“What’s wrong?”
"He's gone. Enzo's gone."
My stomach drops. "What do you mean, 'gone'?" Isn’t he supposed to be at school?
"Pyotr took him." Her voice cracks. "My own brother."
I grasp her shoulders, steadying her. "Slow down. Tell me exactly what happened."
Katerina draws a shaky breath. "Earlier today, Pyotr asked me to get him some files—Lorenzo's files. He was acting strange." Her eyes meet mine, raw with guilt. "I should have seen it coming. He's been different lately, secretive. I thought maybe he was using again, but this…"
My jaw tightens. Could he be the mole we’ve been looking for?
It would be a daring move and while Pyotr is no pushover, I don’t see him having balls big enough to go against the Dantes.
She thrusts her phone at me. I read the text from Pyotr.
Your loyalty has been questioned. The Bratva needs assurance. Bring the files to the warehouse by the pier at midnight. Come alone. Your son's safety depends on your obedience.
Cold fury floods my veins. "This motherfucker used our son as leverage?"
Tears stream down her face.
“He’s working against us,” I say, already moving to get dressed to save my son. "And now he thinks you'll turn too."
"I would never—" Her voice breaks as she follows me out of the gym and upstairs. "I've been loyal to the Dantes since I got here. More than loyal. This has been my home."
I turn to look at her, and her fear ratchets up my anger even as it breaks me a little.
All the bullshit in my life… her cool attitude, my family’s disdain… none of that matters right now.
All that matters is saving Enzo.
“We’ll get him back,” I say, continuing to my room.
"We need to tell Alessandro.” She follows me into my room.
"No. If an alarm goes out, Pyotr and whoever he’s working with will close ranks and put Enzo in more danger.” I shove off my gym clothes and grab dark jeans and a shirt. “We have no idea if there are others involved. We don't know who to trust."
"Luca, you have to help me get him back. I know I’ve been unkind to you, but right now, you're his best chance."
Her vulnerability guts me.
After everything, she's trusting me with the most precious thing in her life.
"I'd tear apart the whole city to find him," I tell her, meaning every word. "He's my blood."
Katerina's eyes glisten. “Please save him.”
I holster my gun, check my spare clip. “I will. I promise.” God, I hope that’s a promise I can keep. “Where would Pyotr be now?”
She shrugs. “I… I don’t know. All I have is to be at the warehouse at midnight. But he probably won’t be alone."
I look her dead in the eyes. "He and whoever he’s with had better pray to whatever god they believe in, because I'm coming for my son, and I'm not stopping until he's safe."
She nods and sniffs.
"I will bring him back to you.” I cup Katerina's face between my palms. "You have my word."
