The silence inside the armoured SUV felt heavy enough to crack glass. No one spoke as Luca took the long route through the city, ensuring they weren't being followed.
Mara watched the city lights blur past the tinted window, focusing on her breathing while mentally locking away every vulnerability. Bruno Ferrante fed on weakness and could smell fear; she couldn't afford to show him a single drop when she walked through that door.
Nico sat beside her in the dark, silent… no phone, no last-minute instructions. He just sat close enough that the fabric of his suit jacket brushed her shoulder with every turn Luca made.
No words were necessary; they had already said everything that mattered back in the study.
The car finally slowed, pulling into a narrow, dimly lit alleyway.
"We're here," Luca announced, throwing the SUV into park.
