Page 24 of Devil's Embrace
"Identification?"Luca asked, his thumb absently rubbing against my pulse point in a way that felt strangely intimate despite the circumstances.
"Rental car, sir.Two men.Security cameras picked them up doing a drive-by earlier today as well.Same vehicle."
Luca's grip on my wrist tightened slightly."Wake everyone.Full security protocol.I want the grounds swept and all entrances double-manned."
"Yes, sir.And the woman?"The guard glanced at me again, his expression unreadable.
"She stays with me."His tone left no room for argument."Send Antonio to check on the child.Make sure her door is secure."
My heart leaped at the mention of Mina."Is she in danger?What's happening?"The words spilled out before I could stop them.
Luca turned to me, his face inches from mine."No one will harm your daughter.I give you my word."
The guard nodded and disappeared, closing the door behind him.Luca released my wrist but remained close, his gazze scanning my face with an intensity that made my skin warm despite my fear.
"What's going on?"I rubbed the spot where his fingers had been.
"Probably nothing."His tense posture suggested otherwise."A precaution."
"Against what?Who would come here?"I searched his face for answers.
"Enemies.Rivals.My uncle has many of both."He began gathering the folders from his desk, sliding them into a drawer which he locked with a small key."It's time to get you back to your room."
I thought about resisting, about using this apparent security threat as a chance to find Mina and escape.But the tightness in Luca's jaw, the way his hand kept returning to his concealed weapon—whatever was happening, it felt dangerous in a way that made my escape plans suddenly seem foolish.
"Will you check on Mina?"I hated how vulnerable the question made me sound.
His expression softened slightly."Yes.After I've secured you."
He opened the study door, checked the hallway, then placed his hand on the small of my back to guide me out.Unlike earlier times when he'd touched me this way, I leaned into the contact slightly, accepting the strange security it offered in this moment of unknown threats.
We moved through the darkened hallways quickly, his steps silent but purposeful.Guards passed us, nodding respectfully to Luca while barely acknowledging my existence.The mansion had transformed from quiet slumber to alert watchfulness in minutes.
At my door, Luca paused, turning to face me.His hand remained at my back, warm and steady."Don't try to escape again.I can't guarantee your safety if you're caught by someone else."
"Someone else like who?"I searched his face."Your uncle?"
"Among others."His gaze held mine, serious and direct."Mateo doesn't know about you and Mina yet.I've kept you separate from his operations for a reason."
The implication sent a chill through me."What would he do if he found out?"
"Nothing good."Luca's thumb traced a small circle against my spine, perhaps unconsciously."He doesn't share my...reservations about certain lines."
Children.He meant Mina.The thought made my blood run cold.He’d said earlier that his uncle wouldn’t hesitate.
"I'll send someone to bring extra blankets.The nights are getting colder."
I blinked at the unexpected concern."Thank you."
He nodded."I'll also have a book brought for Mina.I noticed she likes unicorns."
The consideration behind this gesture—remembering my daughter's preferences—confused me more than threats would have."Why are you being kind to us?"
His expression grew distant, thoughtful."Perhaps because no one was kind to me."
Before I could respond, he opened my door, checked the room, then stepped back to let me enter."Stay here.I'll check on Mina myself and let you know she's safe."
"Thank you."Despite everything, I meant it.
