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“It’s too dangerous,” Eli growls. “You walk into his territory alone, there’s no guarantee you walk out again.”

“I won’t be alone. You’re going with me.” I look at each person in the room, these people who’ve become more than just allies—they’re family now, in every way that matters. “The rest of you will be my eyes and ears here in Columbus. And more importantly, Nicolo won’t risk moving against me openly. Not when it would start a war he can’t afford.”

“What makes you so sure about that?” Narissa asks, but there’s less hostility in her tone now, more genuine curiosity.

“Because Nicolo Moretti values one thing above all else—his reputation.” I sit back down, leaning forward across the desk.“He’s built his empire on the appearance of honor and family loyalty. Killing me in his own territory? After I come to him willingly? It would destroy everything he’s worked for.”

“And what if you’re wrong?” Eve’s voice is barely above a whisper. “What if this is exactly what he wants?”

I haven’t said the words yet—those three dangerous words that would make this all too real, permanent. My fear, the horrors of my past hold me back. But she’s given into her love, and she shows me every day. I see it in every look, every touch, every moment of quiet understanding between us.

“Then at least we’ll know.” I soften my voice, speaking directly to her now. “And you’ll be here, working with Narissa and the others to find Leo while I keep Nicolo distracted. Find out what he knows.”

“You mean while you paint a target on your back,” she counters.

“The target’s already there,love.” The endearment slips out naturally now, as easy as breathing. “Has been since the day I left New York. At least this way, we’re choosing the battlefield.”

Silence falls over the room as everyone processes the implications of what I’m proposing. It’s a risky play, perhaps even a foolish one. But it’s the best chance we have of finding Leo before Alessandro’s men decide he’s outlived his usefulness.

“I don’t like it,” Seb says finally, “but I can’t think of a better option.”

Eli and Micah exchange looks, years of working together allowing them to communicate silently. Finally, Micah nods.

“We’ll need to coordinate,” he says. “Set up secure communication channels, establish contingency plans.”

“I can help with that.” Narissa straightens in her chair. “I have contacts in NYPD who might be willing to keep an eye on things unofficially.”

I raise an eyebrow, surprised by the offer. She shrugs, a hint of a smile playing at her lips.

“Don’t get me wrong—I still think you’re a criminal who belongs behind bars. But Leo’s safety comes first.”

“Agreed.” I look to Eve, who’s been unnaturally quiet. “What do you think?”

She stands, moving around the desk until she’s directly in front of me. The others fade into the background as she reaches up to cup my face in her hands.

“I think,” she says slowly, “that if anything happens to you, I’ll never forgive myself.”

I cover her hands with mine, drawing strength from her touch. “Nothing’s going to happen to me. I didn’t survive twenty years in Nicolo’s world by being careless.”

“Promise me.” Her voice catches. “Promise me you’ll come back.”

“I promise.” I lean down, pressing my forehead to hers. “I always come back to you now.”

Someone—probably Seb—clears their throat. We step apart, but I keep hold of Eve’s hand as we turn back to face the others.

“Right then,” Micah says briskly, pulling out his phone. “Let’s work out the details.”

The next hour is spent planning—establishing protocols, arranging transportation, setting up emergency contacts. Through it all, I keep catching glimpses of Eve’s face as emotions play across her features while she tries to maintain her professional demeanor.

Finally, when every contingency has been discussed and every possible angle considered, the others file out of my office. Eve lingers behind, her hand still clasped in mine.

“When?” she asks simply.

“In an hour.” I pull her closer, needing to feel her warmth against me. “The sooner I get to New York, the less time Nicolo has to prepare, and the sooner we get our boy back.”

She nods against my chest, her fingers curling into my shirt. “I should be going with you.”

“No.” I tilt her chin up, making her meet my eyes. “I need you here. Need to know you’re safe while I deal with this. Please.”