Page 60 of Luca

"I should let you get back to work," she says, already moving toward the door. "I'll start researching things to see and do. I want this trip to be perfect."

“I’ll sure it will be.”

I pick up my phone and call Paolo. "I need you to start planning a trip to Prague," I tell him. "We’ll need luxury accommodations and a full security detail."

"How many people?"

"Just me and Sofia. But I want background checks on every hotel, every restaurant, every guide we might use. And Paolo?"

"Yes, boss?"

"I want you to pay special attention to Prague. Find out what's there that might interest someone like Sofia. Museums, galleries, cultural sites. But also look into anything else. People, businesses, anything that might explain why she would want to visit that particular city. It was her pick for a destination, not mine."

"Understood. Any particular timeline?"

"As soon as possible."

Chapter 22: Gabriella

I'm staring at three open suitcases, and trying not to have a complete breakdown. On the bed are clothes that belong to my sister. But packed carefully in the hidden compartment of my largest suitcase are items that belong to me. A worn jacket, boots, and the emergency cash I've been saving for weeks.

Because this honeymoon isn't about romance or seeing Europe with my husband.

It's about finding Sofia before everything falls apart.

The trip is a gamble, as was suggesting Prague. But I have to try to find Sofia and warn her to stay far away. If Sofia is in Prague, if she's in trouble or needs help, I have to reach her before Papa does something stupid.

I don’t have a clue how I’m supposed to get out of this mess, but the most important person is Sofia.

Her continued safety is my priority.

The phone in my pocket buzzes. Papa again with another panicked text. "We need to talk before you leave."

I delete it without responding. The last thing I need is another conversation where he begs me to fix this mess while simultaneously making it worse with his panic.

"Are you packed?" Luca appears in the doorway.

"Almost." I gesture at the suitcases. "I might’ve overpacked. I’m not sure how to dress for the weather."

"It’s better to have options,” he says. “We can always buy you anything you might need there as well. Are you excited?" He moves into the room and sits on the edge of the bed.

"Yes, and a little nervous too," I say honestly.

“What are you nervous about?"

"Everything. The language barriers, or getting lost." My reasons sound ridiculous. I turn to face him. "What if I embarrass you?"

"You won't." His voice is gentle, but his eyes are studying my face with that intensity I've learned to dread. "You're smart, adaptable. You'll figure it out."

If only he knew how adaptable I really am.

"Will Paolo be coming with us?"

"Paolo and two others. Discrete security, nothing that will interfere with the trip."

Discrete security that will be watching my every move.

"I should finish packing," I say, turning back to the suitcases. “I don’t want to forget anything important.”