Chapter 102

Aurora POV

I’m sitting cross-legged on the couch, my phone resting like a live grenade on my knee.

Dominic leans against the wall near the window, arms folded over his chest while looking like a stoic silhouette in the gray morning light. Romero is seated on the armchair opposite me, his own phone in hand while his eyes flick across the screen.

The twins are out for another reconnaissance mission, double checking the plan we’re already set into motion.

That plan I’ve been stressed about for the past twenty four hours.

Today is finally the day.

The day we play Alek at his own game.

“Remember,” Dominic says, his voice firm when he speaks. “When you message him, make sure it sounds convincing. You’re baiting him. Every word matters. He needs to think he’s still in control.”

I nod, though my stomach feels like it’s trying to crawl up my throat. “I know.”

He gives me a small, reassuring smile—well, as reassuring as he gets. “You can do this, Aurora. Just keep playing the scared, obedient little puppet he thinks you are.”

I unlock the burner phone, my fingers trembling only slightly as I open our last text thread. I already have the pre-written message I’m supposed to send to him laid out next to me on a scrap piece of paper. It’s short, concise, and to the point.

Exactly how I would’ve texted him while hiding in the bathroom pretending to shower. Once I send this message, it’s all on me to keep up the ruse. Alek will notice if I take too long in between texts to answer him.

I type out my first message: I think the last meeting really got to him. He keeps saying he was set up but can’t find a way to prove it. He’s shaken.

I hit send and glance up at Dominic and Romero. They’re both watching me like hawks.

Seconds later, the phone buzzes.

Oh? Do tell. What are his next moves?

I take a steadying breath, my thumbs hovering over the keyboard.

He’s convinced someone in his crew went rogue and said something they shouldn’t have to one of your guys. He told me he doesn’t trust anyone now except for me. I think he’s going to move soon so we need to act quick.

The three dots appear almost instantly.

Interesting. He doesn’t suspect you at all?

My thumbs pause over the keyboard as I think.

“What is he saying?” Dominic prompts.

“Hold on,” I reply, slowly typing out my response.

It’s a risky one but I have to make this believable. I have to make Alek buy into the lie that I’m willing to risk anything—do anything—in order to gain my and Gianna’s freedom. Even if that means sleeping with the enemy.

Not since I slept with him again. He doesn’t believe in women he beds betraying him.

I let that sit for a moment before adding:

Plus, I’m really good at faking wanting him. He eats it right up. It’s easy.

Alek doesn’t respond right away. I can almost see him considering what I’ve said, reading between the lines to chip away at the lie until it all unravels. The key is that even if what I’m saying does sound far-fetched, there has to be some level of believability behind the words that don’t completely negate what I’m saying.

That way even if there is some doubt, the presumed truth outweighs it.

Finally, he responds: I admire you, Aurora. You are truly inspiring when you want something and set your mind to achieving it. Alright, we will set up a meeting before he runs back to the States. I’ll send you the details soon.

Romero exhales sharply, nearly brushing his chest against my shoulder when he leans over to look at my screen. “He actually bought it.”

Dominic straightens slightly. “Good. That’s one thing down. Did you give him the meeting time, Aurora?”

I shake my head, looking up from the screen. “No. He wants control of this. I’m going to let him pick the time and the place so he doesn’t grow suspicious of me already having something in mind.”

“Good idea.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. My hands are slick with sweat, my heart pounding so hard I swear they must hear it.

“You did good,” Dominic says, his voice softer now. He pushes off the wall and steps closer, reaching down to take the phone from my hands. His fingers brush mine and it’s enough to make my entire body practically melt.

“Once he gets back to us about a time and place, I’ll contact Mikhail,” Romero says with a small nod of approval. “The pieces are finally falling into line.”

Dominic’s eyes stay on mine a second longer, something unreadable flickering there before he turns his attention back to the phone. “Now we wait for his coordinates.”

Before I can respond, the sound of the front door opening draws all of our heads toward the entryway. Luca and Marco stride in, both of them pulling off the masks covering the lower halves of their faces.

“Everything’s set,” Marco announces, shrugging off his jacket next. “Mikhail’s men are waiting to be told to get into position. Weapons have been prepped. Cars are fueled and ready to go.”

Luca claps his brother on the back. “All we need now is the word.”

Dominic nods once. “Good work. We should be getting confirmation soon.”

“About time we get to pull the trigger on this asshole. I can’t wait to celebrate with a tall bottle of whiskey.” Marco says, rubbing his hands together.

Romero lets out a soft snort. “Don’t get too excited yet. It’s not over until he’s dead on the ground.”

There’s a dark, eager energy buzzing in the room now.

Dominic watches them for a moment before speaking again. “As long as we all stick to the plan, this will be over soon. Alek has severely overplayed his hand. When those coordinates come through, we’ll get everyone into position.”

The twins nod in unison, their grins mirror images of anticipation and glee. I sit there, still clutching my own hands in my lap, and try to steady the riot beating of my own heart in my chest.

For the first time in weeks, I finally feel like I’ll be free from this mess once and for all.