Page 76 of Captured Innocence

I cocked my head, lifting an eyebrow. “Let’s just say we were destined to be together.”

He thought about what I was saying as well as the terminology I’d used. “Perhaps she’ll bring you happiness.” At least he had the forethought of lowering his voice.

“We will see, my friend. That’s a tall order.”

“It’s time you had a family.” He grinned then backed away.

I’d mentioned her in passing, something that hadn’t surprised him in the least. He was well aware of the demands of being in my position, surprising me once by stating he’d never want to be me under any circumstances. Hell, I didn’t want to be me. “You will protect her with your life.” Now I was making a statement.

“Yes, sir. With my life.”

“Walk the train. I want certainty we weren’t compromised.”

“The person at the station?”

“Others will be sent to rattle me, more likely to Dar and the others. Whoever this is wants us spinning while trying to determine what the hell is going on. We’re facing a possible war, my friend.”

Exhaling, he nodded. “Understood. Should I put the pilot on notice?”

It was best that we return to Italy as soon as possible, only I had to make certain whatever moves I made weren’t typical. “Not yet. I’ll know when the time is right.”

“Yes, boss. I’ll let you know if there are any issues.”

“You do that.”

As I closed the door, I took a deep breath. There was no doubt there’d be additional attacks, but for some reason, I had a feeling the person or persons responsible wanted us to return to Italy.

Where he had a captive audience.

The chess game had been played well so far. However, it was time to turn the tables and even the score.

As she opened the door, I could tell by the look on her face that she was anxious but there was something else. She was hiding a secret, one that I had a feeling would turn the tables.

If only she could learn to trust me.

CHAPTER 22

Sophia

Pop! Pop!

The sound had been muffled so that no one else on the train heard. But I had. I could swear it was echoing in my eardrums even now.

How many gunshots had I heard in my life? Dozens. Hundreds. But for some reason, the fact I watched as Mattia entered the second cabin where Luis had been taken, not hesitating for one second before driving two bullets in the doctor’s brain had reminded me that the world in which I lived was dangerous.

I sat huddled in the seat of the SUV on my way to safety, trying to determine why the incident hours before had bothered me so much. While there was so much about Mattia that I didn’t understand, I sensed he would protect me with his life if necessary.

Hell, I’d killed two men with a crude weapon only hours before, although it seemed like a lifetime. I’d driven the jagged blade through the asshole’s eye socket, for God’s sake, yet the cleaner kill Mattia had been responsible for bothered me? I had a swell of emotions, most of which didn’t make sense. I was excited yet terrified, longing for his touch, yet wishing he’d never walked back into my life.

But was he in my life? Or would he disappear again? Maybe that’s what my angst was really all about, the fact I’d believed he’d come back for me quickly years before. Then when he hadn’t, I’d done everything in my power to shut down every feeling except for hatred. It had worked so well that six years had been lost. Six. Fucking. Years. Gone.

I wasn’t certain if I was angrier with him or with myself.

“Are you alright?” Mattia asked in such a quiet voice I wasn’t certain I’d heard him.

“Peachy.” When he said nothing, I grimaced. “Why did you kill him? The doctor?” I glanced down at the Glock the rugged man had on his lap and hissed.

“Because he couldn’t be trusted.”

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