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"It's time to head down," he says, low and intimate.
My stomach tightens with anxiety. I'm about to meet Damiano Feretti—the man who runs one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the country.
"Okay," I whisper, reaching for the clothes he brought. "Give me five minutes."
Alessio nods and steps back, though his eyes never leave me.
As I dress in a simple black sweater and jeans that fit surprisingly well—I catch Alessio watching me with an intensity that makes my pulse quicken. Not with anxiety but with a deeper, more primal response.
When I'm ready he offers his hand. I take it, feeling the calluses stroke my palm.
"Remember," he says as we reach the door, "these men respect strength and honesty. Don't try to be what you think they want. Just be Melania."
I take a deep breath, squeezing his hand. "Just be the woman who hacked a military-grade security system and managed to run away from her wedding with a man who was actually there to kidnap her?"
This time Alessio does smile—a small, fierce thing that transforms his face. "Exactly that woman. She's fucking magnificent."
The unexpected compliment bolsters my courage. I stand taller, lifting my chin. Whatever waits for me downstairs I won't face it cowering or apologizing for who I am.
"Let's go then." I sound more confident than I feel.
I lead Melania down the wide hallway to the dining room. She walks with her head high but I can feel the tension of her muscles pulsing in my palm.
"You'll be fine," I murmur, keeping my voice low enough that only she can hear. "Just remember what I said."
The double doors to the dining room stand open, revealing the long mahogany table already surrounded by familiar faces. Enzo sits at the one head of the table, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp as they track our entrance. Noah leans against the far wall, arms crossed over his chest, while Matteo gestures animatedly about something. Daniel stands by the door, his stance military-precise. However there’s no sign of ourcapo.
Melania's steps falter slightly but she recovers quickly. Fucking impressive, considering most people would be shaking in their boots walking into a room full of Feretti enforcers.
"Gentlemen," I say, guiding Melania forward. "This is Melania Lombardi."
Noah pushes off the wall, his dark eyes assessing her with cold calculation. "So this is Antonio's daughter," he says, his voice carrying that slight accent that becomes more pronounced when he's curious about something.
"The one who saved Alessio's ass at the gas station," Matteo adds with a grin. "Pleasure to meet you properly, without all the running and shooting."
I bristle at what he’s pointedly leaving out–that she was bottom-half naked when he met her.
Melania's chin lifts slightly. "The pleasure's mine," she replies, her voice steady.
I gesture toward Daniel, who gives a curt nod. "Daniel handles security for the estate."
"Ma'am," Daniel says simply, his eyes doing a quick sweep of Melania before returning to his vigilant watch of the room.
"Ettore's outdone himself again tonight," Matteo announces, rubbing his hands together. "Osso buco with saffron risotto and I heard him muttering about tiramisu for dessert."
My stomach growls at the mention of Ettore's cooking. After days of gas station snacks and microwave meals, real Italian food sounds like heaven.
"Where's Sienna?" I ask Enzo, noticing the absence of his woman.
Enzo's expression hardens slightly. "With her mother. I'm not bringing her back here until this whole situation is resolved."
I nod, understanding his decision. The fewer people involved, the better, with Antonio and Raymond still hunting for Melania. No need to put Sienna in the crosshairs.
"Smart move," I say, pulling out a chair for Melania next to mine. She sits gracefully, her back straight, looking for all the world like she belongs here.
Noah's dark eyes shift from Enzo to Melania. "That's why Evelyn isn't here either." He leans forward and puts his elbows on the table. "So, Lombardi's daughter. How the fuck did you manage to arrange a runaway without Antonio finding out? Man's got eyes everywhere."
The table goes quiet. I tense, not sure if Melania will answer or tell him to fuck off. She surprises me.