"What do you want to do about the girl?" Nico asks, ever practical.
Pietro's fingers drum against the armrest. "Where is she?"
"Locked in a room above Rosso's," I answer.
"Alone?"
"Dante's watching the building."
"Dante." Pietro's laugh is humorless. "Of course. Your shadow knows everything before your own family."
"Tell Dante to bring her here," Pietro says, his voice carrying that edge of command that brooks no argument. "Tonight."
I reach for my phone, but he's not done.
"And have Liam take our food supplies truck." Pietro's fingers drum against the leather armrest. "Less suspicious than one of our regular vehicles. Tell him to use the service entrance at Rosso's."
A food delivery truck at a restaurant raises no questions. No one would look twice at Liam loading supplies—or a terrified girl—into the back.
"The meeting happens as soon as she arrives," Pietro continues. "All of us. I want to hear what Francesco's niece has to say for herself."
Nico shifts against the doorframe. "You sure bringing her here is smart? This is our home."
I keep my face neutral. If he wasn't right, I would have punched him already. Maybe it’s not smart.
"Go," Pietro waves his hand dismissively.
I leave without responding. What could I say that wouldn't sound like an excuse?
The hallway feels longer than usual as I head to one of the empty bedrooms. I need privacy for this call, away from my brothers' judgment and Nico's calculating stares.
I close the door behind me and dial Dante's number. He answers on the second ring.
"Tell me."
"Change of plans." I move to the window, watching the grounds below where our security patrols. "Pietro knows about the girl."
Silence. Then, "How bad?"
"Could've been worse. He wants her brought to the compound."
"Tonight?"
"Now. Liam's coming with the food truck. Use the service entrance, make it look like a regular delivery."
"Understood." Dante's voice carries no judgment, just acceptance. That's why he's lasted so long in this life—he knows when to follow orders without questions. "The girl's been quiet. Hasn't tried anything."
"How is she?"
"Scared. She doesn't show it much, but scared."
I end the call and remain at the window.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Sophia
The lock clicks and my whole body tenses. Dante steps inside, his expression unreadable as always. Something about the way he closes the door behind him makes my stomach drop.
