Page 69 of Stolen By the Enemy

There is no more Carlos, so it’s all me.

If none of my plans work, then I have to go back to working for someone else, and that will take all of my time, leaving no space for Grazia in my calendar anyway.

This is why I’ve stayed single for so long, and why I am so eager now to break free and work for myself.

I need to figure out exactly what I’m going to do about this, so that I can put my focus into Grazia.

Looking at her again, I’m reminded why she deserves this so much.

Her compassion and strength have shown through during the worst of times, and I hope that I can bring out the best in me in the future.

It will take some time for me to work through the guilt of having captured her and held her hostage.

Her letter seems to tell me that she forgives me, though, which leaves me with some hope for our future.

I leave her in bed and head to my other home, ready to put pen to paper and plan out my next steps.

***

Seated at my desk, the soft clicking of my fingers dancing across the keys is like a musical rhythm paired with the hum of the computer.

I can’t focus on anything else right now, needing to lay out my next moves so that I don’t allow the Baldinis too much time to get ahead of me.

The original plan now lies in ruins thanks to Luca's blunder, but there’s still a general idea that I can work with, even if it means I cut the Baldinis out of my considerations completely.

After going over the details, I realize that the setback demands more than just a revision; it requires a complete overhaul.

I run my hands through my hair and pace the room, thinking, planning, and running through scenarios. Then I pick up my phone and dial a few numbers.

Conversation with my contacts bring me slightly closer to an answer. Each exchange gives me new hope that I will be able to outmaneuver the Baldinis.

The blue glow of the computer screen casts an ethereal light on my office. Shadows dance across the walls as the night stretches into the early hours, surprising me with how quickly time has passed.

I’ve been so engrossed in this plan that I haven’t checked the time, or how fast it is flying by.

But I can’t stop now. I examine every detail, every conceivable scenario, with meticulous precision, tapping my fingers on my desk as I reread my notes.

The weight of responsibility settles on my shoulders as I consider the risks and rewards, and the chess pieces on the board that need to be moved with utmost precision.

The Baldinis have a history rooted in power and control, but they won't anticipate this audacious move.

The stakes are high, but the night grants me the clarity to see beyond the immediate chaos and envision a path that leads to triumph.

Dawn comes to wake me from my slumped-over position on my desk. It’s not the best sleep I’ve ever gotten, but I’m excited about my new plan.

The first thing I can think to do is go back to the beach house.

I need to speak to Grazia about her letter, tell her about my new plan, and see what this means for us.

Returning to the house a few hours later, I find Grazia awake already.

The lines of exhaustion on her face show that she hasn’t gotten enough sleep, but I need to share what I’ve been working on.

"I've reworked the plan. Completely. I can still get the trade routes, without using you or dealing with your brothers. It's riskier, but our best shot at breaking free. I want you to have the freedom you’re craving, and the choice to stay or leave here. You deserve a life beyond this chaos," I tell her, looking for any reaction from her.

She looks at me, a mix of apprehension and trust in her gaze.

Her silence tells me to keep talking. "I need you to know," I continue, my tone softer, "I read your letter, mi chica. And I feel a connection too, but right now, my focus has to be on handling business. Once this is over, we can figure out what comes next. I want you safe, first."

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