Page 44 of The Underboss's Secret Twins

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"He’s not your savior, Sofia."

I inhale sharply through my nose, but I don’t let my expression slip.

"He’s just another player in this game, and you’re just another piece."

He steps closer, and though I will myself to stay still, my body betrays me—my shoulders lock up, my pulse hammers against my throat. His voice drops, a near whisper, but it slithers into my bones like a curse.

"When the time comes, don’t trust him."

The air between us feels awfully thin.

"Because if you do, it might be the last mistake you ever make."

The words sink into me like hooks, burrowing under my skin, wrapping around the fragile thread of certainty I’ve been clinging to since the moment I was taken.

And I hate it—God, Ihateit—because I don’t know if he’s wrong.

Marco is coming for me. I know that. Ifeelit in my bones.

But why?

To save me?

Or to finish whatever game they’re playing?

The man studies me for a second longer, then exhales softly, like I’m already lost, like the choice I make doesn’t matter because, in the end, the game will play out the same way.

And then?—

He turns.

The heavy steel door swings open, and the dim light from the hallway spills in, casting a long shadow across the concrete floor.

Then—slam.

The door locks.

The sound echoes through the room, bouncing off the cold, empty walls.

And just like that, I’m alone.

Alone with the fear.

Alone with the doubt.

Alone with the unbearable question clawing at my mind?—

What if he’s right?

12

MARCO

Valentina’s impassioned plea cuts through the room.

"You have to go after her, Marco. You can’t let them do this to her."

Her words settle deep in my chest, heavy and immovable, like a blade wedged between my ribs.

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