Page 62 of Mafia Don's Twisted Union

The men nod and scatter to carry out my orders.

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As the guards fan out, my thoughts return to Mia. I can almost see her, stubborn and determined, her hazel eyes alight with the fire that drew me to her in the first place. She’s not just brave—she’s relentless. And that’s what terrifies me the most.

“She’s more like her father than she realizes,” I repeat under my breath.

Leo glances at me, his expression unreadable. “You loved him once,” he says. “As an ally. Maybe even as a friend.”

I nod slowly, my gaze fixed on the distant horizon. “I did. But love isn’t enough to save someone from themselves.”

A sharp whistle cuts through the air, drawing my attention back to the guards. One of them jogs toward us, his face pale.

“We’ve got movement,” he says, his voice tight. “Multiple vehicles approaching from the west.”

My heart pounds as I pull my phone from my pocket, dialing Mia’s number for what seems like the hundredth time.

“Mia,” I murmur, my voice low and urgent as the call connects. “Where the hell are you?”

There’s a long pause before Mia’s voice comes through, quieter than I expected. “I’m almost there.”

The breath I didn’t realize I was holding escapes in a sharp exhale. “Turn around. Right now.”

“I can’t, Carlito,” she says, her tone firm despite the tremor I detect beneath it. “This is bigger than us. I need to do this.”

“No,” I growl, the edge in my voice cutting even to my own ears. “You think you’re protecting everyone, but all you’re doing is walking straight into Matteo’s hands.”

Her silence is answer enough.

I glance at Leo, who’s already gesturing for the convoy to prepare for immediate movement. “You’re not alone in this, Mia,” I say, lowering my voice. “Whatever you think you’ll find, it’s not worth your life. Let me help you.”

“You’ll try to stop me,” she says softly.

“Damn right I will,” I bite out.

She doesn’t respond, and the line goes dead.

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“Track her phone,” I bark at Leo, my pulse pounding in my ears.

“She’s close,” Leo says, glancing at the digital map on his tablet. “If we move now, we can intercept her before Matteo does.”

“Then we move,” I say, climbing back into the SUV. The engine roars to life, and the convoy surges forward, dust rising in our wake.

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As we near the property, the tension thickens. The landscape is eerily quiet, the distant hum of engines the only sound. My grip tightens on the steering wheel, every muscle in my body coiled and ready.

“She’s heading straight for the main entrance,” Leo says, his tone clipped. “Matteo’s men are approaching from the west. If we don’t cut them off—”

“We will,” I interrupt, my voice steel.

The road curves, and the property comes into view—a sprawling estate surrounded by high walls and a wrought-iron gate. My heart sinks when I spot Mia’s car parked near the entrance.

I slam the brakes, the SUV skidding to a stop. “Stay back,” I tell Leo, my tone sharper than intended, as I leap out. My eyes sweep the grounds, scanning for any sign of her. The silence presses against me.

“Mia!” I shout, the force of my voice ricocheting off the high walls. My pulse pounds in my ears, the uncertainty gnawing at my focus.

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