Marco's Move
The mansion buzzed with tension over the next few days. Guards patrolled every corner, and Matteo's watchful eyes followed Amara wherever she went. To Isabella, life seemed normal—playtime, bedtime stories, kisses on the forehead. But to Amara, every smile felt like a mask hiding storm clouds.
She hadn't thrown away the note. It stayed folded inside her dress pocket like a secret heartbeat, whispering to her whenever she glanced at Lorenzo.
On the third night, the storm finally came.
Gunfire cracked through the silence of the estate. Shouts erupted in the courtyard as guards scrambled into position. Amara jolted awake, clutching Isabella, who cried out in fear.
"Shh, it's okay, sweetheart," Amara whispered, her own voice trembling. She pulled the girl into the corner of the room just as heavy footsteps pounded down the hall.
The door burst open. Matteo stood there, gun in hand. "Stay with her!" he barked to one of the guards. Then he looked at Amara. "Don't open this door for anyone unless it's me or Lorenzo. Understand?"
Amara nodded quickly, holding Isabella tighter.
Through the window, flashes of light cut across the darkness—muzzle fire. The estate walls shook with the chaos outside. And then, through the din, Amara heard a voice she recognized.
Marco.
"Bring me the girl!" he shouted from beyond the gates. "She's mine!"
Her blood turned to ice. Isabella buried her face in her chest, sobbing.
The guard inside the room stood firm, gun aimed at the door. Amara's pulse thundered in her ears. He's here for me… but why?
Minutes felt like hours. Then, amid the gunfire, she heard another voice. Deep. Commanding. Cold.
Lorenzo.
"You'll never touch her, Marco! Not while I'm alive."
Amara's breath caught. The man who terrified her and confused her was now risking everything to keep Marco away.
But a chilling thought sank into her heart as the gunfire raged on—
Was Lorenzo protecting her out of love… or because she was part of a secret far darker than she imagined?
Brings Marco directly to the gates—confirming Amara is the target, while Lorenzo takes a stand.