Chapter 4

Diego's POV

As the door slams open, I turned around and the voice cuts through the air. “He won't do it.” I blink and my eyes meet the gaze of the man who just spoke.

“Anthony,” I whispered, unsure if I should be happy or puzzled about his presence. I hadn't seen much of him in the past days. His gaze lingers on me for a moment, and then he directs it to Roberto.

“Diego can't assassinate Rocco. I have a better idea.” He steps forwards, his long legs taking long strides as he closes the space between me and Roberto.

Roberto looks at him, a frown forming on his face. “What's your idea?”

Anthony doesn't hesitate. “He would be a spy instead.”

I step backwards,my breath hitches in my throat as I struggle to process his words. A spy? How is that even possible. I didn't know if I should be relieved, confused or terrified.

Roberto grunts and I could see that he was also trying to make sense of Anthony's suggestion.

Anthony continues, “Cent Rocco is heavily guarded. It's nearly impossible to assassinate him directly.” Roberto nods his head as Anthony's words sink in. “We need Intel from someone who can infiltrate his house.” He pauses and glances at me. “Diego is perfect. He would blend in and can go in his crossdressing outfit as a woman.”

Before anyone can respond, a voice cuts through. “No.” Liam interrupts. He steps forward, his tone is rough and he shoots me a hard glare. I could already sense his resentment. He points a finger at me. “Diego should be sent to kill. He's the one that needs to avenge his parents and not shy away like a coward.”

Liam and Anthony lock eyes for a moment. Their fists were folded into balls at their sides. It was obvious that they don't like each other. Roberto steps in before the matter escalates. “We'll hold a meeting. I'll consult with top members of the cartel.”

I wipe the beads of sweat off my forehead and slump into the chair. Roberto had already put a call to the members and some of them had already arrived. I sat in my corner, eager to hear the verdict to be passed.

“Diego, you wait outside.” Roberto ordered. I didn't argue. I stood up from where I was seated. My eyes locked with Anthony's, silently pleading with him to see that they give a fair judgement. I close the door quietly behind me. My heart pounds in my chest as I began taking wild guesses. What could the final decision be?

I lean against the door, trying to eavesdrop, but no sound can pass through the thick mahogany door. All I can do is wait. Minutes pass but it feels like hours. I pace around the corridors worriedly. The tension which hung in the air was palpable. My anxiety builds with every passing second. My mind wanders to the events that unfolded in the room. Why would Roberto want me to kill such a dangerous man? It seemed like there was more to the matter that he was hiding from me. Something was not right.

Finally, the door flung open and the first person to step out is Liam. His eyes burn with anger and he shoots me a cold look, a sneer tugging at his lips. He points an accusatory finger at me and chuckles darkly. “You'll never make it.” His voice is laced with mockery. He turns and walks away without another word.

I swallow the lump stuck in my throat. His words sting, leaving me in a state of disarray. I still wonder what decision was made. He had already disappeared down the hall before I could ask questions.

The door creaks open, and this time, Anthony steps out. His eyes scan the hallway before looking at me. He walks towards me and I hold his hand. My voice shakes as I called out to him. “Anthony, what's the verdict?”

He squeezes my palm lightly and leads me to a corner. He pins me against the wall, locking his eyes with me. I try to judge from his gaze, but everything seems unreadable.

Before I can say anything, he touches my lips with his fingers. Without a word, his lips crash into mine in a kiss that's both urgent and slow as if he had been waiting for this moment.

For a moment, I'm too stunned to react. This wasn't our first time, but I had thought that he wanted doing something else. Then I feel his hands circled around me, pulling me closer and closing the gap between us.

I let out a soft gasp. His lips are firm and demanding. The kiss deepens as his tongue traces the line of my lips, forcing them wider. I feel a rush of heat flood through my body. My mind spins, torn between our intoxicating moment and the verdict to be passed.

When he finally pulls back, my breath is ragged, my chest rising and falling rapidly. I feel dazed, lost in the heat of the moment we just shared.

“I'll still love you.” He whispered, his voice low and husky. His words send a shiver down my spine and it takes me minutes before I can respond.

“What have they decided for me?”

He pauses for a second, pressing his palm into mine. As he opens his mouth to respond, a voice interrupts, sharp and commanding. “Anthony, come over.”

He pulls away and without a second glance, heads in the direction of the voice. My thoughts are still spiralling and I hated the suspense being created. My hand finds its way to my chest, trying to calm my nervous mind. Anthony had left me hanging on an edge of uncertainty.

I lean closer to the study where Anthony had walked into. He was alone with Roberto and the two guards. Roberto's eyes caught sight of me.

“Come in.” He said, stretching out his hands. “A decision has been made.”