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“Yeah, I know. He’s your husband. Maybe you could train with him. I don’t think he’d try to hurt you. Did you see how he looks at you?”

“What are you talking about?” I jerked back.

“Um, when he saw you, his whole demeanor changed.”

“It was because he thought I’d be mad at him for losing and maybe refuse to let him out of his room again. He actually apologized because he thought he’d embarrassed me somehow. I guess he thinks that as my husband everything he does matters. So losing a fight would be my loss too. It’s weird.”

Rafael let out a laugh. “He apologized? Luca? Are we talking about the same person?”

“Yeah. It was super weird to me too. I don’t know what he’s doing. Maybe he’s trying to win me over so he can get some privileges.”

“Or maybe he just likes you.”

It was my turn to laugh. “Now that’s totally insane. He barely knows me, and I’m the one keeping him trapped here. There’s no way he can like me.”

Rafael shrugged. “Why don’t you ask him?”

“Yeah, right. Enough about Luca. It doesn’t even matter. As long as he’s not trying to cause trouble, it’s fine. But what about Santino? I’m waiting for an update.”

“And I intended to give it to you later, but I can do it now. Everything’s going well. The band caught a lot of attention. It definitely helps that they are all good-looking. They’re going to play at one club at the end of this week.”

“Awesome.” I grinned. “If they’re a success, our plan will be a lot easier.”

“Yeah. Their songs are catchy too. It’s a good thing.”

“Have you spoken to them about what they need to do?”

“Sort of. Well, not exactly. I concluded that it was better not to approach them with their task immediately. I offered them support without giving them too many details, but when the time comes, they’ll have to do what we want them to. They’ll have to do something to repay all our kindness.”

“Good job.” I was getting closer to my goal, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

Chapter 9

AFEW WEEKS LATER,Rafael and I were in his office and watching the footage from Santino’s club. Everything had worked out as planned, and Santino was so into the band’s music that he hadn’t even questioned anything.

Actually, our plan had worked out better and quicker than expected.