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“You’re alive, he’s alive, and nothing’s on fire.” He shrugs. “By our standards, that’s practically diplomatic.”

I stare out the window at the passing city lights, already wondering what comes next. Nicolo won’t let this go—he can’t afford to, not without losing face. But maybe that’s exactly what I need.

“Call Seb,” I tell Eli. “Tell him to be ready when we land. It’s time to end this.”

“And Eve?”

I think about my wife waiting at home, probably pacing the floors with a drink in her hand. About the way she looks at melike I’m worth saving, even when I don’t believe it myself. About the fierce love she shows Leo, the strength she brings to our unconventional little family.

“We tell her everything,” I decide. “No more secrets.”

Eli nods, already dialing. As we speed toward the airport, I close my eyes and let myself fully embrace the truth I’ve been fighting for so long.

I love her. I love them both. And I’ll burn down heaven and earth to keep them safe.

And this time, I’m bringing an army.

Chapter 23

Rising from Ashes

Evelyn

The grandfather clock in Zeke’s living room chimes eleven, each deep resonating toll mocking my restless pacing. I’m on my third gin martini of the night, though the alcohol does little to calm my nerves. The ice cubes clink against the crystal as I take another sip, staring out the floor-to-ceiling windows into the darkness beyond.

The mansion feels too large, too empty without Leo’s laughter filling its halls and Zeke’s imposing form sucking up all the oxygen. Even with Micah stationed outside and other security personnel patrolling the grounds, I’ve never felt more alone. More helpless.

I set my empty glass on the bar cart and resist the urge to pour another. Getting drunk won’t bring Leo back, won’t make Zeke return any faster from New York. Still, my fingers itch to wrap around the cool neck of the gin bottle, to let the burning liquid numb this relentless fear in my gut.

What if something went wrong? What if Nicolo decided to keep Zeke too?

My phone sits silent on the coffee table, mocking me with its lack of updates. The last message from Zeke came hours ago, just a brief “Landing soon,” which did nothing to ease my anxiety.

A car’s headlights sweep across the windows, and my heart leaps into my throat. I rush to peer through the glass, holding my breath until I recognize the sleek black SUV pulling up the circular drive.

He’s home.

Relief floods through me, followed immediately by fresh waves of tension. Whatever happened in New York, whatever Nicolo said about Leo—I’m about to find out.

The front door opens, followed by muffled voices in the foyer. My feet carry me forward before I can think better of it, desperate to see him, to read the truth on his face.

Zeke stands just inside the door, shrugging off his suit jacket as Eli takes his bag. Even in the dim light there’s exhaustion written into every line of his face. The sight stops me in my tracks, my stomach dropping.

“Eve.” His voice is scratchy, like he’s been shouting. Or maybe not speaking at all for hours.

Eli quietly disappears with Zeke’s bag, leaving us alone in the foyer. For a moment, we just stare at each other across the marble floor, everything unsaid hanging heavy between us.

“What happened?” The words scrape past my tight throat. “Did he—is Leo—?”

“Nicolo claims he’s not involved.” Zeke loosens his tie with sharp, angry movements. “Says Alessandro is acting alone.”

“But you don’t believe him.”

“No.” He runs a hand through his hair, messing up the usually perfectly styled strands. “He’s lying. Alessandro doesn’t have that kind of reach or street smarts. Not without help.”

I wrap my arms around myself, trying to hold in the scream building in my chest. “Then why? What does he want?”

“He wants me to rejoin the family. Says if I do, all our problems in Columbus willdisappear.”