Page 51 of Unravel Me

This is so much bigger than I thought.

Getting anyone out of the Ring takes serious backing, someone deeply connected throughout every layer of the city's power structure. I feel dizzy as the realization sinks in that getting him out is way beyond anything I can do. I've heard what happens to people who try. They end up as skeletons sealed into the concrete foundation of some upscale housing development funded by the mob.

"But if there's even the slightest chance we can at least get him away from Rocco, I want to take it," I quickly type into my phone. "Rocco's the worst!"

I turn toward Ennio, fighting for balance, splaying my fingers on the wall for stability, and typing with just one hand, "Please… will you help him? Rocco will listen to you. He won't want to pick a fight with you because he knows it'd put him at odds with Anzo. You set the tone for all our business relationships."

Ennio studies me in silence for a moment, then lowers his vape and speaks,

"Mauro, you need to understand that even if we get him out of Rocco's room, that's only the first step."

"I know that. But I can't stand the thought of Rocco hurting him right now. Please… help him."

Another long silence hangs in the room.

Finally, Ennio nods.

"All right. But you’ll owe me."

"Fine. Anything you want…" I type without hesitation.

Ennio waves a hand at Luca.

"Let's go. You might come in handy if words aren't enough to convince him."

Then he stops and looks back at me.

"But you're staying here. You're no use to us in this condition. Take care of that wound. You're still bleeding all over the floor, and you can barely stay on your feet. He did a number on you."

"I have to be there. I want to be there," I start typing, but Ennio walks right past me.

"You're staying. That's not up for discussion. You'll only piss Rocco off even more."

"Okay… but at least take this with you," I type, pulling the tiny camera I always carry out of my pocket and handing it to him.

Ennio hesitates for a second before clipping it discreetly to his cuff.

"We'll get him out of there and send him back to the hotel where the Ring's omegas stay. You'll be better off staying out of it. Otherwise, Rocco will put a target on your back, and trust me, you don't want that. Besides, picking a fight with the men in the Ring is a very bad idea."

I nod.

I'd hoped I'd get the chance to talk to Jared, but maybe now isn't the time. He's probably terrified and deeply traumatized. The last thing he needs is to associate me with everything that's happened tonight.

My fingers half-consciously rise to my pendant.

"Okay, but give him this. Tell him it's from…"

I hesitate over the words before finishing the sentence on the display. "…from the person who tried to save him."

I hold out half of the little golden heart-shaped leaf.

One of Ennio's eyebrows lifts.

For the briefest moment I catch something on his face… almost contempt, maybe even cold superiority. I have no idea what it means. He doesn't comment, though. He simply takes the golden half of the leaf.

He and Luca leave the room, and I immediately switch on the camera, my eyes glued to the live feed.

The two of them make their way down the hallway to Rocco's room. Ennio knocks firmly on the door.