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"Yes, it's important. Get your coat; we're leaving in five minutes." Dario's voice is firm, and then I hear him retreat.
I realize that now is not the time to reveal my pregnancy. Dario's already dealing with the stress of his father's actions and the escalating war with Frank. Adding the news wouldn't help – it would only make things worse.
"Okay," I mutter under my breath, forcing my apprehensions about the pregnancy aside for the moment. I quickly throw away the tests discreetly, grab my coat and meet Dario by the front door.
Chapter 32
Home is Where the Traitor is
Dario
The night air whistles past my ears as I drive towards the compound, Jasmine's presence beside me a comforting warmth. Her hands are folded neatly on her lap, and she gazes out the window at the passing scenery, lost in thought. A little while later, she turns to me. "Why has your father called you tonight?"
"I don't know," I frown. "Perhaps it's related to the war he took on to Frank's compound."
"Is there danger at your compound?" she asks, her voice quivering.
"Jasmine," I begin hesitantly, deciding to address the elephant in the car. "About the shooting at my father's compound during the arms deal... I know it must have been terrifying for you to hear about."
She glances at me, her eyes shadowed with concern. "It was. But more than that, I worry about what it means for us tonight. What are we in for? Will it be ... violent?" she shudders at the thought.
I grip the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles whitening. "Since that sniper's attack, my father has ramped up security around the place. I think we'll be safe."
"Have you considered..." she pauses, searching for the right words, "that it might not be just one person or group responsible? That maybe there's a common enemy trying to bring both sides down? Yours and Frank's?"
I raise an eyebrow at her, impressed by her insight. "It's crossed my mind, but we've yet to find any concrete evidence."
"Sometimes," Jasmine says softly, "you don't need evidence. Just intuition. Like in The Art of War. 'All warfare is based on deception.' Even if you think you know your enemy, they may still surprise you."
Her words strike a chord within me, reminding me of the ever-present danger lurking around every corner. The threat doesn't always come from where you expect it to. I glance over at her, marveling at her wisdom and strength.
"Jasmine, how did you become so wise?" I ask, half-jokingly.
"Survival, Dario," she answers, a serious edge to her voice. "When you've lived through what I have, you learn to read people, situations, and potential threats."
I look at her sharply, wondering where these words just came from. I thought I knew enough about Jasmine to know her life while tragic, given the loss of her sister, wasn't dangerous.
Where did this even come from? What has she lived through that she hasn't yet told me about? I suck in a deep breath and keep my thoughts to myself. This isn't for me to pry into. She will share what she must when she is ready to do so.
"Your instincts haven't led you astray so far," I admit, slowing the car as we approach the compound. "I'll take your advice to heart."
"Wait," Jasmine says suddenly, her eyes narrowing as she looks at me. "You sound sure that Frank's not responsible for the attack. How can you be so sure?"
I sigh, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. I wasn't exactly eager to delve into my history with Frank, but Jasmine deserves to know why I trust him in this matter.
"Over the years, Frank and I have had our fair share of conflicts," I say, taking a deep breath as I recall the countless confrontations we've shared. "But it's never escalated to the point where either of us would consider taking the other's life. That's crossing a line."
"Yet, there's still so much tension between the two of you," Jasmine observes, her gaze never leaving mine.
"True," I admit, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Our rivalry has intensified, especially in recent years. And with both of us vying for control over the city, it's only natural that things between us would become...strained."
"Strained?" Jasmine echoes, her eyes widening. "That's an understatement. I've seen the way you look at each other – like you're ready to tear each other apart."
I chuckle bitterly. "That's just how it is between us. It's a constant power struggle, a never-ending game of one-upmanship. Frank and I have a... complicated past," I begin hesitantly. "We've been rivals for years, ever since we were kids. It all started with a girl."
"Of course it did," Jasmine mutters, rolling her eyes, but there's a hint of a smile on her lips.
"Her name was Alessia," I continue. "She was beautiful, intelligent, and had a fire in her that was hard not to notice. We both wanted her, but only one of us could have her. In the end, she chose me. That drove a wedge between Frank and me, starting our lifelong competition."
