Chapter 20 The Inevitable Path

• The harsh grip on Sofia’s arm loosened just slightly as Lorenzo pulled her into the shadows of a quiet alley, away from the bright lights and the crowd of the fast-food restaurant. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she struggled against him, but Lorenzo clamped a firm hand over her mouth.
• “Calm down, Sofia,” Lorenzo hissed, his voice sharp but low enough not to draw attention. “Don’t scream. You’ll make this worse than it already is.”
• Sofia’s wide, tear-filled eyes glared at him, a mix of anger and terror radiating from her. She could still hear Luca’s voice in the distance, calling her name, accompanied by what she recognized as her father’s deeper, commanding tone. Her heart clenched. They were so close. If only she could break free and reach them—