Gianna
Nico was sitting on one of the barstools, sipping beer and, as always, wearing nothing but sweatpants. My first reaction was one of relief. At least he was safe. But once that registered, it quickly faded away, replaced by the anger and hurt that had been bubbling inside my chest since that night.
“And not everyone is as lucky as Nicholas Baldocchi. I’m sure he doesn’t get tired of telling you that every day.”
I snorted at the idea. If only Maximus knew. And how dare he ask me where I have been after being completely MIA for the last three days? He had no right to question me. None at all.
“So you’re home,” I said flatly.
“You didn’t answer my question,” Nico said, crossing his arms across his broad, tattooed chest. “It’s past midnight, Gianna, and you dodged security…”
“I don’t owe you an explanation,” I answered,
NicoThe possibility of having a Mole in the Baldocchi mansion meant things had gone too far. And it means no one was safe until we found out who the Mole was.My scalp prickled with rage as I stormed into my study. Before I could stop myself, I grabbed the glass paperweight off the desk and hurled it against the wall, watching it shatter. The sound echoed in the silence. Sharp fragments scattered across the floor, catching the light.I didn’t stop. I swiped everything off the desk—files, pens, a framed photo—sending it all crashing to the ground. The noise didn’t help. It only made the pressure in my chest worse.A mole. Inside my house. The fucking audacity.“Nico!” Gianna was at the door, her eyes wide as she took in the mess that was my study. “Wh…what happened? What is wrong?”“Leave me alone, Gianna…” I hissed, panting with rage as my fingers dug into the oakwood of my desk. “Go away…”“No…I…ouch…fuck…” I whirled around and blinked at the tiny drops of blood on the floor.For f
NicoI walked to the handgun wall and picked a Glock 19. Simple. Reliable. Nothing fancy. I checked the magazine, cleared the chamber, and then handed it to her. Gianna hesitated before wrapping her fingers around it. And as expected, her grip was all wrong.“Your stance is off,” I muttered. “Here.” I moved behind her and placed my hands over hers. My fingers closed over hers, adjusting the grip.“You’re holding it too tight. Keep it firm, but don’t choke it. This isn’t a bat.”I stepped in closer, guiding her arms up. “Feet shoulder width. Lean forward slightly. Elbows bent. Don’t lock them.”Gianna exhaled deeply.“Now sight down the barrel. Not at the ceiling. There. Align it with the target.” I let go but didn’t step back. She stayed focused. 
Nico“Didn’t you say you wanted to tell me something?” I demanded, watching as Gianna pulled on her athleisure, which was unnecessary. Today, I was only going to start by giving her a tour of the armory and getting her acquainted with weapons. She turned around, and her expression changed.She seemed…scared?“Yes,” she nodded, not meeting my gaze.“Then tell me,” She shuffled around, pulling out a pair of sports shoes. Was she biding her time for some reason?“Gianna…” I probed, stalking over to her. “What is it?” Gianna sighed and then gazed up at me. There was clearly something.“I will tell you tonight,” she said. “I promise.” I frowned at her. Why was she dodging this? What was it that she wanted to tell me?“No.
GiannaGianna responded instantly, her fingers threading into my hair, gripping the back of my neck as she yanked me closer. Our mouths crashed, her lips parted, the second mine touched hers, and I took full advantage. My tongue slid against hers. slow, possessive, tasting the soft moan, she tried to swallow. She kissed me back like she needed it to survive, like the last two days had left her aching.God, she tasted like everything I’d missed. Sweet, soft, and something wilder underneath.Gianna whimpered into my mouth, nails digging lightly into my shoulders as I sucked on her bottom lip, once, twice and then dove back in, tongue stroking hers in a rhythm that was anything but gentle.When I finally pulled back, breath ragged, her lips were kiss-swollen, cheeks flushed, pupils blown wide with heat.“You missed me too,” she panted, the beautiful smile crossing her lips as she pressed her forehead against mine. We were both a breathless mess.“Now you know,” I said, gazing up at her.“
NicoI needed to get to Gianna. Fast.“Nico…what’s wrong?” Leonardo demanded. “Why are you suddenly talking to Gianna?”“Gianna…” I said, ignoring Leonardo and trying to sound as calm as possible. “Go inside. Now. Get to your room, shut the door and lock it. Right now.”“Wh…Nico, what’s wrong?” Gianna asked, sounding worried. “What is it, Nico? What is the matter?”“Gianna…please,” I begged, wishing she would for once listen to me. “Go inside now. Hurry…”“Okay…okay, relax, I am going…” she said. “I…” Suddenly, a booming sound could be heard, making me jump up from my chair.“Gianna?” I almost shouted, startling everyone else too. “What’s wrong? Gianna…what’s going on?”“Th…the lights went out, Nico,” she said after a beat. “It’s all dark around…I can’t see…”“Gianna…are you inside?” I demanded, running my fingers through my hair. “Where are you?” I heard some huffing sounds, maybe even footsteps.“I…I am…it’s dark…” she huffed. “I am trying to find my way…” I motioned Caelian to get
Nico“What place is this?” Leo grimaced, gazing around.We had gathered at Villa Monteluce, an abandoned 17th-century chapel-turned-safehouse nestled into the Umbrian cliffs. It had been ours for decades. The thick stone walls were cold, cracked, and silent. It was the kind of place where no one could hear you die.Leo already made a beeline for the makeshift bar with Domani following after him. Xavier and Caelian stood near the arched stained-glass window, eyes sweeping the perimeter. The guards were already positioned outside, armed and ready to attack anyone who came even closer than ten feet. And it wasn’t likely because this was built right on the edge of the cliffs.I took my seat at the head of the table, a place where my father sat the last time we were here. And even though I was slightly anxious, my heart was at peace. As per Gianna’s current location, she was at home, and she texted me that she would be going to bed soon after finishing work.That was more than enough, and I