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Fuck. My blood boils at the same time my heart clenches with fear. How the fuck did this happen? I had ordered stringent security protocols specifically to prevent unauthorized access, especially where Alexis is concerned. How the hell did Uncle Vinny manage to bypass those measures?
“I thought I made it clear that Vincente Iacopelli is not to be allowed access without my express permission!” I roar, the familiar scent of a rat in the air. Someone has betrayed my trust, and I’m going to find out who.
I clench my fists, fury coursing through me. “Find the person who allowed my uncle into this house!” I roar at the head of security. “I want to see the footage where he spoke to Alexis.”
The security chief nods quickly, scurrying away to retrieve the requested footage. I need to see this footage, to understand exactly what transpired between my uncle and Alexis. This is a direct threat to everything I hold dear.
Moments later, the security chief returns, cuing up the hallway footage on a nearby monitor. I step forward, eyes locked on the screen as the scene unfolds.
I watch the footage intently, my body tense as I see Vinny approach Alexis. The way he speaks, the look in his eyes—it sets off every alarm bell in my head.
“How unfortunate,” Uncle Vinny says, his tone dripping with false sincerity. “I was so looking forward to getting to know you better, Maria.”
The emphasis he places on her supposed name sends a chill down my spine. It’s clear he doesn’t believe her cover story for a second. My heart races as panic starts to set in.
Edo places a hand on my shoulder, trying to calm me. “Relax, Damian.”
Nat chimes in, although she too looks a bit worried. “Alexis knows her story backward and forward. Plus, she really does look like Cousin Maria with the dyed hair. Vincente never paid much attention to Mom’s side of the family, anyway.”
I whirl around, glaring at them both. “Don’t you see?” I hiss. “He knows. Uncle Vinny isn’t buying her story for a second. This is a direct challenge. He’s toying with me, with us.”
“Even if he doesn’t buy her story,” Edo says, watching as Alexis is hurried away by a guard, “he has no reason to suspect who Alexis truly is.”
Turning back to the screen, I watch as Uncle Vinny’s gaze lingers on Alexis, a predatory gleam in his eyes. My fists clench at my sides, knuckles turning white.
This is exactly what I feared, why I did not want my uncle to be allowed to wander my home without my controlling every step.
“We need to get Alexis out of here. Now,” I growl, already formulating a plan of action. We have other safehouses across the state, and I can stow her there until it’s safe to bring her back.
I won’t let Uncle Vinny lay a single finger on her, no matter what it takes. He may not know who Alexis really is, but he’s suspicious, and a suspicious Vinny is never good.
Edo and Nat exchange a worried glance, clearly sensing the panic and fury radiating off me in waves. But I don’t care—all that matters is keeping Alexis safe, no matter the cost.
I waste no time in seeking out Alexis, my mind racing with the implications of Uncle Vinny’s visit. As I approach her in her room, I’m surprised to see Biscotti at her side, curled contentedly next to her.
“Alexis,” I say, trying to keep my voice even despite the turmoil swirling within me. “We need to talk.”
Her voice has a slight edge to it as she responds. “Yes, Damian, we do need to talk.”
She sets Biscotti down, the dog letting out a disgruntled whine at the disruption.
“What did my uncle say to you?” I demand, my tone brooking no argument. “And why didn't you stay on the top floor like you normally do?”
Alexis’s eyes flash with irritation. “I’m sorry, I thought I was allowed full range of the prison—I mean house.”
“Alexis,” I growl, but she ignores me.
“I’m so sick of your keeping secrets from me, Damian,” she bites back. “Why didn’t you bother telling me about your uncle and his connections to The Brotherhood?”
My brow furrows. How the fuck does she know that? “Who told you that?” I ask sharply.
She throws her hands up in exasperation. “That’s the point I’m trying to make!” she exclaims. “I’m always on a need-to-know basis with you. But this is my life that’s at stake here. I deserve to know what’s going on!”
Alexis steps closer to me, her gaze unwavering. “Stop keeping me in the dark, Damian. My life depends on your being honest with me.”
I stand my ground, my expression unwavering. “I understand your concerns, Alexis, but you need to trust that I’m doing what’s best to keep you safe. That means staying close and letting me handle things.”
Her eyes narrow as she glares at me. “That’s exactly the problem, Damian! You’re treating me like a child, keeping me in the dark. I’m not some fragile doll you can just lock away.”
