051

Caterina.

I almost jumped out of my skin when someone knocked on the door, startling Maria and I.

The knock came like a gunshot.

I had flinched so badly that the coffee in my hand sloshed against the rim. Mafia stiffened beside me on the couch, her brows drawing together as we both stared toward the door.

Another knock came. Much more firmer this time, and less patient.

Who the heck could that be?

I set the mug down, my heart pounding so hard for reasons I couldn't name yet. Maria stood up before me, crossing the room in quick, soundless steps. She cracked the door open, peeking through it with the wariness of someone who wanted to get this over with as fast as possible.

Then she opened it fully.

It was him.

Luca.

Dressed in a dark suit. Hair still slightly damp from the shower, and with no expression on his face except that usual mask of command and control. His eyes flicked from Maria to me, resting there just long enough to make my throat tighten.

“You should get ready,” he said.