DEADLY DECEPTION

CHAPTER 30

AVERY'S POV

The house was too quiet.

When I stepped into the dining hall, I expected to see the same scene from last night—long table, filled chairs, unfamiliar faces watching my every move. But instead, the place was empty.

No men loitering around, no hushed conversations, no weapons casually laid on the counter. Just the quiet clatter of dishes as the maids moved about. A deep frown settled on my face.

One of the maids, a woman in her forties with dark hair pinned back neatly, noticed my confusion. She wiped her hands on her apron and approached me.

"They are all in a meeting, signorina. The Don has returned after a long time. It is an important gathering."

The Don.

Rick.

Something cold twisted in my stomach, but it wasn't just from the morning chill. My fingers curled slightly, the memory of last night flashed through me, searing and unshakable.

For a split second, I could still feel it. His heat. His breath ghosting over my lips. The way his hands had trapped me against the counter, a heartbeat away from giving in.

Before I could respond, footsteps echoed in the hallway.

Bryce.

He strolled in like he owned the place, his usual cocky smirk in place, but there was something in his eyes—something that made me wary.

"Good morning, sweetheart," he greeted, taking an apple from the counter and tossing it in the air.

"Did you sleep well?"

I crossed my arms.

"What do you want, Bryce?"

He took a dramatic bite of the apple.

"Rick wants you in the meeting."

I blinked.

"What?"

"You heard me," he said, already turning on his heel. "Come on."

I hesitated. A meeting? With all of them? The same men who had been watching me with guarded expressions since we got here?

"Bryce—"

But he wasn't listening. He just kept walking. I swallowed and followed, my heartbeat picking up with every step.

We stopped in front of a heavy wooden door, one that looked ancient but strong. Bryce turned to me, his expression unreadable now.

"Rick wants you inside," he said, voice quieter, less teasing.

I stared at the door.

"Why?"

His smirk returned.

"Guess we'll find out, won't we?"

I exhaled, trying to push away the nerves creeping up my spine.

"You go in first."

Bryce actually laughed.

"Nice try, princess. But no. You're up."

"Bryce—"

Too late. He swung the door open.

The room fell into complete silence.

I felt the weight of every single gaze on me.

The room was massive. A long, dark table sat in the center, with several men standing around, their suits crisp, their expressions sharp. A few were seated, their postures rigid, hands either clasped or resting on the table near their weapons. But it was the man at the head of the table who sucked the air from my lungs.