It would be too easy to brush this off as desperation. By all accounts, the Prince’s Hand is in as strong a position as ever.
The only thing that might cause them tension is the transfer of leadership from Tobia to Leon. If I’ve learned anything from Giuliano and Rocco, it’s that these things are as precarious as all hell.
And if there was even a whiff of discord within the ranks, something that might threaten her brother’s status as Don…well, wouldn’t I run straight into enemy territory for the sake of my sister?
“Close the gates,” I tell Dante softly.
The gated perimeter of the hotel was one of the primary reasons it was chosen as the wedding venue.
As predicted, Isabella’s eyes widen.
Because if she came here for her brother, there’s only one person in that car.
“When did he find out you were here?” I ask as Dante steps out of the room to give the order.
“I’m acting on his request. The Prince’s Hand and the Guild have been allies for seventeen years. I’m here to pay my respects.”
I hum noncommittally. “See, this is where I’m getting a bit confused. Because that alliance died with Giuliano Moretti three months ago.”
“Which is why I intend to secure it again.”
I ignore her. “And I know I would never let my sister walk into dangerous territory with nothing more than an earpiece for backup.”
Isabella swallows lightly.
“Do you want to know what I think?” I continue. “I think your brother woke up this morning to an apology note and a radio. I don’t think he had any idea you were planning to do this. And I don’t think he’d trust anyone else to get you out of here.”
If Isabella’s glare could kill me, I would have died on the spot.
“Was I close?” I can’t help but goad her.
Her jaw locks. “You’ll get yourself killed doing that.”
“Doing what?”
“Assuming you know everything.”
I ignore Mia, covering her snort of agreement.
“Enlighten me, then,” I challenge. “Where did I go wrong?”
Isabella sighs. “For one thing, my brother isn’t in that car. If you knew him at all, he wouldn’t lower himself to gruntwork.”
“Then why are you so anxious about it getting gunned down?” Mia argues.
Isabella tilts her head to look at her. “Because that’smyLamborghini Aventador, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t ruin the paint.”
Mia sneers back, but Isabella has already turned her attention back to me. “For another thing, you really should have tied me up.”
It’s the only warning she gives before she slams into my forearm with brutal efficiency. Caught off guard, I feel the knife slip out of my hand and fall directly into her outstretched palm.
Within seconds, she’s pouncing on me. I stagger back for two painfully slow seconds before we tumble to the ground. In no time at all, I’m lying flat on my back. My arms are pinned down by her knees while her forearm presses down hard on my windpipe.
It would be so fucking sexy if she weren’t pressing the knife into my cheek.
“Open the gates,” is all she demands.
“Teo,” Mia says my name like a question. Like she would launch herself at Isabella in a heartbeat.
