Page 29 of Stefano
The silence after his words is deafening.I want to deny it.To tear his throat out for even suggesting it.But the fear in my gut twists, because some part of me believes him.
I shove past him, my voice low and dangerous.“Say what you want.Think what you want.She’s not leaving me.Not now.Not ever.”
When I return to Andrea, she’s laughing softly at something Guilia said, though the sound trembles at the edges.Her eyes find mine instantly, her smile softening.My chest tightens.
I cross the room, crouching beside her chair.“How are you feeling?”
“Better.”Her hand slips into mine, warm and sure.“As long as you’re here.”
Her faith burns brighter than any warning, any fear.I squeeze her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.Inside, the fire rages.Because Alceu might be right.I might be dragging her into something she can’t survive.But I don’t care.
Because she’s mine.And I’ll kill the world before I let it take her from me.
****
That night, when we’realone again, Andrea curls against me in bed, her fingers tracing idle patterns over my chest.“What happens now?”she whispers.
I stare at the ceiling, my jaw tight.“Now, we prepare.The cartel won’t stop.But we’ll be ready.”
Her gaze lifts to mine, steady and brave.“And us?”
My throat works.I should tell her to run.To save herself.To get out before the darkness swallows her whole.But I can’t.
I cup her face, my thumb stroking her cheek.“Us ...we survive or burn.Together.”
Her lips curve faintly, her eyes shining.“Then let it burn.”
And just like that, the fire inside me is no longer just rage.It’s love.It’s hers.It’s ours.And God help anyone who tries to put it out.
Chapter Sixteen
Standing Tall
Andrea
The Cammareri compound is buzzing with quiet tension.Men move in and out, carrying crates of weapons, exchanging clipped words I don’t fully understand.The air smells of oil, gunpowder, and something else—maybe anticipation, like the entire house is holding its breath.
