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I shake my head, knowing that’s not possible.
“You are safe now, Chiara. I will make sure of it.”
My gaze is soft as I look down at her, but she still flinches.
I would be surprised if she didn’t.
But there’s no need for her to fear anything under my roof—not while I’m here.
As my jaw tightens, and I force myself to continue breathing, I can’t help but think about my sons.
In what world did they ever think this is acceptable?
How could they have taken her, and lied to my face about it too?
The realisation hits me like a punch to the gut.
My sons, my two precious boys, have crossed a line, and it’s one I can’t ignore.
This relationship with the Italians, this alliance I’ve spent years maintaining, is now at risk, and it’s all because of the reckless actions of my two sons.
Fuck, I’ve never been so disappointed in them like this before.
“I want Nikolai and Mikhail.” Chiara whimpers, catching my attention. “Where are they? When will they be back?”
I glance over at Chiara again, her eyes meeting mine.
This girl—this innocent girl—doesn’t deserve any of this. And until she is returned to her family, I will be treating her like one of my own. I will protect Chiara in the way that I would want someone to protect my own daughter; my Alexis.
I just hope that my sons will understand the gravity of this situation, and the positions they’ve put themselves—and me—in.
Because the Italians?
They won’t be so forgiving.
Especially not after everything we have already put them through.
And if I have to play this game, I’ll play it my way.
I will keep me, and mine, safe.
I walk back into my office, my mind racing, the weight of my thoughts bearing down on me like an iron vice.
How have my sons gotten to this point?
My mind swims with all sorts of questions.
How have they been able to keep something like this from me?
How has Chiara been kept captive under my own roof?
I should have known.
I should have sensed it.
But somehow, I let it slip under my radar.
And that’s. Just. Not. Good. Enough.