her refuge. Her phone vibrated instantly-Colhart was already pushing for intel. She ignored it, fingers grazing the e

d the part of "Tara" twice now, danced close to a killer, even kissed him. But today was the real test. Breakfast with the fam

light made the place look almost like an illusion. San had cultivated it that way to hide its darkness. Inside, the serv

tailored navy suit that made him look every bit the heir apparent. His eyes flashed when

fering a slight nod. "

ng her clutch strap off her shou

all and broad-shouldered and had a broad back, his face carved from marble. To his right, Marco, the middle brother, whose eyes flickered with a predatory gleam. To his le

y. "San's new friend," he said

he reminded herself of her cover: Tara Moretti-San's distant cousi

Naples?" His Italian rolled softly off

border. I learned Italian from her and the servants, not from the streets." She

ting." He shook his head, as

ween them. Luca cleared

d, and some soft drinks. Jenny had never eaten so quietly

close. "You

thumped.

omelet, and Jenny noticed something: Luca's right hand tap

thing d

San told me you'r

" she said quickly. "I'm majoring in fine arts. I draw and pai

project in Florence. I'd like

a nod. "I'd

rpened. "You l

llowed.

hey were roping her in. The invitation wasn't generosity; it was a test of loyalty and usefu

of mixed emotions of fear a

an guided Jenny back through the hallway

e study door, heart i

ession unreadab

en closet. No messages from Colhart-early morning protocols must have d

espo

s. She hid a pocket recorder in the folds of her dress, but the room's thick windows and carpeted floors

estate's sprawling gardens. She leaned on the stone balustrade, letting the cool

murmured, exhaling

slowly. "

sn't solely personal." His gaze lingered on the gardens below.

se spiked.

" Then he walked away, shoulders relaxed, l

reviewing a ledger. He looked up a

o Marco,"

"That bastard," he muttered. "He

hy

sn't trust anyone but Luca." He stood and c

th caugh

ze intense. "Because y

nding beneath his gaze. "Wha

then her eyes. "Everyt

"Business calls." He sighed, as if torn between duty a

Midnight. Alone. Everything pointed to dange

ire. But with every step deeper, her resolve wavered. San's fierce attention made her question

t as she walked the corridors of the lion's den,

tar