Page 96 of Sweet Deception

A bitter laugh tore from my throat. “Hurting? That’s not even close. My sister is living in hell, and I’ve been here. playing house with the daughter of the man who put her there.”

She flinched but didn’t back away. “Then let me help you get her out.”

I shook my head, the weight in my chest pressing harder. “You think I trust you? After everything?”

Her expression faltered, hurt flickering across her face but she straightened. “You don’t have to trust me. Just don’t shut me out.”

Silence stretched between us like a blade.

“Anna...” My voice cracked despite me. “I need to be alone. Please... just go.”

She held my gaze for a long moment, then nodded slowly, pain tightening her features.

“If that’s what you want.”

She turned and walked away. Quiet, wounded.

A sharp pang shot through my chest as I watched her walk away. But before I could move, my phone rang

“I’m outside,” Morris said.

“Come in.”

I walked out of my study and into the living room. Morris appeared, his face already set in a deep frown.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, taking a seat across from me.

I exhaled a stream of smoke before speaking. “Tatiana is alive.”

Morris blinked, as if he’d misheard. Then his face twisted. “What the fuck are you saying?”

“My sister. My fucking little sister has been with the Italians all this time. Anna’s father has been...” My throat closed up. I couldn’t even say it. My hands clenched into fists so tight my knuckles turned white.

I shot up from the couch, breathing hard. I needed to do something. To go there myself, tear apart every fucking Italian stronghold, drag her out with my own hands.

“Where is she now? Have you spoken to her?” Morris asked, trying to stay calm.

I laughed bitterly. “You think she’d be allowed to call me?”

I turned, picked up the nearest bottle of vodka, and hurled it at the wall. Glass shattered. Morris flinched but didn’t say a word.

“I should’ve fucking known!” I slammed my fist against the bar counter. Pain shot up my arm, but I barely felt it. “I left her behind. I thought she was dead. But she was right there, suffering.”

Morris said steadily. “If you want to actually save her, you need to think, not react.”

“That’s why I called you.”

Morris exhaled. “We need a plan.”

“I can go myself,” I said.

Morris scoffed. “You walk into Italy, and you’re dead within the hour. The second they know you’re there, they’ll put a bullet in your skull. We need someone who won’t raise suspicion.”

I swallowed. That’s when the thought hit me.

“Anna.”

Morris’ brows furrowed. “Anna?”