The guard nods.
"He says he’s here to help.”
Santiago is bold, I’ll give him that. A part of me can’t believe he just willingly walked into the belly of the beast. The Vitales don’t care that he’s here with good intentions, they’ll be gunning for his blood.
I swallow softly.
Rafaelle reaches for the gun at his hip.
"Bring him in."
Fear explodes through me.
A few minutes later the study doors open.
Santiago walks inside. He’s dressed casually and his face looks exhausted. There’s a tiredness in his eye that’s been visible since the first time I met him. I just didn’t notice it. That and the resignation I can now glimpse.
Rafaelle raises his gun immediately. The click echoes through the room.
Santiago doesn't even flinch.
"If you're going to shoot me," he says calmly, "do it quickly."
My heart nearly stops.
“What? No. Don’t!” I shout finding my voice.
My brother’s eyes find mine and it’s impossible not to notice relief in them at the sight of me. I move before I can think. Throwing myself between him and the barrel of Rafaelle’s gun. Rafaelle’s expression grows dark.
“Do you seriously think I won’t shoot you, Liliana?”
I plant myself firmly in front of Santiago. My heart thuds in my chest.
“You won’t,” I say with a confidence I don’t feel.
His eyes narrow cold and dangerous.
"You have ten seconds to move."
"No."
The answer surprises even me. For a second nobody speaks.
Then Santiago sighs.
"I didn't come here to fight."
"Then why are you here?" Matteo asks.
I’m starting to realize he’s the voice of reason among the brothers. He also always has a calm head on his shoulders.
"Because I know where Ignacio took Mila."
The room explodes into motion. I whirl around to look at my brother as questions begin to fly. Demands and accusations. Everyone speaking at once.
I don't hear any of it. All I hear is he knows where my daughter is.
My knees nearly give out in relief.
