Chapter 5

Two rows of cars waited outside the Moretti estate on the morning I left.

Sofia stood beside Marco in the coat I had helped her choose the day before. Her eyes filled when she saw me.

“Be careful,” she said.

Marco adjusted her collar, then came to my car. He reached toward my reddened fingers but stopped before touching them.

“I’ll visit once you’re settled.”

“All right.”

My mother leaned toward the window. “Don’t be afraid. You’ll see your brother tomorrow.”

Father was speaking to the convoy coordinator. He had instructed everyone to leave my veil in place and keep the bride’s movements private until the handover.

I raised the window without looking back.

The convoy left New York on schedule. Marco had put a blanket in my car. I folded it and set it aside. I ate when food was offered and asked no questions about Adrian’s plans.

His two guards watched me closely at first. By evening, they seemed reassured that I had made no attempt to call home or leave the convoy.

We stopped at the planned rest house that night. According to the schedule they had received, we would sleep there and pass Adrian’s interception point the following afternoon.

The guards took turns watching my door. After midnight, both went to their rooms. I waited until the corridor was quiet, then called for the Commission coordinator.

“The confirmed documents say we arrive tomorrow morning.” I showed him the schedule I had signed. “We leave now.”

He compared it with the older copy in his hand.

“Mr. Moretti’s guards haven’t been told.”

“Your responsibility is to deliver the bride to the Rinaldis,” I said. “The Commission confirmed the change. Will you explain a late arrival to Dante?”

He checked the signature and seal again. Then he ordered the drivers and the rest of the escort to prepare the cars.

No one woke Adrian’s guards.

Before dawn, we passed the place where his men intended to stop us. Several cars sat beside the road with their lights off. I could not tell whether they were his. Our driver did not slow down.

I pressed my palm against the cold window and watched the cars disappear behind us.

We continued into Rinaldi territory.

The convoy stopped inside Dante’s gates. As I reached for my bag, Marco called.

I let it ring until the screen went dark. A message followed.

[Adrian told me where you are. Don’t sign anything. I’m coming to get you.]

[You and my family have decided enough for me. Somehow, no one ever thought to ask what I wanted for myself. Don’t come for me, Marco. I’m not coming back.]

I sent it. My phone began buzzing so violently against my palm that I nearly dropped it.

Marco kept calling.

I declined it and stepped out of the car.