Page 41 of Ruined

Noah's jaw tightens. "Five minutes. That's all I'm asking."

Something in his expression makes me pause. There's tension radiating from him, something beyond our usual antagonism. Whatever he needs to discuss with Matteo, it's serious.

"Fine," I say, not bothering to hide my irritation. "Five minutes."

As I walk toward the bedroom I hear Matteo mutter something that sounds like ‘whipped’ under his breath. Noah doesn't respond, which seems unusual for him.

I close the bedroom door behind me but immediately press my ear against it. Their voices are too low to make out distinct words, but the tone is unmistakable—urgent, intense. I hear Noah's voice rise slightly, then Matteo's response, sharp and quick.

Whatever's happening, it can't be good. I step away from the door and move to the window, staring out at the New York skyline. The city looks deceptively peaceful from up here, all sparkling lights and geometric patterns. No hint of the violence and danger lurking beneath.

I wonder what's changed since Noah left this morning. Has Ivan made a move? Is Damiano Feretti involved now?

Or is this about me? About the photograph I found?

I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the comfortable temperature in the apartment. Whatever storm is brewing, I'm caught in the middle of it.

And I have a feeling it's about to get much worse.

CHAPTER 12

Ipull Matteo into the kitchen, keeping my voice low so Evelyn can't hear us. The granite countertop feels cold under my palms as I lean against it.

"It was a fucking disaster," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. "Damiano was ready to put a bullet in my head."

Matteo crosses his arms. "What did you expect? You killed three of Ivan's men and kidnapped a woman who played at his daughter's christening."

"I didn't have a choice." My jaw flexes. "Ivan's men were there to take her. What was I supposed to do? Let them?"

"You could have called for backup instead of going lone wolf." Matteo's eyes narrow. "So what's the damage?"

"He said that I won’t be alone but If anything goes sideways, it's on me."

"Could be worse," Matteo says with a shrug. "You're lucky Damiano has your back. Anyone else would be feeding the fish in the Hudson by now."

"He doesn't have my back. He's cutting me loose if this blows up."

"Bullshit. If Damiano wanted you gone, you'd be gone." Matteo leans closer. "He values you too much. That's why you're still breathing after this stunt."

I let out a humorless laugh. "Lucrezia cornered me on the way out. Warned me about getting attached."

"Smart woman." Matteo glances toward the living room. "So what's the plan now?"

"I need to figure out what Ivan wants with her. It's not just about her playing violin at his events. There's something else."

"And in the meantime?"

"She stays here where I can protect her." I straighten up. "Ivan's men are searching the city. I need you to keep your ear to the ground, find out what they know."

Matteo nods, then a smirk forms on his face. "You know, I think she likes you."

"Shut the fuck up."

"I'm serious. The way she was asking about you?—"

"She hates me. I kidnapped her, remember?"

"There's a thin line between hate and?—"

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