She snorted. “Well, whatever. At the end of the day, we’re all Salvinis. Family comes first, always.”
Family first. A sentiment I understood all too well. I extended my hand to help her from the chair. “Time to go.”
When our fingers touched, something electric passed between us. Her small hand fit perfectly in mine, her skin soft against my calloused palm. I pulled her to her feet, bringing us momentarily closer than necessary.
For a moment, we stood too close, my eyes searching hers for answers to questions that had popped up after Grey’s information. Who was she really? Was she only the fierce fighter I’d come to know, or was she the real digital phantom Grey was obsessed with? And why did I care so much about the answer?
“What?” she asked, her voice carrying a breathiness that sent heat through my veins.
I traced a small circle on the inside of her wrist with my thumb before releasing her. “Nothing. Just wondering who you really are.”
She stared at me and I at her, and the question hung between us, loaded with more meaning than either of us was ready to acknowledge.
14
ISABELLA
We’d barely stepped out of the room, where we waited until Mirabella was back, before Grey intercepted us and grabbed my sister.
The fluorescent lights of the communications center buzzed overhead, casting harsh shadows across Grey’s predatory features as he stared at my sister like she was a prize he’d finally claimed.
My heart hammered against my ribs as Grey’s fingers tightened around Mira’s wrist.
She winced, her face pale as chalk, eyes wide with terror as she stared at me.
Every protective instinct in my body screamed at me to act.
“Since you’re done here, why don’t you interrogate Mirabella here, while I have a little chat with Isabella?” Grey’s shark-like smile made my stomach churn as he stared at my sister. “Or should I call you Iset?”
The name hit me like a physical blow.They knew.
The blood drained from my face as realization crashed over me. Somehow, they’d connected my digital alter ego to me. And because of my stupidity, they thought Mira was me. We weren’t just bargaining chips. They didn’t just kidnap us to put pressure on Vince. This was targeted. They wanted Iset all along, and now they’d found her.
The weight of years of deception pressed down on me. My entire life had been built on lies and secrets. Iset was my shield, my weapon, my true self in many ways. Through her, I’d finally mattered. I’d exposed corruption, redirected stolen funds—even from my father’s company—and protected the vulnerable. Now, having my identity revealed meant losing everything I’d built, everything I’d protected, everything I’d lived for.
Which was exactly what put myself—and Mira—in Grey’s crosshairs.
I lunged forward instinctively, only to collide with Ivan’s solid form as he stepped in front of me. The impact knocked the breath from my lungs, but I pushed against his back anyway, desperate to reach my sister. “Move,” I hissed.
Ivan didn’t budge; he didn’t even turn around. His eyes remained locked on Grey, and his body was like a wall of muscle and determination. “Maybe we should give them a little more time to adjust. They’ve been through a lot in the past few days. Or at least keep them together.”
I peeked around him, but when I took a step to the left, he pulled his arms back and kept me in place behind him.
Grey’s smile didn’t waver, but something cold flickered in his eyes. “Your concern is noted, Zotov, but unnecessary. Isabella and I have much to discuss.” The way he emphasized “discuss” made my skin crawl.
I focused on Mira, could practically see her tremble beneath Grey’s grip. We locked eyes, and hers were wide with confusion and fear. She had no idea why Grey was so interested in me, why he was calling her Iset. But she would never reveal the truth, would never betray me.
A metallic taste flooded my mouth as cold sweat broke out across my skin. I couldn’t let this happen. I couldn’t let him take her.
“She’s not feeling well,” I blurted out, desperate for any excuse.
I pushed away Ivan’s hands, and this time, he let me get past but stopped me by reaching out and grabbing my arm.
I gestured frantically at Mira’s pale face, the dark circles under her eyes. It wasn’t a lie—she was exhausted. We both were. Days of captivity, stress, and fear had taken their toll. “Look at her—she’s exhausted and sick. Whatever you want to discuss can wait until tomorrow.”
Grey’s eyes flicked to me, dismissive and cold. “She’ll be perfectly comfortable at my villa. I’ve prepared everything we need for our…conversation. Right, Isabella.” His tongue lingered around her name, making it sound like a threat and him like a snake.
I felt my hands curl into fists, nails digging into my palms. The pain helped me focus, cleared the panic from my mind enough to think. What options did I have? The roomwas filled with Grey’s men, all armed, all watching us with blank expressions.
