the sight of the newcomer. The intruder, too, had a gun pointed directly at Eve,

her eyes lifting up to

the door behind him, the soft click of the lock engaging seeming to echo through the

rest of the universe melting away. Just a few minutes ago, they had shared a moment of intense intimacy, the air between them crackli

like a ghost from the past. It was a name she hadn't heard in nine long

er end, a weak voice interrupted the silence. "Am I dead y

tion to the intruder, her eyes narrowing slightly. "How did

Eve's face. "I know you more than anyone in this wor

his movements, her gun still trained on the intruder. The Mafia king's presence seeme

said, her voice firm. "

aid, his voice laced with a deep regret. "Is this what you turned into? An assassin?" He too

s words laced with self-directed anger. "Yes, big brother. W

" she repeated, her voice laced with a hint of surprise. "I knew you were more tha

must kill your brother today," she said, her voice f

ece, -Are you crazy? Get out of there this minute!- Kelly's voice

rinkling at the corners. "No one's gonna die tonigh

ir in a precise arc. The edge of his hand connected with Eve's neck, and she felt

ding with a dull ache. The stiffness in her neck throbbed with every movement, making he

r. Her eyes widened in shock, her mind replaying the events that had led to h

arkling with amusement. "Explain what you saw,

sternly, her voice firm. She tried to process the image playing

that?" She questioned him, her eyes searching his face for answers. The memory of what she had seen see

d measured. It was the second time in nine years that Eve had hear

t?" Eve asked, her voice tinged

k about," he said. "But before we do, I want to understand how the Italians sent you on t

ia king?" He shook his head, his voice filled with incredulity. "Do you know what that name imp

st killed him, didn't I?" she questioned, her gaze flicking to the Mafia king, w

on't make me want to kill you. I won't relent." Eve scoffed at his words, her expression

smooth and unruffled. "Who are y

n." Her words were laced with a hint of irony

t the corners, and his gaze didn't sparkle with amusement. His hazel eyes remained calm

couldn't remain looking at them, or she'd be drawn in. There was something abo

e or kill me," Eve said, her voice fir

em, the only sound the soft

stranger said finally,

do you want from me?" she

ng with amusement. "A lot of things," he said, his voice dr

r spine. With her, not to her. The distinction was subtl

the three individuals in the room. The stranger's eyes bur

ut another man will suffer the consequences of your actions. Who sent you? Lorenzo Armando or