Page 52 of Claimed By the Enemy

“I can’t leave the house. It’s not safe.”

“Then I’ll come to you.”

“Uncle—”

“Two days. I’ll find a way to contact you in two days.”

He hangs up before I can respond.

I stare at the phone, unsettled by something in his voice. Uncle Enzo sounded… afraid. In all the years I’ve known him, through all the training and planning and preparation, I’ve never heard fear in his voice.

“Everything alright?”

I turn to find Dom in the doorway, wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt that shows off the bruises on his arms.

“You’re supposed to be resting.”

“I got restless.” He moves closer, studying my expression. “What did he say?”

“That there are things I need to know. Things he can’t say over the phone.”

“Things about what?”

“I don’t know. But Dom, he sounded scared.”

Dom’s jaw tightens. “Or he’s playing you.”

“He’s my uncle.”

“He’s also the man who trained you to destroy me.”

I can’t argue with that logic, even though every instinct tells me Uncle Enzo isn’t the enemy here.

“I want to help investigate,” I say, changing the subject. “Find out who attacked you.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Dom—”

“Sophie, these people are dangerous. You’re not getting anywhere near this.”

“I’m already near this. They’re threatening me too, remember?”

“Which is why you’re staying safe while I handle it.”

“We agreed to work together.”

“We agreed to figure out the truth together. That doesn’t mean putting you in danger.”

I step closer. “I’m not helpless, Dom. I’ve been training for this my entire life.”

“Training to infiltrate companies and gather information. Not training to fight off armed attackers.”

“Really?” I raise an eyebrow. “Pretend you’re going to attack me.”

“Sophie—”

“Do it. Come at me like you’re one of those men.”