Chapter 14

• Fran's cry caught in her throat, nearly choking her as she stumbled backward, landing heavily on her backside. She forced herself to swallow the ball of nerves and fear tightening her throat, but it felt like a block of lead obstructing her airway until the only sound she could make was a whimper. Her hand, pressed to her cheek, trembled as she gazed up at Luca with terrified eyes.
• The hairpin dropped on the marble tiles, spinning slowly until it hit the side of Luca's black leather shoe.
• Both Fran's and Luca's eyes locked on the weapon. Neither of them made a move to pick it up.