Page 35 of Sinister Intentions

Also…focus on what’s important, stupid.

As they disappeared through the restaurant doors, I let out a long exhale, the tension seeping from my body. Trailing afterSalvini had been an impulsive, reckless decision fueled more by desperation than logic. What had I been hoping to accomplish, exactly? Get pictures to use as blackmail material? The idea seemed laughable now.

I poked at the remains of my linguine, the noodles a congealed mess. I pushed the plate away and rested my elbows on the bar before I tapped my screen to see if Iset had replied, which she hadn’t.

I dropped my head into my hands, suddenly tired and overwhelmed by everything.

What was I supposed to do?

Was this how I thought embracing my inner badass would look like? Or was this just karma because of the hacking?

We’d never stolen from anyone who hadn’t earned their money and power through illegal means. And we didn’t take any of the money for ourselves—that must count for something, right?

And still, it had been wrong.

I should’ve really thought twice about what I was doing. I sighed, then straightened.

Enough with the pity party.

Every path forward seemed full of massive risk right now. But just hiding and hoping wasn’t an option either.

If worse came to worst, if my identity was revealed, I could lay low until I got my new ID—and starting over somewhere new with a clean slate had a certain kind of charm.

No family baggage, no crazy arranged marriage. The thought of leaving my dad and sisters behind caused a pang in my chest, but it might be the only way to keep myself and them truly safe.

I nodded at the waiter, then focused on my phone screen, scrolling through social media updates from friends back home. Several were in NYC, as well, for some big BJJ tournament happening tomorrow. Their posts radiated excitement over the competition.

I sent them good luck wishes and told them I might stop by to cheer them on for a while, and for a fleeting moment, I envied their simple lives.

No looming threats or dangerous dealings, no security detail, no family obligations. Just the thrill of stepping onto the mat and testing their skills. What I wouldn’t give for that kind of freedom and lack of complications weighing me down.

To just be...normal. Unburdened.

I paid for my food and slung my bag over my shoulder, letting out a long exhale as I walked toward the exit. I needed to call Fee and ask if she was still at the cafe and apologize for disappearing on her.

The moment I stepped out of the restaurant, I took a deep breath. The crisp, fresh air helped clear my head. Worrying about what might be wouldn’t help me one bit.

Before I could pull out my phone to call Fee, a hand clamped down hard on my arm, gripping me in a vice-like hold. I gasped and stumbled forward as someone yanked me towards a black SUV parked right in front of the restaurant.

I caught myself.

My heart slammed against my rib cage as panic surged through me. I whipped my head around. “What the?—?”

Before I could turn fully, a second set of hands grabbed my other arm, restraining me.

No. No, no, no!

A black hood was thrown over my head, plunging me into total darkness. My vision was gone, but my other senses kicked into high gear.

I thrashed wildly, brought my hands up, and clawed at the fabric.

I needed to see.

My elbow connected with something solid.

A muffled grunt sounded close by, followed by a sharp tug that nearly knocked me off balance.

Memories of those terrifying nights in Italy came crashing back like a tidal wave threatening to drown me.

---