run, run, run —as Alessandro returned to the flat to escort her to the ball.

His entire countenance stilled as he caught sight of Elyse in her gold gown. He breathed in awe, "You are a vision."

"Thank you," Elyse replied almost shyly.

Alessandro was dressed in a classic black and white tux. She'd never seen the bastard look more handsome. Her traitorous heart skipped as though it belonged to him.

Run .

He was now inspecting the back of her gown—specifically, her ass—with a curious expression. "Not a single line in sight. How scandalous, Signora Vitale. Is it possible that you are not wearing any—"

Her cheeks pinkened. The dress had been too tight for underwear. She ordered, "Stop staring."

With a low chuckle, Alessandro took Elyse's hand and raised it to his lips, but, instead of placing a gentlemanly peck on the back of her hand, he pressed a long, searing kiss in the middle of her palm. It made her yearn for more of his touch.

He murmured, "Just so you know. My imagination is running wild. I will be obsessing over your wicked, little secret for the rest of the evening."

Feeling a bit lightheaded, Elyse quickly retracted her hand from him. She scolded gently, "We're going to be late."

He gave her ass one long final look and sighed, "Shall we, then, Signora Vitale?"

Again with the Signora Vitale .

"Such an optimist," Elyse muttered under her breath.

Alessandro laughed again and placed his hand on the small of Elyse's back to guide her out of the apartment. They went downstairs together. The twin Rolls-Royce's were already parked along the side of the street, waiting for them. Nils got into the first car with Alessandro and Elyse. Monte and Luca followed them in the second vehicle. Malina had stayed behind to watch over Marcello.

Once they started driving, Alessandro pressed a button to lower the soundproofed privacy barrier for the passenger compartment, effectively separating them from Nils. He scooted toward Elyse and pulled her into his arms. His aftershave smelled woodsy, fresh, and intoxicating. It made her want to get as close to him as possible.

Run .

Alessandro bent his dark head to nuzzle Elyse, raining sweet, sensual kisses up and down her bare neck and shoulders. He groaned. "I have missed you ... "

Elyse wondered where Alessandro had gone all day. She wanted to ask him but knew he wouldn't answer her. Soon, her musings about his whereabouts were forgotten. Pleasure spiked through Elyse as his hands began palming and fondling her breasts over the fabric of the gown.

"Careful," she gasped, "you'll ruin my makeup."

He lifted his head from her and grinned. "But, then, the world will get to see how much your man adores you."

Elyse tried to keep her expression stern. "If you smudge my lipstick, you die."

Lightly, Alessandro ran his hand up her thigh to give it a playful squeeze. "Then let me play down here."

" Behave , Mr. Vitale," Elyse chided as she swatted his hands away. "I thought you wanted us to make a good impression on your business partners?"

Alessandro eyed her with a lifted brow. "What do you know about my business partners?"

"Malina mentioned them to me."

His brow furrowed with concern. "You have been talking to Malina?"

There was also a touch of accusation in his voice. Elyse wavered for a moment before answering, "Yes."

"What did you two chat about?"

"The charity ball."

"Ah, I am happy that you and Malina are getting along." Alessandro had kept his tone light and even, but his face was devoid of emotion. Elyse couldn't tell whether or not he was happy about her budding new alliance with his housekeeper. She didn't want to get Malina in trouble. Not after everything the older woman had done to help her.

"Sir?"

To please. And distance.

"Hmm?"

"For the record, I was the one who approached her."

"Were you now?"

Elyse launched into the housekeeper's defense, "I felt nervous about what to expect for tonight, so I bullied Malina into helping me get ready."

A wry smile spread across Alessandro's mouth. "You admit to bullying my poor, old housekeeper?"

She grimaced. "I do."

"Then let me make one thing clear."

"Yes?"

"You do not need to defend Malina for my benefit. She would be gone if I did not trust her. Fully ."

Elyse nodded hesitantly. "I... understand."

In harsher tones, he added, "I cannot fuck around with loyalty. It is a matter of life or death in our world."

She gulped. "Of course."

What he said next, however, caught her by surprise. "Which is why I hope, someday, I might be able to trust you with my life."

The way Alessandro was now looking at her as though she mattered to him. As though he couldn't seem to contain himself around her. It left a bittersweet ache in Elyse's chest.

Run .

Her thudding heart picked up speed. "You already trusted me with your life in Queens, and I didn't let you die."

Alessandro reached over to cup the side of her face. Gently, his thumb began to caress her cheek. "That is not what I meant."

Elyse gazed into his eyes. "It's not?"

"I want to trust you as my woman," he expressed seriously, "and for you to trust me as your man."

Alessandro's eyes didn't leave her face. Elyse's pulse began to race— run, run, run —as the emotional intensity radiating from him rendered her weak and helpless . Elyse was afraid to respond because she feared, in her heart of hearts, there might be a part of her that wanted to earn his trust, to become his wife, even if it meant sacrificing her integrity as a woman and as a surgeon.

She struggled to find the right words. "I-I..."

Suddenly, the movement of the vehicle began to slow, offering Elyse a welcome distraction. She quickly glanced out the window. Nils had pulled up to Hotel Imperial, a historic luxury hotel located on Avenue Kléber in the 16th arrondissement. Its sheer opulence looked more like a palace to Elyse than a mere hotel. A fleet of limousines and other luxury brand vehicles surrounded them. Guests were arriving in couture gowns and tuxedos.

Elyse turned back to Alessandro with an expression of uncertainty. Again, it seemed, matters between them would need to be left unresolved. He flashed her a tight smile. "Are you ready? "

Elyse didn't feel ready at all, but she nodded and allowed Alessandro to help her out of the car. He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and led her toward the lobby of the grand hotel. Monte and Luca were already waiting for them inside. The four of them were directed to a grand ballroom with oversized chandeliers, white marble floors, and fresh flower arrangements all around. A live pianist, accompanied by a string quartet, was playing Mozart in the corner. Once they entered the ballroom, Alessandro whispered into her ear, "Do not leave my side tonight."

Elyse asked, "How come?"

"It is not safe."

"What if I need to use the restroom?"

"I will accompany you."

"Why? Does someone want to kill me?" she joked darkly.

"I do not know," Alessandro replied without a trace of humor, "and that is why I do not intend to let you out of my sight."

His sullen response had a sobering effect on Elyse. She demanded, "What about you? Are you in danger?"

Alessandro didn't answer Elyse. His silence felt very intentional. It filled her with dread, and, just like that, the urge to run, run, run no longer felt as strong as the need to stay, stay, stay.

In case someone tried to put another bullet in him tonight.