Page 26 of The Enforcer

I cut my eyes at him.

“It would be a good thing not to keep you in the city.”

“And Zahra’s staying.” Giulio raises his hands. “I’ll shoot anyone who ruins her mood. She’ll be very safe with me.” My sister preens at his terrifying pledge.

“Is it the water? Is that what has you two acting like this?”

“I hope so,” Alfonso says, “considering where we are going.”

“I’m not going with you,” I say. “I have a life. A job. A bunch of old Black women who are waiting for me to get these two back.”

Salvatore squints in confusion. “I can have Alfonso take you to the airport. We can send you home,” he says. “Alone.”

“I—” My gaze shifts to Shae, and I can see in her face that Salvatore isn’t lying. If I leave now, it won’t be with her. I don’t even need to look at my sister to know she’ll be looking at me with the same conviction. I nod at Salvatore. “I’m not leaving this country without these two.”

He nods. “You are incredibly loyal. So are we. Nothing will happen to them, and Alfonso will protect you as surely as Giulio and I will protect Zahra and Shae. After that, you are welcome to try and convince them to return. I promise that we will handle this matter as quickly as possible.”

“This matter,” I mumble and then turn to Alfonso.

“I hope you brought comfortable shoes,” he says ominously.

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