Page 115 of Ruined

Damiano's office door is open. He sits behind his massive desk, phone pressed to his ear, speaking rapid Italian. When he sees us he waves us in, wrapping up his call.

"Noah." He stands, studying my face. "You look like shit."

"I'm fine."

"Sit." It's not a request. I take the chair across from him, Matteo settling beside me.

Damiano slides a folder across the desk. "The Colombians are getting impatient. The Queens shipment needs handling."

I open the folder, forcing my mind to focus on the details—shipping manifests, dock numbers, payment schedules. This is what I'm good at. This is what I understand.

"Security's been doubled since Ivan's men showed up," I say, scanning the documents. "We'll need to change the route."

"That's why I need you on this," Damiano says. "No one handles these situations better."

I nod, trying to concentrate on the numbers, the logistics, the security protocols. But my mind keeps drifting to Evelyn—is she safe?

"Noah." Damiano's sharp tone pulls me back. "Are you with us?"

"Yeah." I clear my throat. "We'll need to bring in Russo's crew for additional coverage."

"Already arranged." Damiano leans forward. "I need your head in this, Noah. The Volkov situation may be handled but business continues."

"My head is in this," I snap, more harshly than intended.

Damiano gives me a long look. "Is it? Because I've known you since you were fourteen and I've never seen you distracted. Not once."

I clench my jaw, focusing on the pain to ground myself. "The shipment will be handled. I'll oversee it personally."

"Good." Damiano nods.

Work. This is what I need. Blood and business and danger—things I understand. Not the twist in my gut when I think of Evelyn facing her father alone. Not the emptiness of my apartment knowing she might not return.

CHAPTER 34

Idrive the busy highway with Jessica beside me. Periodically I steal glances at her profile. She looks tired but somehow lighter, as if a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. After everything that's happened I still can't believe she's here, safe beside me.

"So," I begin, breaking the silence. "How were they treating you at the mansion? The Ferettis, I mean."

Jessica turns to me with a small smile. "Honestly? Better than our own parents ever did." She fiddles with the hem of her borrowed sweater. "Lucrezia was so kind, bringing me books and checking on me every few hours. And Zoe let me hold the baby."

"And what about Alessio?" I ask, unable to resist. I'd noticed how Jessica's eyes followed him whenever he was close by.

Jessica's cheeks flush pink. "God, Evie, he's hot as hell."

I laugh, genuinely laugh for what feels like the first time in days. "You've known him for what—a week?"

"It's not like that," she protests, slapping my arm lightly. "He's like... I don't know. A big brother or something."

"A hot big brother," I tease, feeling a moment of normalcy between us.

"Stop!" She groans but she's smiling. "Seriously though, there's something about all of them. The way they look out for each other. When Alessio came in to check security, Damiano would always ask if he'd eaten or slept. And Enzo brought coffee for everyone at like five in the morning before going out to look for Michael."

I grip the steering wheel tighter. "That sounds... nice."

"It's more than nice, Evie. It's kind of sweet. They're protective of each other in a way our family never was." Jessica's voice drops. "Dad never once asked if I was okay, just if I'd messed up. And Mom would just stand there with that plastic smile."

I swallow hard. "I know."

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