per around them, the muffled sounds of distant footsteps serving as a constant reminder of the danger stalking her. Luca walked ahead of her with purpose, his movement

ow close she'd come to being caught. Even now, she wasn't sure why Luca had decided to help her-or if she could even trust him. He could be leading he

voice low enough to make the w

till racing. "Not far from where?" she whispered, her t

y. "My plan is to keep you alive," he said simply,

cked conviction. "Right. Because

readable but charged with something she couldn't quite name. "You think I want to do this?" h

ound of her real name leav

er, his presence overwhelming as his dark gaze bore into hers. "But for some reason

clutched her bag tighter. "You don't know anything

e its edge. "I know you're reckless. I know you're brave, maybe stupid

lose to home. "I'm not here to hurt anyone,

re to destroy everything I've spent my life building," he said. "But you're not as clev

rprising herself with the force in her voice

avy. Luca's jaw tightened, his gaze dropping briefly before returning to hers. "The truth

out his phone, his expression hardening as he read the message flashing across the sc

Luca had already started moving again, his

e realized they were approaching a larger, more open area of the house. She opened her mouth to prote

ever happens next, you stay behind me. Don't speak unless I t

un. But something in Luca's gaze-steady, unwavering-mad

rving into a faint smirk. "T

intimidating, with dark wood paneling and leather armchairs arranged around a roaring fireplace. Several men stood scattered throughout the room, their sh

r hair and piercing blue eyes. He exuded authority, his very presence commanding respect and fear. She didn't ne

rying effortlessly through the room. "I wa

calm and composed. "I was delayed,"

t an icy chill run down her spine. "And who i

uca said, his voic

ed on Lily, making her feel as though he could see every secret she was

spoke first. "She's under my protection," h

silence stretched uncomfortably, the weight of it pressing down on her chest. Finally, Salvatore nodded, thoug

he turned to Lily, his hand brushing against hers brie

as she tried to process what had just happened. She didn't know what Luca had just risked by bringi

oice trembling with frustration and confusion. "What the hell

to face her. "Because you're not walking

otsteps echoed down the hallway again, an