Page 6 of Dangerous Devotion

He helped me out of my seat, grabbed my waist, and lifted me out of the helicopter. His movements and actions were so similar to Vince’s, my throat tightened.

I shook my head again. “It’s nothing.”

Dante cocked his head and smiled. “Let’s hear it, anyway.”

I sighed. “This is as much a secret hideaway as starting a huge fire on top of a mountain and then blasting music andstarting fireworks and expecting nobody to see, hear, or notice anything.”

His handsome face transformed into a big grin, then he hugged me. “God, you’re perfect for him.”

I cocked my head and glared at him.

But he just winked. “Glad to know you’re quick to recover, as well,” he said, kissed my forehead, then put his arm around me and pulled me with him.

We made our way across the helipad, and a mix of emotions churned inside me. Part of me was in awe, recognizing this place as a testament to the Salvini family’s power and affluence.

I felt small and exposed standing there on the perfectly trimmed grass, acutely aware of just how powerful Vince and the Salvinis really were.

But despite this lavish version of a secret hideaway, and the promise of safety after our narrow escape, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was stepping into something far beyond my depth.

Until now, I’d only read and heard about Vincenzo Salvini, the powerful Mafia boss.

Every single interaction between us was small in scope, intimate, and personal.

Even visiting the family home on Staten Island hadn’t brought the message home—not like seeing this did.

This beautiful facade surely hid secrets and dangers I could barely imagine.

And so did the man whose level of wealth and power I only just now had truly realized.

And then, the distant whoop-whoop of another helicopter drowned out my thoughts.

And when Dante tightened his arm around my waist and basically carried me toward the house, I realized they’d found us anyway.

CHAPTER TWO

Igripped the helicopter’s controls, my knuckles white with tension. Then forced myself to relax and focus on the horizon. We weren’t far from La Dimora Serena, my vacation home now.

Please, Dante, use your head for once in your life, and be smart enough to change the destination and not fly to Boston.

My heart raced, not only from the residue of adrenaline caused by our daring escape but from the gnawing worry about Jemma’s safety.

Who were our attackers? How did they know we would be on that roof right then? And most importantly, how did I not see this coming…at all? I’ve never been this blindsided—by anything.

But nothing pointed to this attack…and especially not Zotov’s behavior—who was the only logical conclusion. But why?

“Those bastards didn’t expect us to take over their bird.” Hero chuckled beside me.

I side-eyed him. He was smirking. Good.

As much as I tried to protect everyone, right now, it felt like I was stumbling in complete darkness, searching for an exit. And how could I protect my family; how was I going to keep them and Jemma safe when I didn’t even know from what?

What a fucking mess.

I glanced back to where Peaches was holding one of the attackers and the pilot—both unconscious—at gunpoint. His face was pale but determined, and his hands remained steady despite the blood seeping from his hairline.

“You good, Peaches?” I asked.

“Affirmative,” he said.

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