As we walk toward the exit, I catch my reflection in a darkened window.
For just a moment, I see Giuseppe looking back—the same eyes, the same satisfied expression of someone who’s just proven their superiority.
But there’s something else there too.
Something that’s uniquely mine, forged from three different influences but belonging entirely to me.
I’m something different now.
Something that scares me, but…I like how it feels.
16
ALESSANDRO
The phone call comes at 2:47 p.m., interrupting my review of shipping manifests.
“Alessandro, my friend.” Dominic’s voice carries false warmth. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”
My hand tightens on the receiver.
Dominic never calls me directly.
Any communication between our organizations goes through intermediaries or formal channels. This personal contact means trouble.
“What do you want, Dominic?” No pleasantries, no professional courtesy. Just cold directness that makes it clear I’m not in the mood for fucking games.
“I’m calling regarding Miss DeLuca’s third trial. There’s been a slight change in protocol.” The asshole sounds smug. Too smug.
Every alarm bell in my head starts ringing. “What kind of change?” I bite out, gripping the phone even tighter.
“The Families have decided that this particular test requires…individual assessment. Miss DeLuca will be handling the interrogation without a partner,” Dominic says smoothly.
There are explosions going off in my head. Without a partner means without me, without backup, without anyone watching her when things go sideways. Which they always do.
“That wasn’t the original agreement,” I say, my voice still controlled despite the rage building in my chest.
Dominic hums. “Agreements evolve based on circumstances, Alessandro. Leadership, by definition, is often a solitary responsibility. We need to assess Bianca’sindividualcapabilities.”
Individual capabilities.
Translation: they want to see if she’ll break under pressure when she doesn’t have me there to steady her.
This is Dominic’s play—isolate her, overwhelm her, prove she’s unfit for the position she’s claiming.
Fuck.
“When and where?” I ask as I stand up, getting ready to get the fuck out of here. If I can get there in time, I can still help her.
“The assessment is already underway,” the fucker sounds way too delighted. “Bianca is performing…let’s say,interestingly.”
Already underway.
The bastard deliberately waited until after it started to inform me, ensuring I couldn’t intervene or provide support.
My free hand clenches into a fist.
“I see.” Two words, but they carry the weight of a death threat. Dominic hears it too—there’s a slight chuckle before he continues.
