ntario. The city was buzzing with its usual energy, people walking briskly to their jobs, the rumble of traffic, the honki

adn't said much since they'd left the penthouse, but Tina could feel the tension radiating off hi

esse finally asked, his voic

furrow of his brow. He was worried about her, about what might happen

n. She had to confront him. T

ied, her voice firmer than she fel

mber he's not here to make amends. Whatever he says, don't let him get in

he wasn't entirely sure. Nathaniel had a way of making h

h its quaint outdoor seating area and bustling morning crowd, seemed like the safest place to meet.

be close. If anything goes wrong, just give me a sign. M

in plain clothes, mingling among the other patrons. It was a small comfort, knowin

d, taking a deep bre

ezing her hand. "I know

s eyes on her as she crossed the street and made her way to the café entrance. Her heart pounded

r. Tina scanned the room, her gaze landing on Nathaniel almost immediately. He was seated a

lways had polished, confident, every inch the successful businessman. But there wa

ile that didn't reach his eyes as she a

n neutral as she sat down across from him

n his chair. "You always have a choice, T

ut she didn't bite. "What do you want,

with something she couldn't quite place. Then h

o help yo

that. "Help me? You'

e in over your head with Santos. He's dangerous, Tina. His famil

t's what this was about. He knew ab

back, her voice steady despite the nerves dancing in her

take, Tina. You think you're safe with him? You think he actually c

niel always had a way of cutting her down, of making

ou, Nathaniel. But not t

a. His family's involved in things you can't even begin to understand. And when i

show Nathaniel how much his words affected her, but it was hard. He was trying to get inside

id, her voice tight. "What do you want, N

slipping for just a moment. "I want to pro

ration boil over. "You don't get to pr

you're right. Maybe I don't. But when this all fal

using to let him see her

But before she could take a step away, Nathaniel's hand shot out, gra

have no idea what you'r

n thick between them. Then, slowly, Nathan

ut of the café, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't stop

er seat, Jesse's eyes were on her, s

to steady herself. "He knows abo

does. He's not going to stop, Tina.

asn't going to be easy, but now it was real. Natha

?" she asked,

ate. "We hit him b

ow. The game had changed, and they were about to be thrown into