“Nico.”
Julius steps forward and we peer at him with interest as he smiles.
“I’m sorry for the intrusion. I’m Nico Ravera. The older brother. I’m very pleased to meet you all, despite the circumstances.”
He nods toward the huge couch that circles a low-slung table.
“We need to talk.”
As we take our seats, I sit between my sisters, holding their hands, so happy we are together again.
The brothers space out around us, and I peer with interest at Nico, who somehow manages to command everyone’s attention with one dark glare.
I’m aware he is the heir to the title of Don. Their father is seeking retirement and Nico will be the one in charge. Like them, he is charismatic, darkly disturbing and so attractive it’s almost sinful to look at him.
“Morgan is at Enrico’s mansion on the outskirts of the city. We will pay her a visit and secure the premises.”
He nods toward Simeon.
“Simeon, take Julius and your guards with me as back up. Joseph, you wait here with the girls.”
I wonder if that’s okay with Joseph being relegated to babysitter, but he appears unconcerned.
Nico adds, “The plan is to attack in force. I understand that she has traveled with less than twelve guards, so it shouldn’t be difficult to take them out. She has a food delivery booked and our plan is to commandeer the vehicle and head inside through the gates. Once we are inside, secure the house and open thegates electronically. Our other guards will be waiting and as we take them out, those already inside are to secure Morgan.”
I am shivering with fear, so grateful that Joseph will be here with me, and I can’t imagine the fear running through my sister’s veins right now.
Alice speaks up.
“I’m sorry, Nico, but may I also throw a suggestion out there?”
The room is silent as Simeon smirks at his brother, who merely leans back with a blank expression.
“We are very knowledgeable of the Milan house and its layout, and I believe it would be easier to attack from the rear.”
“Go on.”
Rose nods her agreement.
“There’s a pool house down by the boundary that backs onto the road. When we were last there, the wood was beginning to rot, and it wouldn’t take much to break through from the road outside. The guards never patrolled that area, believing it was secure, so unless they have repaired it since, my bet is to go in through there.”
I nod enthusiastically. “There is also a cellar in the pool house that connects with the house. Our father had it built as a security measure, and now I understand why. It’s doubtful he told Morgan about it due to who she is, and even if she is aware of it, she may not be expecting visitors to know about it.”
“It’s your best shot of getting inside the house, and most of the guards remain outside, anyway. Morgan could be alone in there and you could, well, um, save yourself the trouble of explaining a massacre.”
Alice adds, a hesitant smile on her face as her husband Simeon looks on with pride, settling any doubt of their relationship in my mind.
“It sounds a better plan.” Joseph adds and then I say loudly, “Why can’t we come with you? We know the grounds, the house, and the layout. Surely Morgan will be outnumbered, and it is our fight, anyway.”
“No!”
Four male voices sound as one and Nico stands.
“You will remain here. There is no way in hell we are putting you at risk. Joseph will protect you, along with his guards, and I will be halfway between here and the house to help anyone who needs it. Simeon and Julius are the best men for this job; they go alone.”
Alice glares at her husband, who merely grins and Rose sighs, her worried glance at Julius causing me to squeeze her hand.
Nico stands. “Alice is right. The entrance from the pool house is the better option.”
