Page 53 of Bound to the Enforcer

"And what did you learn?"

Matteo's expression hardens, his hands curling into fists. "He's moving them tonight."

I frown. "Moving who?"

"The kids," Matteo says. "The ones he's been trafficking. I've got the route. I know exactly where they'll be and when. It's a convoy, small but guarded. We can intercept it, but we have to move fast."

For a moment, I don't say anything. My mind races, processing his words, his confession. I want to hate him—I do hate him—but now I see the truth. Matteo didn't betray us out of greed or ambition. He did it because Domenico forced his hand.

And he did it to keep his sister alive.

"This doesn't make us even," I say finally, with an edge to my voice. "Not by a long shot."

Matteo nods slowly, like he expected that answer. "I know."

"But you're coming with us," I continue, stepping closer, my tone leaving no room for argument. "You're going to help us stop that convoy. And if you even think about screwing us over again?—"

"I won't," Matteo says firmly, cutting me off. "I swear it, Alessio. I made a promise to her father. I told him I'd protect Sophia, and I'm not breaking that vow now. Not after everything."

The mention of Sophia's father sends a jolt through me, and I narrow my eyes at him. "You're sure about this intel?"

"Yeah," Matteo replies. "I got it straight from Domenico's mouth. It's happening tonight."

I take a deep breath, the weight of the situation settling over me. This is bigger than Matteo's betrayal, bigger than my anger. It's about stopping Domenico and saving those kids.

"We'll need weapons," I say, my mind already working through the details. "A car. A clean route out."

"I'll handle it," Matteo says, standing now. "I'll meet you in two hours. Bring Sophia."

I glare at him, the anger still simmering in my chest. "You don't get to call the shots."

"Fair enough," Matteo says with a faint smirk. "But we don't have time to waste, Alessio. You know I'm right."

I don't respond. I just watch as he walks away, disappearing into the shadows of the park, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

The anger is still there, burning hot, but now it's tangled with something else—hope. If Matteo's telling the truth, this might be our chance.

I turn back toward the car, my jaw set.

It's time to move.

The apartment is quiet when I slip back inside, but the calm feels brittle, ready to snap. I shut the door behind me, locking it quietly before shrugging off my jacket. My mind is still racing, Matteo's words echoing in my head, but I push them aside. Right now, I need to figure out how to tell Sophia.

I take a step toward the bedroom, and that's when I see her.

Sophia is sitting up in bed, the faint light from the window casting soft shadows on her face. She looks wide awake—her arms crossed, her expression unreadable, though I can see the irritation simmering just beneath the surface.

"You're back," she says flatly.

I stop mid-step, caught. I was careful, quiet, but of course she noticed I was gone. Sophia misses nothing.

"You couldn't sleep?" I ask, trying to gauge her mood.

She arches an eyebrow, her tone sharp. "Don't act like I'm the one sneaking around. Where were you, Alessio?"

I don't answer right away, scrubbing a hand over my face as I lean against the wall. I'm exhausted, my anger still simmering, but the last thing I want is to fight with her right now.

She doesn't wait for me to speak. "You were meeting someone, weren't you?" she presses. "Who?"

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