Chapter 79

My mind kept going back to the premeditated kidnapping that took place earlier in the day despite the fact that the day was fraught with chaos. Russo came into my life at a time when I was trying to unravel the falsehoods and deceptions, bringing with him a force that sliced through the gloom.

"Alissa!" he exclaimed, the joy in his eyes clearly seen in his expression. "I have something amazing to tell you."

I remembered the convoluted past that we had together and stared at him with wary fascination as I recalled it. "What is it, Russo?"

He talked with much zeal. I'm putting up a charity ball, which is a major event to generate money for pediatric surgical procedures. Alissa, just think of the people whose lives we could impact.

The honesty with which he expressed himself weakened some of my resolve. "That's a good cause, Russo."

After gazing directly at me, he gave me a nod. "Also, I'd want to ask you out on a date, Alissa. If we work together, we have the potential to make a signifi