Page 23 of When We Fall: Part One

He nodded. “Alessio has connections tothe other side.” He chuckled softly. “To the lords. And perhaps, to the key to your kingdom. You see, Alessandro, while I very much dislike my son to be in bed with my enemies, I also encourage such actions. Your loyalty I will not question. It would break my heart to know it is not with family, but I understand love tends to twist us into things that can be unrecognizable sometimes. Because of this, I will allow you this one thing. I only ask that, in return, you remain loyal to me, no matter the costs.We are family. Capisci?”

I swallowed thickly. “Yes, Father. I am loyal.”

He was quiet momentarily before hitting a button on his desk. Seconds later, Alessio came into the room.

“What do you have for me?” Matteo asked.

“Alessandro is correct. Dominic has tried to take his life. He is at Westmont Memorial. He will survive, but he is on a suicide watch and will not be released anytime soon. The horsemen are at his beck and call and stand watch currently. Vincent and Levin are also there.”

Matteo nodded slowly. “Leave it. Let’s watch and wait. The horsemen won’t be there forever. When they take leave, we’ll visit my… son.”

Alessio inclined his head.

“Now, Alessandro requires some help from one of your favorites,” Matteo continued.

Alessio raised his brows and looked at me.

“Would you be so kind as to reach out to Natalia?”

Alessio hesitated before he pulled his phone out.

“You see, Alessandro, they think we let her go and that I’m none the wiser. Foolish. They’re all so foolish. Always so very trusting.”

I watched silently, absorbing my father’s words, as Alessio made a call. A soft, sweet voice picked up on the fifth ring.

“Alessio,” she whispered.

“Talia, my sweet girl,” Alessio purred into the phone, his voice deep and rich. I imagined that tone got him anything he wanted with a woman. “I need you.”

“Alessio. I-I can’t. You know I can’t?—”

“Shh, my darling. I have a question that needs to be answered.”

She was quiet for a long time before her soft, shaky voice came out. “What is the question?”

“Do you have Bianca Walker with you?”

I held my breath and looked to Matteo, who leaned forward waiting for the answer.

“Alessio—”

“Consider your answer, pretty girl. Do not displease me and lie. There are consequences when you lie to me.”

“I-I?—”

“Talia. You know I can easily come there and find out for myself.”

She let out a shaky breath before she sniffled softly. “This will kill my brother.”

“Iwill kill your brother,” Alessio said in a deadly, calm voice. “Tell me the truth.”

She was quiet for a moment, clearly crying softly before her shaky voice called out.

“Yes. She’s here with me.”

My heart jumped into my throat, and I shot a look to Matteo, who smirked and winked at me as he settled back in his seat without a word.

“Who else is with you?” Alessio asked, his voice still holding that threat of violence in it.