I parted my lips to respond when a knock cut through the room.
Blake hit a button, darkening the screen as I hurried to answer the door.
“I brought some lunch for Blake,” Ariana said, holding a tray with a bowl of soup along with a sandwich, the smell of tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil invading my senses as she stepped past me.
“It smells incredible, Ariana,” Blake replied, rubbing his stomach.
“You shouldn’t be staring at screens all day.” She set the tray on the table, her gaze landing on the monitor. “Not when you’re still recovering from a concussion.”
“I’m fine. I’m already feeling better than when I left the hospital.” He ate a spoonful of soup, his eyes all but rolling into the back of his head. “Probably because your cooking is infinitely better than hospital food. But you still don’t have to cook for me. I can manage on my own.”
“I’ve seen what you consider food,” she scoffed. “I’m sorry, but no self-respecting Italian can allow you to eat sauce out of a jar. Next thing I know you’ll be eating those packages of ramen noodles, too.”
“What’s wrong with ramen?” I asked.
“Nothing. I love ramen. But not that pre-packaged stuff filled with sodium. If you want ramen, I’ll make it for the two of you. But the real deal.”
I brushed a kiss to her temple. “Sounds amazing.”
“Good.” She pinned Blake with a pointed glare. “Now eat. And take a break from the screens. You need to rest.” She turned her ire on me. “Not work.”
Blake mock saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”
She looked between us once more before her gaze lingered on the monitor yet again, the suspicion and curiosity seeming to grow with every passing second.
Finally, she turned and walked out of the pool house, closing the door behind her.
Silence filled the space for several seconds, neither one of us speaking.
“Do you even understand how damn lucky you are to have her?” Blake remarked, cutting through the quiet.
My gaze drifted toward the window, my lips curving as my eyes fell on Ariana walking toward the main house.
“Every time I look at her. Or think about her.”
“And you still want to do this.?” Blake pressed.
I blew out a long breath. I wished there were another way to get answers. If there were anything else I could do that might lead me to Sarah, I’d do it.
But right now, the only lead we had was the Bratva. And I needed to follow it.
Even if it meant putting my life at risk.
“I have to,” I finally answered.
“I know.” Blake sighed heavily. “Just thought I’d give it one last try.”
A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. “You should know by now. When I make up my mind, there’s no changing it.”
“Don’t remind me. Stubborn ass.”
He hit a button on his laptop, and the monitor lit up again, pulling my attention back toward the surveillance footage on the screen.
Toward the leverage that might get me answers.
Somewhere out there was the truth about Sarah.
And if there was even the smallest chance she was alive, no risk was too great.
