Page 152 of Cara

Whenever I dare to look over, Xavier’s eyes may be on the road, but they aren’t seeing it. His pupils are trembling in deep thought. I have half a mind to remind him that they won’t hurt her, that Isabella will definitely be safe until the exchange, but I stop myself, knowing I’d break trying to get it out.

We’re crossing the bridge into the city when Xavier’s hand gently settles over mine in my lap.

A touch I wasn’t prepared for but so desperately needed.

With a smile that’s cracking, I grip him with both hands, spreading his fingers until I can bring them to my face, feeling his warmth seep through to my skin. We’re both bloodied and exhausted, fueled only by adrenaline and the will to save one little girl. I gently press my lips to his palm, sensing him flex as he stifles a sound.

As we approach the harbor, descending the ramp into the warehouse district, I’m certain we’re almost at our destination. I’m gripping his hand tightly enough that I know I must be hurting him, but he doesn’t stop me. He says nothing.

I concentrate on calming my racing heart.

I can’t break. Not now.

As the bright lights of the building unveil our destination, a private club, words spill from my lips, urgent and unfiltered. “The moment you have her in your grasp, leave. Get her out of the building.”

Taking his phone, I dial a taxi service, offering this address while his eyes pierce my soul before drifting to the windshield.

When I’ve made the call, hanging up, I’m rambling again. “They are going to slash these tires. You need to run to the taxi that’ll be waiting a few blocks down. They’ll try to stop you. It’s my father. He wants this to hurt you just as bad.”

Xavier gazes vacantly at the immense building as I ramble.

“I won’t lie to you like I did with Dante and Bo.” I observe our laced hands. “But I promise I won’t let them hurt me. I’ll make it quick.”

Gazing forward, his eyes appear hollow and devoid of life, yet his chest inflates, crashing on him every couple of seconds, exposing a frantic internal battle he’s keeping from me.

“I'm sorry. I’m so sorry for everything.” I lift his trembling hand to my mouth, hating that when I kiss him there, he can feel my lips quivering. “And… I love you.”

He was smiling this morning. We were laughing, sortingthrough tiles in bed. And now we’re here. And his daughter is just behind those doors.

That thought draws me in, prompting me to open the car door and slide out. Xavier follows suit, not bothering to grab the gun from the dashboard. They strip-search us before we can step inside the building.

The club's first floor caters exclusively to men. Depraved gentlemen from the city flock here for liquor, women, and thrilling bets. Poker tables span the length of the room, while scantily clad women cling to numerous arms.

Although the scene fills me with dread, the death-dealing pill in my pocket reassures me that I could never become part of this world.

That willneverbe me.

Xavier trails the bouncer, and I trail him.

My gaze darts around the rooms, searching for red hair. Once we reach the second floor, lined with conference tables and offices, it strikes me that we may have just stepped into their headquarters. We are then led outside to the deck where the men congregate smoking, scattered around the area.

With a quick scan, I count fifteen men. In normal circumstances, enough for us to have a chance against.

When I see a gleam of red hair as my father leads Isabella onto the deck, I search all faces for the man who brought this night into existence. Dominic is already looking at me, a smile tugging at his lips. “You’re early. I figured you’d be pushing the clock.”

“You were bartering with the life of a baby,” I snap.

He’s genuinely contemplating the morbid sentence strung together. “You’re right. It’s unspeakable. Marcello, you made the right choice.”

He doesn’townme.

I made this choice on my own.

Above all, I want to scream that out to all these bastardswho are playing games with people's lives, but I won’t utter a sound while Vito has his revolting hands on her.

Isabella’s wailing now that she’s seen her father. Xavier is gazing at her, and I see the first sign of life in his eyes.

It convinces me. He’ll find a way—For her, he will.