Page 323 of Rosetti Family New York
"If necessary," I say quietly.
Silence stretches between us, only broken by the distant sounds of chaos and business from below. Dom studies my face with the same intensity he uses for business decisions, seeing the truth in my expression.
"You love her," he states, not a question but a fact.
"Yes."
"Enough to compromise family security for her safety."
"Yes."
"Enough to burn bridges with your own blood."
"I've already done that."
He nods slowly, taking it all in. Any mistake here could cost lives. When he speaks again, his voice is final.
"One night," he says, each word deliberate. "She can stay at the mansion for one night while we verify her intelligence. If it proves valuable, we'll discuss longer-term arrangements."
Relief washes over me, but I keep my face calm.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet." His gaze shifts to Mara, cold as steel. "The moment I suspect betrayal, the moment she becomes a liability rather than an asset, this conversation never happened. Are we clear?"
"Crystal," Mara replies, steady despite the threat in the air.
"Good." Dom stands, adjusting his jacket. His hands hover near hidden weapons as the leather holster creaks. "Then let's discuss the specifics of this intelligence. Starting with Callahan financial operations."
We follow him down a quiet corridor to a small meeting room behind the VIP section. The heat presses in. Mara's hand finds mine, her fingers ice-cold, her body tense.
"One night," I murmur in her ear. "That's all I need to prove you belong with us."
She offers a sharp, secretive smile. "One night might be more than either of us can handle."
The room is small and soundproofed, built for private talks. Dom sits at a plain wooden desk; Mara and I take seats opposite.
"Begin with their financial systems," Dom instructs, pulling out a digital recorder. "Every detail you can remember."
Mara leans forward, confident as she lays out the facts. In the dim light, every movement is precise: the line of her jaw, the intensity in her dark eyes, the way she underlines her points. She is in her element, dangerous, brilliant, impossible to ignore.
But then again, she always has been.
20
Mara
The Rosetti mansion stands before us like a modern fortress, its concrete and steel facade glowing softly under the early security lights. Even now, the sight takes my breath away, not just because of the wealth, but the boldness of it. Four stories of harsh architecture, its sharp lines softened by fancy gardens, every angle meant to show off intimidating wealth. I spent many nights here when Emilio and I were together, but I never truly fit in. Now, coming back to ask Domenico for protection, the irony stings.
"You're shaking," Emilio notes as his Audi quietly passes through the gates that open without a sound. The men on the duty wave him through. He reaches for my hand, his thumb drawing patterns on my palm that make it hard to focus, despite the seriousness of our situation.
"I'm cold," I lie, even though the heated seats make this a weak excuse.
The truth is more complicated, excitement and fear battling inside me as we near the place where I'll either find safety or face danger. The circular drive takes us past fountains, modern metalsculptures rising from water features that reflect the security lights. The gardens are perfect, trees and shrubs placed just right to highlight the mansion's severe lines without lessening their impact.
"Nervous about seeing the family again?" Emilio's asks. "They haven't forgotten you, Mara. For better or worse."
The understatement makes me laugh, even though I'm tense. I haven't seen the Rosetti family since I disappeared from Emilio's life without a word, leaving only questions and a brother driven by obsession. Now I'm coming back as someone who's been working for their enemies—technically true, though the truth is much more complicated.
