The Assassins Kiss

Chapter 16

Ezra's POV

It's been a month. A long, tense month.

The Russians have been relentless—attacking the Vincenzos' warehouses, hitting our shipments, and flooding us with threats like it's a game they're enjoying.

Everyone's on edge, and honestly, I don't blame them. The pressure is suffocating.

And somehow, in the middle of all this chaos, Lily's birthday is in three days.

I've been working on a plan to sneak out and see her without drawing attention. It's risky, but there's no way I'm missing it.

Her gift's already taken care of—ordered, wrapped, and waiting for me to pick up. I just need the right moment. Just a window, a few hours. I'll make it happen.

Then there's Luca.

We've been inseparable lately. Every day, every night, every spare minute—we're together.

It's like I blink and he's there, or maybe I just want him to be. I'm getting attached, more than I ever meant to. And it scares the hell out of me.

Because when you care about someone in this world, it makes you vulnerable. And vulnerability? That's a weakness we can't afford.

Right now, Luca's in a meeting. So I'm out here alone, sitting at the edge of their pool with my feet in the water.

The sun's warm on my back, but my thoughts are anything but calm.

The quiet should be a relief, but all I can think about is the storm brewing around us and what I'd be willing to risk just to keep the people I care about safe.

"What's up, you little psycho?" Roman calls out as he strolls over, a smug grin on his face like he's got nothing better to do than annoy me.

I glance up at him, but don't say anything.

He plops down next to me, not caring at all about personal space. "Whatcha thinking about?"

"A lot of shit," I mutter, letting out a sigh.

Roman chuckles. "You know, just because Luca's not around doesn't mean you get to be all moody and tragic."

"You're annoying," I say, but there's a quiet laugh in my voice.

He grins like he's won something. He probably thinks he has.

Somewhere along the line, Roman decided we're siblings. Not in the "we share blood" way, but in the "you're stuck with me now" kind of way. I never exactly agreed, but I didn't fight it too hard either.

He told me once, flat out, "You're my little sister now. Deal with it." I tried to argue, to tell him I didn't need another brother—but that got me nowhere.

Roman doesn't really take no for an answer, especially when he decides someone belongs to him.

Then there's Killian. To him, I'm just a gremlin—his word, not mine. I guess that's... affection? In his own messed up way.

Honestly? It's weird. But it's also kind of nice.

"Roman," I say quietly, just enough for him to look over at me, his brows raised in curiosity.

"Yeah?"

"Can you keep a secret?"

"That depends on what kind of secret we're talking about," he says, half-joking, but his tone shifts slightly.

"Please," I say, more serious now.

He lets out a sigh, but nods. "Fine. What is it?"

"You have to promise you won't tell anyone," I say, voice firm, eyes locked on his.