“Aria.” His voice cracks.
He takes a step forward, but she flinches. Gio curses, body locked tight. He appears to war with himself, until, finally, he turns, walking back this way.
“What’s the plan?” he asks once he reaches me.
“We need to get them to a safehouse then get them specialist help—I have a contact who’s going to put me in touch with people that can help.”
He nods, closing his eyes briefly. “I have a place we can take them; secluded, highly guarded, enough space for them all.”
I consider it.
I trust Gio. He has vested interest. And it tracks that the Santorini family would have their own hideouts.
“Alright, if you’re sure?”
“I’m sure.”
Izzy strolls over. “We’ll get the girls to one of our facilities.”
Of course Phoenix has its own safe houses. It's literally designed for this purpose.
Gio stills.
“Where is this facility?”
Izzy scrunches up her face. “Can’t tell you.”
“Can’t orwon’t?” Gio hisses, going toe-to-toe with her.
My body vibrates with the need to step in, to defend her. But my girl has this.
“Can’t,” she counters, crossing her arms to show she’s not intimidated. “I don’t know where it is.”
Gio breathes deeply, chest expanding before he steps back. “I’m taking Aria with me.”
Izzy studies him, brow furrowed adorably. “Only if she agrees,” she eventually says, turning on her heel to head back toward the women huddling nervously.
Gio rumbles low in his throat, but he doesn’t argue, and he lets me start checking out his arm. The bullet must have grazed him, there’s a lot of blood, but the injury itself is minimal.
Only once the women are safely with the Phoenix team do I finally feel like I can breathe. Gio takes Aria with him, having managed to convince her that he can keep her safe.
Despite the victory of today—killing Lucas—I can’t shake my unease. Marcus is still out there. Part of me wonders if he’s actually the bigger threat.
40
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted.
You’re the only person who’s ever made me feel comfortable enough to be myself. —Enzo
Enzo
Thingsarequietaftertaking down Lucas. Too quiet.
Marcus has gone silent. None of my sleuthing has tracked him. Izzy’s on edge, worried about retribution. I don’t know how to help her.
From the little she’s shared, Marcus was the worst of her assailants. She won’t rest until he’s dead. And I intend to do everything in my power to give herthat.
“What’s going on in that pretty little head,Cuore mio?”
