Page 18 of Quiet Empire (Quiet Mafia 4)

“Vinni?” I called.

“They’re here.” He motioned for us to hurry. “There’s six in total, not to mention the other two hundred who will line the property and check all IDs as they come and go.”

A police officer turned and smiled as we approached the car, and it took me a half a second to recognize him.

“Officer Hector,” I nodded, “nice to see you again.”

“You as well, sir.” He looked at Sienna. “You look lovely, Miss Sienna.”

“Thank you.” She didn’t hesitate as she dipped low to disappear into the car. Wyatt hopped in the front seat with Vinni, earning him a chuckle from Sienna.

“Five cars will be with you at all times.” Hector got right down to business. “Three are just like this one, and the two others are a different make but the same color. If anyone’s following us, they’ll have a hard time pinpointing which car is yours. You’ll be the third car.”

“Good. No stops until we get there. We’ll be entering the party at the north gate. Only my family will be using that entrance. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Vinni.” I let him take over the rest of it while I got situated in the car.

“Anything looks out of the ordinary, we abort the plan and come right back here.”

I closed the door and looked at Sienna, making sure she was up for this.

“Is that the same officer who helped us in the alleyway at the Sunflower Fields wine festival?”

“Yes.” I shuddered at the memory of Sienna having to cut her arm as a decoy.

“How did he get in on this detail?”

“I’m not sure. Vinni set this up.”

“Just seems kind of strange.” She shrugged and went back to her conversation with Wyatt.

Once we left the protection of the iron gates, I went to high alert. I casually draped an arm over the back of the seat, pulling Sienna closer, and took a moment to inhale her sweet-smelling shampoo. I knew she didn’t wear perfume, but she used other fragrant products that sent my body into overdrive.

“Where are we going, anyway?”

“Vincigliata Castle.” I brushed her hair off her shoulder and kissed her warm skin. “The owner is a family friend, and they insisted we hold the celebration there.”

“It must be nice to be so feared,” Wyatt cooed from the front. “I have to sleep my way in, you know, to get into clubs.”

“Yes, that’s why you sleep around.” Sienna rolled her eyes, making me smile. “I’ve never been there, but I hear it’s beautiful.”

“It is.” I checked the time on my watch and knew we were getting close. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”

“Are you underestimating me?” She cocked her head and threaded her fingers through mine. “I won’t say I’m not nervous,” she admitted, “but if we are going to do this, I agree this is the best way.”

“Good.” I kissed her hand. I constantly wanted to touch her. Maybe I was nervous, too. I motioned out the window. “Because we’re here.”

Vinni held the phone to his ear and waited a moment then hopped out, opening my door.

“All clear, boss.”

“Wolves are never far away from their prey,” I said in a low voice. “If you see anything…”

“If I see anything, you’ll be the first to know.”

I helped Sienna out and waited for Wyatt to join us. Officer Hector and his team escorted us over to the head soldier who would oversee everything at the castle for the event.

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