Page 30 of Silent Night With Alessio

I don’t respond. Don’t even give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his excuse. Instead, I lift the ring, feeling its familiar weight, its details unmistakable.

Relief washes over me, almost making me weak in the knees. I’ve done it. I’ve done it. The Luciana family’s ring is back.

As I turn to leave, one boss clears his throat, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “How could you tell? Have you… seen the ring before?”

I smile, keeping my voice soft but firm. “Some things are just… obvious.”

Without another word, I walk away, feeling their gazes prickling my back, but I don’t look back.

I head towards the exit, my pulse still hammering from the night’s chaos. I just want to get out, get far away from this nightmare of an auction house, and…

And then I feel it. That same chilling presence, the air thickening around me as Dante Vitale steps into my path.

I go rigid, my mind racing, my body freezing in place. My fingers tighten around the ring as though that alone will protect me.

Nico’s voice crackles in my ear. “Calm down. Just play along, Isabella. You’re almost out.”

Dante’s eyes are intense, appraising, as he takes a step closer. “You’re beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice a low purr that slides over me like a knife. “I don’t recall seeing you at The Ice Box before.”

I force myself to meet his gaze, my voice as steady as I can manage. “I’m… new to town.”

He nods, his eyes narrowing slightly, calculating. “Twelve million dollars is a lot for someone I’ve never heard of before. I know everyone that can have that kind of money. Everyone that can spend it in one night.” His tone is both a question and a challenge.

My mouth goes dry, but I manage a small, coy smile. “Life is full of surprises. Maybe you don’t know as much as you think.”

He smirks, inching even closer, his voice a whisper only I can hear. “Give me the ring.”

Every nerve in my body screams to run, but I stand still, breath hitching as he continues. “I could offer you a lot. Influence. Power.” He leans in, his tone smooth as silk. “I’ll double the twelve million over the next year if you agree.”

For a moment, his eyes are all I can see, his presence all I can feel.

Then, somehow, I find my voice, soft but firm. “Thank you, but… I have everything I need.” I take a step back, holding his gaze before turning to walk away.

The weight of fear bears down on me as I make my way towards the exit. I feel Dante’s stare burning into my back, his quiet threat lingering in the air. My hands are shaking, but I don’t stop. I don’t let him see.

Finally, I’m outside, the cool night air hitting my face like a slap. I breathe deeply, my heart still racing. I’m almost free, almost….

Then headlights flare to life, blinding me as a car barrels down the street, aiming straight for me.

I’m frozen, paralyzed by sheer terror as the vehicle speeds closer, unstoppable. I can’t move. I can’t think…

Out of nowhere, another car swerves between me and the oncoming vehicle. The sound of metal on metal is deafening as Alessio’s car takes the hit, jerking violently to the side. He brakes hard, right in front of me, and then slumps over the wheel, unconscious. He must have hit his head on something during the impact.

The driver of the other car stumbles out, disoriented but regaining his footing, a gun flashing in his hand.

Every instinct in me screams to run, but I don’t. Instead, I rush to Alessio’s car, pushing his limp form back just enough to climb onto his lap, my heart pounding in my throat as I fumble with the ignition.

I feel a surge of fear as I see Dante and his men emerging from the club, shadows stretching across the pavement towards me.

“Isabella,” Nico’s voice comes through from the back seat, strained but urgent. “Get us out of here. Now.”

Gritting my teeth, I grip the wheel, glancing at the gunman stepping forward through the rear mirror.

I slam my foot on the gas just as he fires, the bullets whistling past, one cracking the windshield in front of me.

I don’t look back, don’t dare to think…just drive, racing through the streets, each second stretching out, my heart pounding in my throat.

“Don’t stop. Just get to the Lodge,” Nico’s voice grounds me, a lifeline in the chaos. I feel Alessio’s weight slumped against me, I barely notice Nico in the backseat.

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