Page 83 of The Silence Lies

“And leave you on your own?”

“I won’t be alone. I have Gio, remember?” Sera smiles weakly, turning to me for reassurance.

I respond with a nod. She doesn’t even have to question where I’ll be.

“Fine,” Levi relents before turning to the rest of the group. “But I’m not riding with him.”

Matteo wraps an arm around Levi’s shoulders playfully. The entire room seems to relax around Matteo’s lighthearted attitude. “You can ride with me,” he grins.

Eventually Levi submits, giving Sera a nod. Though I don’t think he’s in total agreement, I understand his reluctance. The last time he left Sera alone was when we returned one of Zeke’s men to the gang. That’s where it all started, and I’m pretty sure Levi is never going to forget that.

“Make a clear plan,” Sera orders Marco. “I don’t want any casualties tonight.”

With a swift nod, Marco and Raf begin to make plans, while Luca sits silently listening in. It won’t be long before they’re all hitting the road to the Valley.

I just really hope they find the girl.

Serafina

By the time evening comes, Marco has planned their trip out to every last detail. It’s not complex since they’re just doing some recon, but it’s vital that we cover all bases. I can’t say I’m happy to stay behind. The last thing I want to do is stand on the sidelines.

If anyone gets hurt, it’s on me. I already have so many deaths on my shoulders and I don’t need the body count to go up. But at the same time, I understand how important it is for me to remain at home and be safe. With Giovanni here, I know I will be—I just hope the rest of the crew are, too.

I look out at the crew that has come together in such a short amount of time. It’s amazing what can blossom from a common enemy.

Luca and Marco are deep in conversation while Levi watches me from the window of his car. We still haven’t spoken about the other day. I’ve tried to, but between Luca’s grunts and Levi’s silence, it’s difficult to have any kind of real conversation.

Luca is also still annoyed that I’m going through with this plan to get Zeke’s daughter back. I know it could be dangerous and I know that if the Verdis find out about what we’re doing, it could spell more trouble for not just me and my crew, but the Vultures, too. It’s a big risk, but a necessary one. I need the Vultures off my back and on my side. I need to cut off all possibilities of the Verdis gaining an advantage in this war.

“We’re all set,” Matteo says from his position beside me, making me jump slightly. I’ve been lost in my own little world for a few minutes, wondering if either Luca or Levi are ready for a long overdue conversation.

“Good,” I smile, turning my attention to Matteo. “I don’t need to remind you all to be safe.”

“No you don’t, Bianchi,” he says, turning to wink at me. “But I’ll make sure to have your guys back in one piece.”

“That goes for you too.”

He clutches a hand to his heart, his playful side coming out. It’s one of the things I like about this twin; his ability to make light of a situation, no matter how bad things seem at the time. “I didn’t know you cared.”

I nudge him with my shoulder playfully. Despite me being his leader, I enjoy being able to joke around. I’m still young enough to relish these moments while making sure business runs as usual.

“But seriously,” he says, a grave tone lacing his words. “I will bring them back to you. They’re just being hard-headed right now and can’t see that what you want isn’t a bad thing.”

I cast my head down as I think back to the day in this very courtyard when Luca and Levi had their guns pointed at one another while Levi accused me of wanting to get the whole crew on a roster. It hurt to hear Levi voice what he really thinks of me, and the lack of respect pissed me off too. But I was at fault. I’ve had more time to think about how I sprung the news on him, and I know I need to make this right. I just can’t seem to get through to him.

“Donna Bianchi,” Matteo calls my focus back. “Not many women would voice what they want, especially someone in your position. But that’s not something to be ashamed of. Be proud that you owned that shit, because…and I don’t want to overstep but… it’s hot as fuck.”

I can’t help but crack a smile. I know what he’s trying to say—Matteo seems to understand more than anyone what I want and why I want it. Then again, I can’t say I’m surprised. He seems like the type to explore his sexuality a lot more openly than his twin.

“Don’t take no for an answer, Bianchi,” Matteo adds as he jumps down the last step we’ve been standing on. “You hold the power. Make them your bitches.”

Rolling my eyes, I watch Matteo back away, sauntering off to Levi’s car. He reaches the passenger side before turning and throwing another wink at me, then slips inside the vehicle.

All at once, the engines roar to life before one by one they leave the courtyard. Luca and Marco have each taken a vehicle with some of Greco’s men, while Levi and Matteo drive ahead of the convoy together. The plan is to make it to the Valley before sundown, giving them just enough light to get to the compound—but not so much that they’ll be seen. Raf has set up his computers in the den, ensuring we have constant communication as well as sight of the compound, so we won’t be completely in the dark with this mission.

I wait until the gate closes at the bottom of the drive before I head inside. Giovanni is already in the kitchen, brewing coffee silently. He turns as soon as I enter, passing me a mug before perching against the kitchen island.

“Thanks,” I say, joining him.

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