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“I need help on a trip I’m going on.”

“You want me to leave the country? Right now? After everything?” I frown. I would move mountains for Mattia after what he did for me, and even before that. But right now, the only place I want to be is on Tevici soil. Don Marcelino has been dealing with the cartel since Enzo brought me back, but so much is still up in the air that the entire situation is so volatile.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I want you to do. I’ve cleared it with Ambrose and Dr. Rossi. We’ve got a huge security team booked, as well as a private jet. All you have to do is say yes.”

“Where are we going?” I sigh. I can’t believe I’m going to agree to this.

“South Africa, we’re going to pay Kaia a visit.”

“Okay, let’s go. Let me just head home to pack.”

“Way ahead of you.” Mattia jumps up. “Already packed for you this morning.”

“How did you know I’d say yes?” I scoff.

“I didn’t. But I knew I’d do everything in my power to convince you if you didn’t.” He shrugs and heads to the door. “Wheels up in forty.”

“So what does Kaia need help with?” I ask as we clear customs.

The large mass of security around us is nerve-wracking, and it feels as if every eye in this airport is on us right now. It’s not just a feeling as I look around; I find multiple people staring at us or with their phones out taking pictures, probably trying to figure out who we are that we require this much security.

“Some shoot she needs help with.”

“You brought me here to model?” I frown, and Mattia simply beams as his eyes search the crowd, presumably looking for Kaia.

“Over there.” He points towards the door where I spot Kaia standing with some security of her own.

“My God, it’s good to see you two alive.” She sighs in relief as our wall of security opens up to let her inside.

She hugs Mattia first and then wraps her arms around my waist, squeezing me tightly. “I thought we were going to lose you.”

“It’ll take a lot more to get rid of me, unfortunately.” I grin as I return the hug.

As she pulls back and gives me a once over, her face morphs into a frown. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” She turns to Mattia and smacks the side of his head.

“What? You just said get him here? I did that.”

“Yeah, but I asked for Antonio, not whatever imposter this is.Hy lyk rof,” she mumbles the last part, and both Mattia and I stare at each other in confusion.

“You look rough,” she translates. “How could you let yourself go like this? Especially when I need you in your usual pristine state.”

“I’m sorry?” I say, unsure of what she wants from me right now.

“We’ll have to take care of this first.” She turns and starts walking towards the doors.

“What have you signed me up for?” I mumble so only Mattia can hear me.

“Trust me, you’ll love it,” he fires back.

“Did Mattia not tell you why you were coming here?” Kaia asks as we pull up at a hair salon.

“Not exactly. He just said you needed a favour.” I shrug. “He only mentioned the event when we landed.”

She shoots Mattia a glare, but Mattia feigns indifference as he steps out of the car and heads straight in.

“It’s not that you look bad, you just don’t look like yourself.” She stops me before I follow after Mattia.

“Probably because I’m not myself right now,” I admit. “It feels wrong to put that mask on right now. How I look right now is how I’m feeling, and that’s all I have the energy for right now.”