Page 55 of Bound to the Enforcer

I don't move for a second, just standing there, letting it sink in. We're running into a situation that could get us both killed. But I can see it in her eyes—she's not afraid. She's ready.

"Get dressed," I command. "We don't have much time."

Sophia doesn't hesitate, already moving to grab her clothes. I watch her for a moment before turning away, grabbing my gear and checking my gun. My mind keeps spinning.It's happening tonight.

If he's telling the truth, this might be our only shot at stopping Domenico's operation.

And if he's lying…

I glance back at Sophia, her face set with determination as she pulls on her boots. No matter what happens tonight, I'll make sure she makes it out.

Even if I don't.

Chapter Sixteen

Sophia

The night air is sharp and cold as I stand beside Alessio, waiting in the shadow of an abandoned lot just outside the city. I can hear the distant hum of traffic, the occasional bark of a stray dog, but otherwise, it's quiet. Too quiet.

Matteo's late.

I shift my weight, hands buried deep in my coat pockets, trying to steady the simmering anger that's been building since Alessio told me about his meeting. I should've been furious with Alessio for sneaking out earlier, but the anger has redirected itself, sharp and hot, straight at Matteo.

The man who betrayed us.

The crunch of tires on gravel pulls me out of my thoughts, and I snap my head up. A black SUV rolls into view, its headlights cutting across the lot before shutting off. The door opens, and Matteo steps out, hands raised slightly, like he knows he's walking into hostile territory.

He should.

"You came," Alessio mutters beside me.

Matteo steps into the faint light of the streetlamp, his face shadowed but still familiar—too familiar. The man I used to think of as loyal. As family.

"Of course I did," Matteo replies, his tone even. He looks between Alessio and me, his gaze lingering on me. "I didn't expect a warm welcome, but?—"

I don't let him finish.

I step forward and swing. My fist connects with his jaw, hard enough to send him stumbling back a step.

Alessio doesn't move to stop me. Matteo's eyes widen in surprise as his hand flies to his face, touching the spot where I hit him.

"You deserved that," I say coldly, my chest heaving as the anger rolls off me in waves.

"I know," Matteo mutters, straightening and meeting my glare without flinching. "I'd have done the same if I were you. You have one hell of a right hook, though."

"You almost got us killed!" I snap, voice rising despite the cold. "Do you even realize what you've done?"

"I do," Matteo says quieter now, calmer. "And I'm sorry. For everything."

I don't let the apology sink in. I take another step toward him, my fists clenched at my sides. "You betrayed us. You betrayedme. And for what? To play some dangerous game with Domenico?"

"I wasn't playing," Matteo says firmly, his gaze locking onto mine. "He has my sister, Sophia. I didn't have a choice."

The words hit me harder than I expect, stealing the next breath from my lungs. I see the pain behind his words, the guilt he's trying to carry, and for a second, I don't know what to say.

"Your sister," I echo quietly.

Matteo nods, his face hardening. "She's still out there. Domenico's been holding her to make sure I stayed in line.That's why I fed him what he wanted to hear." He swallows hard, his jaw tight. "But this intel, it's real. The route, the shipment. It's happening tonight. And we have one shot to stop it."

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