Chapter 27: Italy

584 30 2
                                    

The morning light crept through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room where Brianna and Zara slept beside me

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

The morning light crept through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room where Brianna and Zara slept beside me. I hadn't slept a wink. My mind was too consumed by the events of the last few days Viktor's note, Brianna's realization about her parents' death, and the danger that now loomed over my family.

I stared at the ceiling, running through my options, but there was only one thing I could do. I needed to protect them, even if it meant taking them far from here.

I carefully slid out of bed, making sure not to disturb Brianna or Zara. The sun was just beginning to rise, and the house was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt fragile, like it could shatter at any moment. I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and stepped out of the room, heading downstairs.

I dialed Dante's number, knowing he'd pick up immediately.

"Valentino," Dante's voice was sharp, business-like. He was already on high alert, the tension in his voice evident. "What's the plan?"

"I need you to take over everything from here," I said, cutting straight to the point. "I'm taking Brianna and Zara to Italy. My nonna's place is the safest spot right now, and I need them out of the line of fire."

Dante was silent for a moment, processing the gravity of what I was asking. "Understood," he finally said. "I'll make sure everything is taken care of here. But when are you coming back?"

"Soon," I replied. "Once I know they're safe, I'll return to New York. We need to find Viktor, and we need to do it fast. I'm trusting you to coordinate everything until I get back."

"You can count on me, boss," Dante assured me. "Marcello's already been briefed about Stella, and he's keeping a close watch on her. We won't let anything slip through the cracks."

"Good," I said, my tone firm. "Make sure everyone knows that failure isn't an option. We need Viktor, and we need him alive. I want him to know what it feels like to lose everything."

Dante's voice was steady, unwavering. "We won't let you down. I'll keep you updated."

I ended the call, taking a moment to steady myself. There was no room for hesitation, no room for fear. Viktor had crossed a line, and I was going to make sure he paid for it. But first, I had to protect my family.

I walked back upstairs to find Brianna awake, sitting up in bed with Zara still sleeping soundly beside her. Her eyes met mine, filled with concern.

"Valentino," she said softly, "what's going on?"

I sat on the edge of the bed, taking her hand in mine. "I've put Dante in charge of finding Viktor. We're leaving for Italy today. My nonna's place is secure, and I know Viktor won't think to look for us there. It's the safest place for you and Zara right now."

Her grip tightened around my hand, her eyes wide with worry. "Italy... But what about you? Are you coming with us?"

I nodded, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Yes, I'm coming with you. I won't leave you and Zara alone, not after everything that's happened. Once you're settled, I'll come back to New York to deal with Viktor. But right now, I need to make sure you're safe."

His AssistantWhere stories live. Discover now