They drove back to the mansion in silence. Isabella kept replaying the kiss, Matteo's confession, and the thought of her mother somewhere in the dark, waiting. Her stomach felt like it was twisting in on itself.
"We need weapons," Matteo said, gripping the steering wheel tighter as they turned into the driveway.
"I don't know how to use weapons," Isabella replied, glancing at him, unsure if he was serious.
Matteo gave a short, humorless chuckle, keeping his eyes on the road. "You know how to fight. Same principle."
Inside, he led her straight to his study. Without a word, he crossed to a tall cabinet she'd never noticed before and unlocked it. Hinges creaked as it opened to reveal a collection of guns lined in neat rows.
"Take this one," he said, pulling out a small pistol and holding it out to her.
"Matteo, I can't," she said, shaking her head, her hands hovering at her sides.
