Page 73 of Pietro

The Irish have hit five of our shipments in the last two months. Five perfectly timed, perfectly executed hits. Now I know why.

I trusted her. Worse, I wanted her. I let myself believe she could be something more than a temporary distraction.

What a fucking joke.

I am Pietro Sartori. I don't need a woman. I don't need anything except my family and my empire. I've survived worse than this.

I'll find her, make her tell me everything she's reported to her father, and then I'll use her to destroy the O'Sullivans once and for all.

And I'll make her watch as I dismantle everything she loves,piece by fucking piece.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

NORA

My bare feet slap against the cold concrete as I run. Each step sends pain shooting up my legs, but I don't slow down. I can't. The guard's shouts fade behind me as I weave through morning commuters, ignoring their startled looks at my disheveled appearance.

The cold fury in his voice leaves no doubt he meant every word.

I duck into an alley, pressing my back against the brick wall, trying to catch my breath. My chest heaves as panic claws at my throat.

I need to call Uncle Finn. He's the only one who can help me now.

After walking several blocks, my feet numb from cold and pain, I spot a gas station with a convenience store. I push through the door, the bell jingling cheerfully, completely at odds with the disaster my life has become.

A young woman with purple-tipped hair looks up from behind the counter. Her eyes widen as she takes in my appearance.

"Are you okay?" she asks, concern etching her features.

"I—" My voice cracks. "I need to make a phone call. It's an emergency. I don't have any money with me."

She hesitates, and I can't blame her. I look like a complete mess.

"My boyfriend..." I swallow hard. "I ran out when he got violent. I just need to call someone who can help me."

It's not entirely a lie. Pietro would kill me if he found me now.

Her expression softens immediately. "Of course. Here, use my cell."

She pulls a phone from her pocket and hands it to me. Her kindness nearly breaks me.

I dial Finn's number with trembling fingers, praying he'll answer. On the third ring, he picks up.

"Hello?"

At the sound of his voice, something inside me shatters. Tears spill down my cheeks as my body begins to shake.

"Uncle Finn," I choke out, my voice barely a whisper.

"Nora? What's wrong? What happened?"

"He knows." The words tumble out between sobs. "Pietro knows who I am. Nico told him everything. He—he said he's going to kill me and everyone in Boston."

"Jesus Christ." Finn's voice turns sharp. "Where are you right now?"

I look around, spotting the address on a flyer by the register. I tell him the location of the gas station.

"Stay there. Don't move. I'll have someone pick you up in twenty minutes. Do you understand me?"