Elio and Caterina seem to like each other. Same with Gia and Sal, who I know are more than just affectionate.

Sal was willing to take on my father to rescue Gia.

That’s more than just affection. That’s devotion.

Moretti jerks his head, signaling that I need to get to the plane. We board, with suitcases that contain absolutely nothing for me, but make a convincing enough front that again, no one says anything.

When the plane takes off, my thoughts return to Sal and Gia.

Devotion.

Could Dino be capable of…

No. Stop. It doesn’t matter.

I shut my eyes tight, trying to hold back the tears pressing against my lids.

It doesn’t matter what Sal and Gia have, or if Dino is capable of givingthatto a lover.

It doesn’t matter because I can never be his.

And he can never be mine.

When we get to Brasilia, my mooddarkens.

I don’t realize how evident it is until Moretti turns to me, one hand on the wheel as the car curves towards my father’s estate.

“Stop,” he says quietly.

I tilt my head. “Stop what?”

“Being nervous.”

“I’m not nervous,” I respond. I am, but I don’t want my father’s guard dog to know that.

He looks at me, his dark eyes too astute, too knowing, and I look out the window.

The road rushes by, but I can’t stop myself. I pick at the edge of my pants. My father needs me, I know, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to be happy to see me.

I need to get myself under control. We’re entering the final checkpoint when Moretti speaks again.

“I will stop him if he tries to hurt you.”

My head snaps back to look at him. “What?”

But Moretti doesn’t respond. He rolls down the window to talk to the guard, and doesn’t say anything to me.

Andrei Moretti is a robot. He doesn’t have feelings. My father hired him as his assassin and go-to support because if there’s one person on earth more unhinged than my father, it’s Andrei Moretti.

I will stop him if he tries to hurt you.

We’re basically at the front gate. Andrei turns the car off, and goes to unbuckle.

“I needto free my mom,” I whisper.

His hand pauses on the buckle.

Neither of us are looking at each other.