LOGINFor the next five minutes, the only sound was that of Luca vigorously striking keys. Then he muttered a quick, "Yes!" and smiled. He turned the screen so that Massimo could better see it."We're in," Luca reported. "Only temporarily, of course—we've got fifteen minutes maximum."Massimo scanned the
"You know what," Massimo said into his cell phone, forcing his tone to stay casual. "You should clean up your place before you go anywhere.""I suppose I could be more thorough," Luca replied. "I don't like how much dust gets caught on the window's curtains.""Better to take care of that before alle
Massimo heard a car approach. He rushed to the windows, hoping that Elena had called a cab.But he didn't see a cab. Instead, he saw a nondescript black van pull up next to a nearby telephone pole. Massimo frowned.It didn't have any of the usual signage, but Massimo could recognize a repurposed FBI
Elena was so frustrated. Because this was the problem, wasn't it? How was she supposed to trust Massimo when he had been lying and sneaking around behind her back?Wasn't that just what her parents used to do? Wasn't Tyler using similarly ridiculous schemes—albeit with more force—to get her at his s
Elena tried to change directions but found herself at a dead end. Worst of all, the aisles were too cramped for her to slip by her step-mother. There was no way to avoid the woman."Are you ready to leave?"Elena hadn't been ready to hear that deep, steady voice again, but between Massimo and her st
Massimo stared at the fuel gauge, as if that would change the fact that the motorcycle didn't have much gas left. At least the damn thing beeped before it was completely empty—getting stranded on a deserted street with no easy way home truly would be the worst way to end this evening-into-morning ad
Elena held her breath, her eyes never leaving her husband's. Not for the first time, she wished she could make out his expression.Her phone rang for just a moment. And then, to her surprise, the call connected.Her husband hadn't moved at all."Hello?" Elena said into her phone, wondering if she ha
"But you still want to leave?" Massimo asked. "Even if you don't hate him or the work most of the time?"Elena nodded without any hesitation.Massimo suddenly understood what Elena meant when she said her husband's swift denial had stung. It would've been better if she had paused a moment before res
"Okay, well, we're fixing that," Luna said suddenly. "Elio, do you think we can whip together something grand for their one year anniversary?"Elio smiled. "Easily, people will forget it's not even their wedding by the time we're done.""Now does that sound perfect or what?" Luna asked, looking dire
"We need to plan a meeting with Sloane and Noah," Elena said seriously. "I know we're both busy, but I've decided on my answer to their offer and we shouldn't keep them waiting."Massimo, surprisingly, just nodded. "We should have time the morning before our departure. I know that's later in the wee







