MasukFor 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 smiled. She was surprised by her husband's sudden sweetness."You should tell your boss," he continued. "Make him fire or kick out whoever is saying anything mean about you."Elena nearly laughed. "That would only make things worse," Elena responded. "They'd start saying I have my boss wrapped
Elena stood up straighter. "What do you need help with?" Elena asked seriously.Massimo's expression turned grim. "It's Luna."Elena's heart skipped a beat. "How was she injured? Do we need to visit their estate now?"Massimo looked confused. "No, she's not injured. Her birthday is coming up and she
"Massimo?" Elena asked, still working through her shock. "I could ask you the same question—I didn't know you visited these sorts of places." By Elena's standards, Caffè Bella was a nice cafe, but by Massimo's standards? The place must have seemed very humble and homely. Massimo shrugged. "I don'
"No, it's in a bag outside on the corner. Why—" Without another word, Elena turned around and walked out of the estate.Luckily, the "trash" from Elena's room had been kept in its own garbage bag. It took no time to find her admittedly ratty teddy bear. Which was good because it was starting to rai







