Chapter 92

Aurora POV

No, no, no.

This can’t happen.

If Dominic storms Alek’s compound now, it’ll ruin everything.

He’s going to ruin everything.

He doesn’t know the game that’s being played around him. Doesn’t see that he’s no longer the player but the pawn—a shiny, valuable chess piece being maneuvered into position by hands far more ruthless than his.

He thinks he’s in control, but the truth is, Alek is already three moves ahead. If Dominic makes a move now, Gianna’s as good as dead. Alek won’t hesitate to use her as a punishment for me failing him.

A warning shot, a meat shield, a bloody message in place of the girl I love like a sister.

I can’t let that happen. I have to stop him but not too directly.

If I push too hard, Dominic will suspect something. He’s dangerous when suspicious, and I can’t afford for his sharp, calculating gaze to turn on me. Not now when I’m still playing my part in Alek’s scheme.

I draw a slow breath, smoothing my expression, schooling every flicker of panic into calm neutrality. My hands unclench from the fists they’ve curled into against my sides. “I think you should wait.”

He blinks at me, clearly thrown. “What?”

“On rescuing Gianna. I think you should wait. Let the dust settle first before making a move.”

His face tightens. Dominic’s eyes stay locked on mine as I close the distance between us. He’s so damn hard to read sometimes. I wish I had a way to look into his mind and see what gears are shifting in there.

“I just… don’t think it’s wise.”

His brow furrows. “Wise? She’s out of time, Aurora. If Alek gets her out of the country, we’ll never see her again. You said it yourself how much she means to you.”

“I know,” I whisper. “I’m not saying do nothing. I’m saying… Alek’s probably on high alert after everything that’s happened with me escaping. If you rush in, it could backfire.”

“We don’t have that luxury, Aurora. This isn’t negotiable. If we wait, Alek vanishes. Are you really willing to gamble Gianna’s life on the chance that he’ll stay put? I’m not.”

My teeth gnaw at the inside of my cheek. There’s no reasoning with him when he’s like this.

I feel something twist painfully in my chest. He’s being reckless and stubborn because he wants to get my friend back for me. Just like I asked him to. Beneath the harsh demeanor, there’s this raw, and unshakable loyalty that makes it so damn hard to hate him.

I can’t let him rope me back in with his sweet gestures and his kind acts.

I can’t let the echo of what we used to have cloud my judgment. Because at the end of the day, I’m supposed to be playing him. This is not just to get Gianna back in one piece, this is to secure us never having to step foot on another syndicate’s territory again. To never be forced to abide by their rules and do as they say.

I nod, managing another brittle smile. “Okay… I hope you’re right.”

He sighs at me, scrubbing a hand over his face. “I’ll keep you updated. You should head back to bed.”

I don’t glance in the direction of where Romero and the twins are, already knowing how much they’re staring daggers at me. It’s no secret that I’m sure they would all be delighted if Dominic got sick of my shit and threw me to the wolves.

I’m sure there’d be a collective sigh of relief.

Getting rid of me would be them no longer being forced to deal with me and my drama.

Soon maybe they’ll get their wish. Just not in the way that they hoped.

I keep my head high as I retreat to the bedroom, refusing to let them see how much their silent judgment weighs on me. The second the door clicks shut, I turn the lock and press my back to it, letting out a shaky breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

For a moment, I just stand there, staring at the floor as my pulse thunders in my ears.

God, I really hope this isn’t all going to crash and burn around me.

I push off and head for the dresser, crouching down to the bottom drawer where I stashed the burner. Pulling it out, I quickly turn it on and wait for any incoming messages to hit my inbox.

When they don’t, I pull up a new thread and text Gianna.

Dominic is planning on moving in on Alek sometime tonight. They saw some kind of itinerary that Alek is planning on leaving the country.

It takes her a while to reply, but she finally does.

Fuck. You’re kidding. I thought he wanted you to be a double agent?

I sigh, slumping down onto the edge of the bed as I answer her.

I did too. I’m not sure what happened. Maybe this is some weird power play. My thumb hovers over the keyboard, then I add: Or maybe he never trusted me to begin with.

She replies with: Probably. Why are men so annoying?

A sad laugh slips out of me before I can stop it. I wish I knew.

She texts me again: Keep your head down. I’ll see if I can get someone over here to talk and give me details. I’ll update when I can.

My chest tightens as I read her reply.

Gianna’s brave. Far braver than me, that’s for damn sure. I’m worried that this entire plan is going to go sideways. Alek’s not to be trusted, even if he’s promised me exactly what I want. He’s still a mafia boss, someone used to using people for his own gain.

There’s nothing stopping him from going back on his word. At the end of the day, Alek’s not to be trusted even if he’s promised me exactly what I want. He’s still a mafia boss. Still a man who’s spent his entire life using people like disposable pawns for his own gain.

I know this and yet here I am, sitting on the bed I share with Dominic, trying to play both sides while my heart can’t seem to decide which man it fears more.

I shut the burner off and hide it back in the bottom dresser drawer again before rolling to my feet and heading for the door. I’m in desperate need of another shower.

When I open the bedroom door, I freeze as I see that both twins are standing there. Their expressions give nothing away as they watch me. Luca leans casually against the wall, arms crossed. Marco’s hands are tucked into his pockets, his head tilted slightly as he studies me.

My mouth goes dry.

“Something wrong?” I ask, forcing lightness into my tone.

Luca’s lips curve into a faint, humorless smile. “You’re not very good at hiding, bella.”