Chapter 19
He looked destroyed, like someone who had lost everything that mattered. “Ethan, what are you doing at my home? This is a serious violation.”
“I came to warn you. The Rossi family has put a hit out on all Vasquez captains, including you.”
94%
I studied his face for deception as I replied, “And you crossed family lines to tell me this?”
He seemed desperate, his eyes never leaving my face. “Emma, you need to come
with me. Just for a while, until this blows over.”
Before I could answer, a car pulled up and Logan stepped out, immediately
drawing his weapon.
“Back away from her, Moretti. You’re not welcome on our turf.”
Logan appeared beside me, professionally positioning himself between Ethan and
- me.
The two men measured each other, hands near their weapons.
“Emma, you trust this man with your life?” Ethan’s tone carried an emotion I couldn’t quite place.
I didn’t know what was truly going through his mind, but I knew who had earned my loyalty.
“Logan, this is a potential security breach. Alert Antonio and increase protection at all safehouses.”
I nudged Logan, who was standing tensely beside me.
“Go ahead and make the calls. I’ll handle this.”
Logan hesitated but followed my order, moving just far enough away to make his calls while keeping me in sight.
Left somewhat alone with Ethan, I studied him carefully.
“Why would you warn me about a Rossi hit? Aren’t they your allies?”
Ethan stepped closer, his voice low and urgent.
“The alliance fell apart months ago. Sofia betrayed us to another family. The
Morettis have lost three territories since you left.”
1/2
4:45 PM Fri 18 Apr
594%
19
I processed this information silently.
“And this concerns me how?”
Ethan’s eyes flashed with something like pain.
“Because I know you, Emma. Better than anyone in your new ‘family‘ ever will. And
I know you’re in danger.”
I laughed bitterly.
“You don’t know me at all, Ethan. You never did.”
While waiting for Logan to finish his calls, I glanced at Ethan again.
He stood on my property, looking unusually vulnerable. In the shadows, for just a moment, I saw the boy who had once taken my hand when I first arrived at the
Moretti home, terrified and alone.
30
2
