Page 40 of Dark Breaker

She laughs. “The least of our worries. We’ll get you another one.”

“When I got your text, I came as soon as I could,” Massimo explains, handing me my abandoned footwear. “I had time to warn Fabio and he joined me. We found those bastards in the bathroom trying to collect your shoes and mowed them down. When Fabio realized the window was open, he made for the main entrance. Meanwhile I went to the window and did what I could to help you.”

I slip into my shoes and tell Fabio: “You ran all the way to the front to stop them?” I try to hide how impressed I am. I didn’t know he’d gone to the bathroom with Massimo, too.

“I’m fast when I have to be,” Fabio states. The scorn in his voice almost sounds forced. Maybe it is.

“We got this,” Massimo tells him. “We’ll take her home.”

Fabio hesitates, seeming like he doesn’t want to abandon me, then nods. “She’s your sister.”

“You say that like I don’t have a say in this,” I comment.

“You don’t.” Massimo leads me away with his brothers and Angela.

I glance over my shoulder and see Fabio watching me retreat. I’m reminded of when he observed me leaving Nunzio’s party. That’s the second time he’s saved me now. I’m not sure why.

Well, it’s obviously so he can keep this stupid alliance going.

Still, the ring on my hand doesn’t really seem so empty and devoid of emotion anymore. When I look at it, I feel a small sense of hope.

And that’s a good thing.

* * *

I now havea guard on campus who watches over me between (and during) classes. It was Massimo’s idea, and apparently Fabio approves. They want me to stay close to the guard at all times, at least until they’re able to work things out with the Tunisians.

This is just great. I thought by marrying Fabio I’d be preventing a war with his family. But I’d only stumbled into another potential war. When will my brothers be safe? I’m starting to realize that I might not be able to save them, no matter what I do.

The guard, who goes by the nickname Aurelio for his golden hair, drives me to and from the ferry each morning, and takes me home.

I miss my independence. The feel of the wind on my face when I drive my Vespa. The ability to go where I want, when I want, without having to answer to anyone. But I don’t really want to get kidnapped again, so I accept this temporary interruption to my freedom. And itistemporary. I swear I won’t live the rest of my life like this. Live in fear.

Over the coming days no one else tries to kidnap or harm me, no doubt thanks to Aurelio. I guess the Tunisians decided it’s not worth losing more men for me, at least for the time being.

Still, I’m wavering on whether or not I should cancel the wedding. I’ve already stopped wearing the engagement ring. If I can’t save my brothers no matter what I do, what’s the point?

When I get home that day, I seek out Massimo.

“I’m not sure I want to go through with this anymore,” I tell him.

He sets down his e-reader. “The Tunisians have you spooked?”

“I was only getting married because I wanted to protect you and the others,” I tell him. “And avoid a war. But I’ve only ended up starting one.”

“It’s not your fault,” he tells me. “We couldn’t know his family was close to war with the Tunisians. An alliance is even more important than ever, especially now that the D’Alimontes have dragged us into this. We don’t need them at our throats, along with the Tunisians. It’ll be a war on two fronts. You’re doing the right thing.” He hesitates, then adds: “Should you decide to go through with it, of course.”

I sigh. “I… guess I’ll let you know.”

“You only have a few more days,” Massimo reminds me.

“Already? It seems like it was only a few days ago when we set this up.” I add drily: “Funny how the time flies when you’re having fun.”

“Rosa. You need to make up your mind.”

“I know,” I tell him. “I mean. I’ll probably go through with it. But if not, I have until I’m standing before the altar to finally decide.”

But it’s not like I have a choice. Of course I’m going to choose whatever course of action will protect my family. And right now, it looks like marrying is the way to go, because Massimo is right: we don’t need a war on two fronts. The D’Alimontes have a lot of men, but the Tunisians have even more as far as I know. We’re going to need all the men we can get. The Amato and Moretti alliance won’t be enough by itself.