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“Don Marcelino and the CFP dinner.” I start piecing their horrible plan together.

Mattia nods. “Because we needed to get you out without putting Enzo at risk, we had to call in a favour with theCosa Nostra, who were more than happy to help.”

“Then why was he cross-questioning me about the artwork?” I furrow my brows.

“We needed to make it look like you were double crossing them to get Gabriel pissed, you punching Kylian was just a bonus.” The twins start laughing as Enzo’s words settle.

My eyes widen in realisation, and they land on Mattia instantly. “TheCosa Nostrahelped in exchange for what?”

Everyone’s eyes are on our cousins as they shift awkwardly and look between each other.

“It’ll be okay, we’re just going to help them out with some planning. Nothing serious, and it’s on a contract base,” Mattia explains.

“So Theá didn’t rat us out?” I ask.

“No, she didn’t,” Enzo confirms. “But her little friend Eleanor was the reason things happened as fast as they did. She was sleeping with Gabriel and feeding him info directly, something not even Kylian knows about.”

I sigh, and it feels like my chest is immediately lighter. Just knowing she didn’t have anything to do with this puts me at ease. But it doesn’t explain where she is now.

“You can’t work for theCosa Nostra,”I say. It’s directed at Mattia, because I honestly couldn’t give a shit where Enzo ends up.

“It’s worth it to know you’re safe. Besides, it’s not forever…” Mattia says.

Tension fills the room as I look down at my hands.

“Thank you. For saving me.”

“I told you we had a plan from the start,” Ambrose says, and I nod.

Everyone slowly starts exiting the room, leaving only Mattia and me alone.

“You know I love you, right.”

Mattia’s laughter fills the room. “I know you were on the brink of death and all, but that’s no excuse to go soft on me now. I’m not dying.”

“No, I mean it,fra. You’re my brother, and I love you. I need you to know that.”

“I love you more. That’s why I did this, for you.” He pats my shoulder. “Besides, I’ll still be around since everything they need us to take care of is here in Tevici.”

“At least you won’t be working with Ambrose anymore.” I chuckle, and he joins in.

“Thank God. I thought Enzo was difficult, but your brothers are a piece of work.”

“Yeah, they are. But they’re still my brothers, and so are you. You can’t become a part of that world, Mattia.”

“I won’t. I told you it’s a contract with a predetermined time limit. It’s fine,” he reassures me. “I just need you to start smiling again so that this can all feel worth it.”

I look down at my hands, where I’ve been absentmindedly playing with the ring again. Was it all worth it? Is this life really worth it if she’s not a part of it? I can’t let him feel as if he’s sacrificed his freedom for nothing. So I smile, and I make sure it looks real. Mattia will never regret this decision, or at least I will never let him.

Chapter forty-six

Theá

“Butwhycan’twejust go to the mall?” Noelle asks.

“We have to wait for the security team to get back with Pierre.” I sigh, repeating myself for the umpteenth time.

“Even when we were with Dad, we could at least go to the mall,” she argues.