Then he lets go.
The man collapses, dragging in air like he’s been underwater too long.
Raffaele steps back, already composed again.
“Tell Nico his message was received,” he says. “And if he sends anyone near her again, I’ll return the favor. Piece by piece. Understood?”
A frantic nod.
They don’t waste time. One hauling the other, both stumble toward the door.
Then they’re gone.
I’m shaking. I don’t realize it until I look down at my hands.
Raffaele turns to me. His expression is unreadable. Not a hair out of place.
There’s blood on his knuckles. “Are you hurt?”
“No.”
“Did they touch you?”
“He grabbed my arm. That’s it.”
But it could have been so much worse. If you hadn’t shown up in time.The thought makes my stomach turn.
“Now Nico’s men know about you.” He moves to his desk. “Which means I might as well make it official. You’re under my protection. Anyone who touches you answers to me.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“It means what it sounds like.”
“Why do you care?”
“We’re going home.” He shrugs on his jacket. “Now.”
I blink. “I—you don’t even know where I live.”
“I was hoping you’d guide me.” A slight smile. “Unless you’d prefer to take the bus.”
I stare at him. At the blood on his knuckles. I try to process the calm in his voice. The way he saidhomelike it meant something.
“I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“You always have a choice.” He holds the door open. “But some choices are smarter than others.”
I walk past him and don’t look back.
Outside, a black Rolls-Royce is waiting at the curb.
A driver holds the door open. Raffaele gestures for me to get in.
I hesitate. The street is empty. The building looms behind us, dark except for the lobby lights. Somewhere out there, Nico’s men are stumbling home to report their failure.
Some choices are smarter than others.
I get in.
