[ S E R A P H I N E ] This is wild. This is way above my pay grade. When I signed up for this job, I did not expect to stumble upon something this big. “Wow.” I could go to prison for this. “This is just insane.” People kill for this kind of information. For this treasure trove of secrets. I'm not sure why Dominico believes they're safe with me. Ignazio can't ever find out that I willingly participated in all this. I save the spreadsheets I've been working on all week, shoot Dominico a quick email, and then turn off my computer, not expecting an immediate response. Darn. It's almost midnight. I don't wanna call him at this hour and bother him with my anxious suspicions. I don't even wanna hear his voice. But this is something else. This is urgent. Possibly life-threatening. With clammy hands, I grab my phone and try deep, calming breaths, the fear and nagging concern I feel turning into something more sinister. Those files could get both of us killed if we don't tread carefully

[ D O M I N I C O ] When I arrive at the hotel room Alfeo described in his last text, I'm greeted by courtside noises blaring from the flat screen TV. It's not a huge suite, but the room's big enough for a couple of people. Sprawled on the sofa, Alfeo sports brand new-looking white trainers, another expensive shirt, and loose blue pants, his eyes fixed on the screen. Like every time I see him near a TV, he's watching his favorite ballers humiliate the other team for bragging rights. Alfeo doesn't even flinch when I smack the back of his head. “Wine?” I make a face at the corkless bottle next to the couch. I take the seat to his right. “It's eight in the morning.” “Five o'clock somewhere.” He pumps his fist, then jumps off the sofa, roaring like he's the one who just shot a three-pointer just as the buzzer rang. “This place reeks of hookers. Did you just kick 'em out?” Alfeo finally tears his gaze away from the TV and flips me off. “Where's your future wife?” He glances behind

[ S E R A P H I N E ]“Why didn't you just tell me?” I stare at him, internally reminding myself to keep calm. My heart feels like it's gonna implode if I don't get this off my chest now. I just don't know how else to broach the subject that's been hovering like a heavy cloud between us. How to confront him about his impulsive decisions. If I don't demand answers and explanations right now, we'll just end up sweeping things under the rug. I can't just swallow my pride and say yes to everything he says if my life and my family's safety could be at risk. “I mean, I'm not saying get down on your knee and actually propose to me. But, put yourself in my shoes.” I hold my breath, steeling myself for what he's about to say. “How would you feel if I did all that without even asking if you're okay with any of it?” “You feel like I'm forcing you into this?” Dominico slowly gets up from the couch, his voice soft and steady, his gaze searching mine with a mix of concern and curiosity. I scoff

[ S E R A P H I N E ]“Alora, sei libero la prossima settimana?” [So, are you free next week?] I gawk at the words on my screen, just staring at each one of them until they all start to blur. My heart races as my breaths turn shallow. It's the second text Ignazio Tomassini sent me today. The first one shows only two short sentences congratulating me and Dominico, and then asking me if I'm willing to meet him and his wife for dinner this week. What the heck does that two-faced creep want now? “Shit.” I toss my phone on the maroon covers. I don't know what to do with him anymore. I can't avoid him forever. I can forgive him for what he did to me, but we can't pretend nothing happened and just go back to our previous rapport. Dominico's reassurances only ease my anxiety and fear to some degree. But it's not his fault that I'm still this anxious.The rain drums against the windows as my brain replays snippets of my previous conversation with him over and over, like it's stuck on a lo

[ S E R A P H I N E ]The sun's up. Rubbing sleep out of my eyes, I squint at the light filtering through the curtains and giving the room a soft glow. My new bedroom. It's much bigger than the one in my apartment. The furniture looks brand new, too. Every corner is still unfamiliar, and I'm not sure how long I'm gonna be staying here. Until Dominico thinks it's time for me to stop freeloading off of him?This house is bigger than the property he sold in Genoa, and it's his first one here in Florence. I don't know the exact amount he paid for this property, but this certainly doesn't look cheaper than his old house.It's got three bedrooms, two indoor bathrooms, and one by the pool. The backyard is wide and nice, as well as the patio. Three large vehicles can fit in the garage. His older stuff and some of his gym equipment are in there. Pushing aside the covers, I get out of bed and make my way downstairs with careful steps. The muted noises coming from the kitchen tell me he's awak