Page 93 of Captured Innocence

Sophia grinned. “Whoever is doing this knows where we are. It’s no secret we’re in a protected compound. He or she will make efforts to draw us out into the open.”

“True.” I shook my head. “Unless we create a more desirable environment.” I was thinking out loud but I sensed Dar was paying attention.

“The problem is that our forces are currently stretched. We can’t be everywhere.” Dar was thoughtful, walking toward the window. “That concerns me.”

“I don’t like the wait and see,” Enzo added.

“Then show me to a computer and I’ll go from there,” Sophia said, turning her head in my direction. There was such emotion in her eyes that I could tell she was more alive than before. I thought about the snow angels and knew one day we’d do that again. Smirking, I took a sip of my drink.

“You can have full access to my office,” Dar said, grimacing when his phone rang. Then both mine and Enzo’s did as well.

“Shit,” Enzo said as he yanked his into his hand. “It’s my Capo. I have a bad feeling.”

As I answered the phone, I knew instantly from the sound of Vincenzo’s voice we had an issue.

“We got problems, boss. Two warehouses were firebombed.”

“Where?”

“Here, close to the city.”

“Fuck. Make certain we have bodies protecting this estate. Under no circumstances are you to allow anyone to cross the property lines. Do you hear me?” I jerked to a standing position, glancing around the room. It would seem the beginning of the end was already here. However, I knew this was nothing more than a wild goose chase to rattle us. This had to be handled carefully or we’d lose everything.

“You got it, boss. There’s something else,” Vincenzo said. “Sven and his family were murdered.”

“What?”

“D’Artagnan asked me to go looking for them. I contacted some of our allies in Zurich and it was obvious an assassin entered their home. At least his son and grandchild are safe. They were taken to a safehouse.”

“Fuck.” I glanced at Dar who was just finishing up a call. This was it. “If any of the men see a single thing, I need to know.”

“Understood.”

As soon as I ended the call, I headed toward Sophia, pulling her aside. “It’s starting. Sven and part of his family were killed.”

“What?” The look of horror on her face added to my anger.

“Anyone who provided assistance is in the killer’s crosshairs. You’re staying here. You will not leave the compound. Is that clear?”

She nodded then placed her hand on my chest. “I won’t. Don’t do anything stupid, Mattia.”

I cupped her face, exhaling as she nuzzled against it. “Like get myself killed?”

“Exactly like that. We’ve been through too much already.”

As I slid my hand around the back of her neck, pulling her closer, she rose onto her tiptoes, tilting her head. “You are so beautiful and the smartest girl I know.”

“I am, aren’t I?” she cooed, her eyes twinkling. “As soon as I find out the origin of the attack, I’ll let you know.”

“He’ll know you’re onto him, won’t he?”

“This is a game for him, one he’s spent months if not years perfecting. He’ll take his time enjoying the moment. So will I.”

“Now, I’ll warn you. Do not try and entice him with anything. Do you hear me?” I pressed my fingers into her neck, pulling her even closer. As I lowered my head, she wrapped her fingers around my shirt, arching her back. I would do everything in my power to protect her, making it my mission to ensure no one ever hurt her again. I had a terrible feeling about what was going on, the fact the Ghost had only set his sights on our family the most disconcerting.

“You know me too well.”

“Yes, I do. I will punish you if necessary.”

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