Chapter 11 11

• I hesitated for just a second too long.
• Then, with a barely audible breath, I stepped aside. One by one, Lorrenzo’s men stalked past me like wolves entering a den. Only Maria stayed behind, arms crossed, a silent threat in stilettos. The door shut behind us with a dull, definitive click too loud, too final. I didn’t want it closed. I wanted a way out.
• Alessia’s spine straightened like a blade when Macro approached. “You’re too close,” she said coolly.