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“Get that fucker in isolation. Nobody sees or speaks to him until I say so!” Clover’s voice blasts through the speakers. The call never disconnected.

Car doors slam in the background, then I hear an engine revving. Thank fucking goodness backup is coming. Because apparently, I now require backup for a family dinner.

“That’s Clover on his cell, making sure Tito can’t get through to anyone else. We’re on our way, son.” Alessandro’s voice comes through the speaker. “Kota just texted me. He’s two minutes out.” He adds before the line goes dead.

Alessio grips the door handle. “Stay in the car. No matter what, youstayfucking here. Got it?”

I stare at him, thrown off by the whiplash. Five seconds ago, he was all soft words and confessions. Now, he’s back to growling orders like I take commands from him.

“Olivia, do you hear me? No matter what.”

His gun is already in his hand, flicking the safety off, and his finger hovers over the trigger. He’s halfway outof the car, already ready for whatever shitstorms out there.

“No.” I grab his arm, holding him back as much as I can. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Alessio pauses, just for a second, before grabbing my throat and pulling me into him. His lips crash against mine. It’s fast and rough, like he’s branding the feeling of it onto me in case it’s the last time. Then he lets go, lips still close enough to mine that I can feel his breath. “I’ll be fine. Just do as you’re told.”

Before I can argue, he’s gone, slamming the door shut and locking it behind him. The rear window is broken, so I don’t think the locks will keep anyone out if they want to get to me, but I guess it might help.

A man steps out of the SUV in front of us. The headlights behind him are bright, making it hard to see, but I focus on his face. There’s something about him that nags at me, like a song I almost remember but can’t place.

This has to be Girard, Tito’s son, and I guessmy cousin. Well, half-cousin, who the hell knows at this point. Alessio once told me Tito had kids all over the place with random women. I guess that explains why I’ve never seen or heard of this one before.

I don’t know him, but he’s got that same stupid half-smile Uncle Tito has. The one where only half the face lifts, like when you’re a kid hooking your finger in the corner of your mouth to make a silly face. And now, here he is, standing in front of me while his goon squad circles the car like some fucked-up welcome committee, minus the guns pointed at us.

We’re surrounded, but everything is quiet until Girard speaks. “Just give me the girl and go on with your life,” he tells Alessio.

“Get fucked.” Alessio replies, not skipping a beat, pointing his gun at Girard. “You should pack up your fucking army and forget about her before none of you ever see another fucking day.”

Holy mother of God, why does he look so fuckinghotwhen he’s all bossy and protective, like this.

Girard’s half-smirk barely twitches. “You’re surrounded, I could put a bullet in your fucking face and take her. But I was trying to ask nicely.”

Oh shit.Alessio already got stabbed once because of me. I can’t let him get hurt again.

I take a deep breath, unlock the passenger door, and step out.

“Liv,” Alessio growls.

I glance at him and mouth, I’m sorry before turning to Girard. “What do you want?” I ask, channeling in every ounce of confidence I have, to sound like I’m not afraid. Girard flashes that same stupid half-smile.

Alessio’s gun is still aimed straight at Girard’s head, making a clicking noise. A second later, I hear the sharp clicks of multiple guns cocking, all pointing at me and Alessio.

“For once in your life, do as you’re fucking told. Get in the car,” Alessio grits out.

“I can’t risk you for me,” I say, stepping forward.

Girard’s smirk stretches wider. “Aww, don’t worry. I’ll make sure to kill the bitch first. But not to fret, you’ll join her soon enough.”

“Fuck you,” Alessio spits.

“Fuckme? No, fuckyouand your rat fucking bitch.” Girard rumbles, spitting while he’s talking. “Do you know what it’s like to live your whole fucking life without a father?”

Actually, I do. But I’m pretty sure that was rhetorical, he doesn’t give a shit what life I lived or what I have to say. So, I keep my mouth shut, while also ignoring the way Alessio’s death stare is currently burning a hole in the side of my head.

“Dad said if I take you out, he’ll name me as his heir, and I’ll finally be in the position I was born to be in,” Girard says.

“What position?” Alessio barks. “Tito’s fucking scum and has nothing left. The fucking twat has been in prison for fifteen years, he’s got nothing to pass down to you, yousorry prick.”