Page 12 of Bound to the Enforcer

Her eyes narrow. "That's not your call, Alessio. You're the one who keeps telling me to deal with the sharks in the water, but yet you're the one trying to put fucking floaties on me."

I hold back the initial snort of laughter that threatens to break free.

"It is my call." I stand in my conviction. "If I told you everything now, you'd do something reckless—something that could get you killed. Something that could get my men killed. You aren't my only responsibility."

She stands abruptly, pacing the length of the library like a caged tiger. "You don't trust me to handle the truth. That's what this is really about."

"No," I reply, my tone softening but not losing its edge. "This is about you staying alive long enough to handle it."

She stops pacing and glares at me. "What happens when I prove you wrong? When I show you I'm not some weak little girl who needs your protection?"

"You won't prove me wrong," I say, standing to meet her face-to-face. "Because you're not going to get the chance to try. Not until this is over."

Her jaw tightens, and for a moment, I think she might lash out, but instead, she spins on her heel and storms toward the door.

"Where are you going?" I demand.

"Anywhere but here," she snaps, her hand on the doorknob.

"You're not leaving," I say, my tone brooking no argument.

She freezes, her shoulders stiff. "Watch me."

Before she can take another step, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, my brow furrowing as I read the message from Matteo:Domenico's location confirmed. Moving tonight.

"Damn it," I mutter under my breath. Sophia notices immediately.

"What is it?" she asks, her defiance giving way to curiosity.

"Nothing you need to worry about," I say, pocketing the phone.

Her eyes flash with anger. "Whatever you think you're hiding from me, I probably already know."

I step closer, towering over her. "No. You don't. You're staying here. End of discussion." She opens her mouth to argue, but I cut her off. "You want to prove me wrong? Then stay alive. Let me handle this."

Her eyes burn into mine, the fire of her anger refusing to dim, but she doesn't move to follow me as I head toward the door.

The drive to the rendezvous point is awkward, every second stretching thin under the weight of what's about to unfold. Matteo meets me outside an abandoned dockyard, his expression grim.

"He's inside," Matteo says, nodding toward a warehouse at the edge of the pier. "Small crew. Shouldn't be too much trouble."

"Small crews are the ones that leave surprises," I mutter, checking my weapon.

Matteo smirks faintly. "Good thing surprises are your specialty."

We move in quietly, our footsteps muffled by the damp concrete. The warehouse looms ahead, its broken windows glowing faintly with light from within. My pulse quickens, but I keep my focus razor-sharp. This isn't just about Domenico anymore—this is about dismantling everything he's built before it can destroy Sophia.

Inside, the air is thick with the stench of salt and decay. Domenico stands near a stack of crates, flanked by two men. His presence commands the room, his sharp hazel eyes scanning the shadows like he's expecting us.

"Alessio," he drawls, a smug grin spreading across his face. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

He was expecting us. He knew that we were going to come.

"Cut the theatrics, Domenico," I say, stepping into the light. Matteo follows close behind, his weapon drawn but pointed low. "We know what you're doing. And it ends tonight."

Domenico chuckles, the sound low and mocking. "You've always been loyal to my brother, but I never pegged you for this naive. Do you really think you can stop me?"

"I don't think," I reply, raising my gun. "I know."

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