Dom's expression hardens. "My security is?—"
"They're my family," I cut him off, stepping closer to Elena and the children. "My responsibility. They'll stay at my house where I can protect them."
“You can't even keep track of one kid at a public event. She’s safer with me.”
“Dom,” Marco chastises.
My hands curl into fists at my sides. Dom dares to mock my failure? "You think this is the time?" I step toward him, voice dangerously low. "My son is missing, and you're scoring points?"
Dom doesn't back down. "I kept them safe for six years. You couldn't manage six days."
I lunge forward, but Marco's suddenly between us, his hand firm against my chest.
"Enough," Marco says, his voice commanding enough to cut through my fury. "This helps no one, especially not Rocco."
Roman appears at Dom's side, murmuring something in his ear. Dom's jaw clenches, but he takes a step back.
"We need to focus," Roman says to all of us.
I'm still seething, but Marco's right. Every second wasted on this bullshit is a second my son remains in danger.
I turn my attention to Elena. "I promise you," I tell her, hoping she’ll believe me, "I will find our son. Go to my house. The kids have rooms there. The staff will take care of you." I wonder how my father will react, but I can’t worry about that know. At least he knows them.
Elena looks up, her tear-stained face searching mine. For a moment, I think she'll refuse, choose Dom's protection over mine. I can’t blame her.
But then she nods slowly. "Okay.”
I gather Elio and Adalina close. "We'll bring your brother home." I pray to God that I can keep that promise.
Then I turn to Marco. “I need every resource you have. Every man, every contact. Whoever took my son needs to understand they've made the worst mistake of their life."
"We work together," Marco says firmly. "All of us. La Corona united against whoever did this."
I nod, meeting Dom's eyes. We may never be friends, but we both want Rocco safe.
"Let's get Elena and the twins secured," I say. "Then we hunt these bastards down."
Marco places a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "I'll handle getting Elena and the kids to your place. My men are already securing the perimeter."
"I'm coming too," Gabriella announces, her voice leaving no room for argument.
Isabella steps forward, Angelica at her side. "We're joining them. The children shouldn't be separated right now." Her eyes meet mine, determination clear in her gaze. "Roman and I have been through something similar. We know what they need."
A part of me wants to refuse, to handle this myself, to be the only one Elena and my children rely on, but I recognize the stupidity of pride in this moment.
Every additional layer of protection means my family is safer.
"Thank you," I manage.
"We need to move," Marco says quietly.
I nod, then pull Elena aside. "I know you're scared," I tell her. "But I swear to you, I will find our son."
"I know you will.” She reaches for my hand. Her fingers intertwine with mine, and it’s telling me that she trusts me. Despite everything between us, she trusts me with this.
“Let me walk you to the car.” As we reach the SUV, I kneel down to Elio and Adalina's height. "Can you tell me one more time exactly what Santa said to Rocco?”
Elio fidgets with the zipper of his coat. "He asked if we wanted to see his sleigh.”
