Sam had verified the route, the bunker, the guards there, everything. I wasn't like this when we'd come to this battle or when Catalina had been mowing down our enemies beside me.
But now? It feltdifferent. A full-blown klaxon was ringing in my skull, warning me that if I wasn't careful, I could lose Lina—my world, the entirety of my essence—tonight.
Catalina slipped her hand into mine and when she looked up at me, her dark brown eyes were filled with so much warmth it forced some of my fear away.
I needed to feel her, hold her in my arms. Maybe then I could silence enough of my worry to figure out my next steps.
I kissed her, and everything was suddenly bright and alive again. Each soft kiss invigorated me, gave me strength. Then I rested my forehead against her own.
"Lina—"
She placed her hand on my chest. “What are you scared of, Marco?”
“I know you might not believe me. You don't have any reason to. But something keeps telling me you'll be in danger if you go to the bunker. You should stay here.”
"I believe you, but I'll be just fine."
I shook my head. "How can you say that?"
"Because nothing is going to happen to me if I'm with you." She caressed my back, drawing little circles on my skin. “I trust you, Marco, completely. But no matter what we do, danger is part of our lives. And if someone is out there trying to kill me, we won’t ever truly be safe until they’re dead." She tilted her head to the side. "Wouldn’t it be better to find out who it is now and take care of it than spend every waking moment terrified?”
"I don't want you willingly walking into a trap, Lina. I won't risk you."
“You don't have to. But we don't know who it is or why. What if they come after you instead? What if they hold you or someone from our families hostage?"
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. She was right.
"Marco, we have a chance to do something really good here. A chance to save a lot of people and make so many wrongs, right. If you think I could be hurt, then let’s use what you're feeling as a gift, and make sure we’re as prepared as possible. That’s all we can do.”
"But what if it's not enough?"
Her eyes watered, but the way her lips slowly tilted into a soft smile stole my breath away. “You almost died, Marco. But you came back to me, and that experience has left me with a brand-new perspective." She wet her lips, drawing in a deep breath. "When you were laying there, I knew you’d never leave me. I never doubted you then, and I won’t doubt you now. I will always have the utmost faith in you, in us. I think something's off with this too, and if you have a concern or worry, I will always listen to it. But didn't you say you had plans for us? For our future? Believe in those, and believe in us. We will always come back to one another. That’s just how things are going to be.”
I brushed a small tear away from her face and kissed her again. "You're so courageous, my vicious little queen. Every moment I spend with you leaves me completely in awe."
"Then we'll spend more. As many moments as you want. Our entire lives, even."
I buried my head in the curve of her neck, inhaling her sweet scent. I loved being surrounded by it, smelling her on my skin, my clothes. She was my home, my sanctuary, and if she could have such strong strength in us, inme, then so could I.
I stood to my full height and called Anthony.
He answered on the third ring. "It's good to hear your voice, boss. You had me scared for a second."
The memory of the muzzle pointed at Catalina's head flashed into my mind, so real I had to turn my head and breathe her in to remember she was safe. "I got lucky. Listen, I need you to head to the bunker with your group. You're closer, so you'll get there sooner. But be careful, check your surroundings, and bring the heavy artillery."
"Will do, boss."
I hung up and called Carlos over while Catalina yelled for Joseph.
I waited for both of them to arrive, but before I could speak, Catalina turned to Joseph. "We will continue to work together with the Torrino familia from here on out. We will assist them, as they have assisted us. Pass the message along to the men here and follow any orders Marco gives you like they were coming from me."
Joseph's eyes flickered between Catalina and me. Then he nodded. "Understood, Doña."
I squeezed Catalina's hip in silent thanks. Yet again, she was putting her faith in me.
"Carlos, Joseph, I need you to stay here and make sure anyone who needs medical attention gets to the hospital."
"Yes, boss," Carlos said.
