Page 63 of The Don's Deadly Assassin

It's a sight to behold and simultaneously sends shivers down my spine. This artifact holds immense power. I can certainly see its allure, but I also recognize the threat it poses.

Beside me, Camela gasps softly at the image, her eyes fixed on the polaroid. The gravity of Julian's discovery sinks in, and the weight of his words hangs heavy in the air between us.

"An arrow that can control love?" I mutter, my mind reels. How could such a thing be real?

But it must be. I know my friend was no fool, and now, he’s been murdered for this artifact.

Camela looks deathly pale, her eyes wide with shock. This must have been too much for her. A legendary artifact, a murdered friend, a deeper plot at play.

My hand finds hers, squeezing gently. "You're safe, Camela," I reassure her softly. "We'll make sure of that."

"Vincenzo," she whispers, her voice frail. "What if…what if they come after us?"

"Then we'll fight them." I am determined to keep her safe. She has been through enough hardship in her life. "Don’t you worry, Camela. Whoever killed my friend will be held accountable.”

She nods weakly. I want to comfort her, but there’s one thing I must do first.

Taking a deep breath, I reach for my phone and dial the number for the men in my inner circle.

"Riccardo, gather a few of the others," I instruct him as soon as he answers, not bothering with pleasantries. "I need you to search Professor Castellano's home for an artifact resembling an arrow with a heart-shaped tip. It might shine in the darkness. Don't ask questions, just find it."

"Understood, Don Consolini," Riccardo replies, his voice steady and obedient. I trust him implicitly, but I know that keeping details to a minimum is crucial, too.

As I hang up the phone, I glance over at Camela. Her face is still pale, her eyes betraying the fear she's trying to hide. This news will take some time to process. We need a distraction – something to take our minds off the looming danger.

"Camela," I say, forcing a smile onto my face, "While my men do some digging, how about we go to the night market? They've got incredible food, and there's always something interesting to see. It might help us both take our minds off everything."

She doesn’t reply and keeps staring into space.

“Camela?” I ask again, worried for her. When I get no response, I reach out and touch her arm. She startles and looks at me inquiringly, as though she’d forgotten I sat here.

“I was saying,” I broach the topic gently. “It’s been a lot to digest. How about we go to the night market and blow off some steam? It could be fun.”

She hesitates for a moment, her eyes searching mine as if trying to determine whether or not it's safe to let her guard down around me in my dangerous world. Finally, she offers a small, tentative smile. "Alright. Let's go to the night market."

Chapter 23

Camela

My hands tremble as I tighten the loops from the lace of my colorful blue and green corset blouse. Today has changed everything. I thought I could hide the arrow and its power from Vincenzo.

I believed he’d never be aware of its existence, but the message Professor Castellano’s lawyer brought forward today makes that impossible.

If Vincenzo ever discovers what I've done, if he uncovers my involvement as the Professor’s assassin and the theft of the arrow, I'll lose him forever.

The thought of Vincenzo cutting me off nearly breaks my heart, but it's the idea of the Handler getting to him that terrifies me most. He could have Vincenzo killed with just the flick of his finger if I’m not around to protect him.

I hear a knock on the door. “Yeah?” I bellow quickly.

"Camela, are you ready?" Vincenzo calls from outside.

"Almost," I reply, trying to sound calm. I can't let him see my anxiety. If he goes to the night market, I have to go with him - it's the only way to keep him safe. And so, despite the storm raging inside me, I finish dressing.

I hurriedly slip into the large flowy skirt with a bird and flora pattern, the vibrant colors clashing with each dark thought. This is who I want to be for Vincenzo – someone bright and full of life.

Not an assassin with blood on her hands. But I can't change the past; all I can do is pray that I can protect the man I love, and our relationship that has just begun to sprout.

"I’m ready!" I force a smile onto my face and rush out of the room, making my way down the stairs. As soon as I step outside, I see him waiting in the car. His eyes light up when he sees me, and for a moment, I forget the weight of my secrets.

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