A little while later, Dante comes in with two men. "Surveillance teams tracked a black SUV leaving the hotel." He taps a location on the map. "They followed it to a warehouse in Marchesi territory."
I look at the location on the map. It’s deep in enemy territory, where we can't move freely without starting a full-scale war. "How many men does he have?" I ask.
"Unknown. But the warehouse is fortified. Security cameras, reinforced doors, probably armed guards inside." Dante's voice is sharp and strategic, like he's discussing a business deal instead of his daughter's kidnapping. "Moving on to it directly would be suicide."
"Then we negotiate." Romeo is standing beside the desk, his jaw tight. "We find out what they want, and we give it to them."
"They want leverage." One of the capos leans forward. "The Marchesis have been losing ground for months. This is their play to get it back."
"Or they want revenge." Another capo crosses his arms. "Alessandro was humiliated when the engagement broke. This could be personal."
"It doesn't matter what they want." My voice comes out harder than I intend. "We get Giulia back. Whatever it takes."
Dante's eyes fix on me. "Whatever it takes?"
"Yes."
"Even if what they want is you?"
The room goes quiet.
I meet his gaze. "Yes."
"Luca—" Romeo starts.
"If they took her because of me, then I'm the solution." I'm surprised by how steady my voice is. "If handing myself over gets her back safely, then that's what we do."
"That's not happening." Romeo's voice is sharp and absolute. "We're not trading you when we can just?—”
"She's pregnant with my child. She's terrified and alone, and if something happens to her because I wasn't there to protect her—" I can't finish the sentence.
Dante studies me for a long moment. "I’m in agreement with Luca. We trade whatever is necessary to get Giulia back. If they want Luca, that’s a trade I’m willing to make.”
I’m not surprised. Of all the things they could ask for, I imagine that would be the easiest for Dante to agree to. But Romeo’s jaw hardens, his eyes snapping angrily.
“I’m not sacrificing my best friend for my sister,orvice versa,” he growls. “We’ll find another way?—”
My phone rings.Unknown numberflashes on the screen. I answer immediately, putting it on speaker. "Yes."
"Luca Moretti." Alessandro's voice is smooth. "I hope you're having a pleasant evening."
Rage floods through me. "Where is she?"
"Your wife is safe. For now." There's amusement in his tone. "She's been very cooperative. Very concerned about the baby's well-being."
The baby. He threatened the baby.The thought makes me want to put my fist through the wall.
"What do you want?" I force the words out through clenched teeth.
"What I've always wanted." Alessandro pauses. "Respect. Territory. Compensation for the humiliation of having my fiancée stolen by her brother's enforcer."
"Name your price."
"Oh, I will. But not yet." His voice hardens. "First, I want you to understand something. Giulia is mine now. She was always supposed to be mine. You stole her, and now I'm taking her back."
"She's not yours." The words come out as a growl. "She's my wife. She's carrying my child. And if you hurt her?—"
"You'll what? Storm my warehouse? Start a war with the Marchesi family?" Alessandro laughs. "You're not in a position to make threats, Luca. I have something you want. And you're going to give me what I want to get her back."
