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Gavin nodded, his expression grim. “Agreed. And we need to figure out how to deal with Arthur. If he’s there when we make our move...”
“Actually,” Gianni interrupted, “I might have a solution for that.” He turned his laptop back towards himself and began typing again. “I’ve been monitoring Dalton’s communications. He’s got a meeting scheduled in the city tomorrow. If we could... encourage him to keep that appointment, it would give us a window to infiltrate the mansion.”
I felt a glimmer of hope. This could work. It was dangerous, yes, but it was a chance to end this nightmare once and for all.
“Okay,” I said, my mind already planning. “So we use Sienna as bait to get us in. But we need to explain our presence.” I looked at Gavin. “What if we pose as Dodd and Ralf? They were working with Arthur, after all.”
Gavin nodded slowly, a smile spreading across his face. “That could work. We know enough about their involvement to be convincing.”
“And I can provide you with any additional stuff you might need,” Gianni added. “Comm devices, fake IDs, the works.”
I turned to Sienna, my heart heavy. “Are you sure about this? There’s no shame in backing out.”
She met my gaze steadily. “I’m sure. This is our chance to save Venus, to stop Arthur for good. I have to do this.”
I wanted to argue, to wrap her in my arms and never let her go. But I knew that wasn’t fair. Sienna was strong, capable, and determined. I had to trust her, to support her.
“Okay,” I said softly. “Then let’s make this plan bulletproof.”
For the next few hours, we hashed out every detail of our plan. Gianni would provide us with the tech we needed – earpieces for communication, fake IDs, even a way to hack into the mansion’s security system remotely if needed. Gavin would reach out to a trusted police contact to set up Arthur’s arrest during his meeting in the city. And Sienna... Sienna would play the most dangerous role of all.
As we finalized the details, I couldn’t shake the knot of fear in my stomach. I pulled Sienna aside while Gavin and Gianni discussed some technical aspects of the plan.
“Are you absolutely sure about this?” I asked, searching her face for any sign of doubt.
She smiled, reaching up to cup my cheek. “I am. I know it’s dangerous, but this is something I have to do. Not just for Venus, but for myself. To face this part of my past and put it behind me for good.”
I leaned into her touch, closing my eyes briefly. “I just... I can’t lose you, Sienna. The thought of you in danger...”
“Hey,” she said softly, making me meet her gaze. “You will not lose me. We’re in this together, remember? I trust you to have my back.”
I nodded, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Always,” I murmured into her hair.
As we broke apart, Gavin called us back over. “Alright, I think we’ve got everything hammered out. Gianni’s going to get started on the tech we need. We’ll reconvene tomorrow morning to go over final details and get everything in place.”
We all nodded, the weight of what we were about to do settling over us.
“Get some rest,” Gavin continued. “Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”
As we left Gavin’s office, I felt a mix of anticipation and dread. This plan was risky, but it was our best shot at bringing down Arthur and rescuing Venus. I just hoped we were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Back at my place, Sienna and I tried to relax, but the tension of the upcoming mission hung heavy in the air. We ordered takeout, neither of us in the mood to cook, and settled on the couch to eat.
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Sienna said softly, setting down her container of Pad Thai.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Honestly? I’m terrified. Not for myself, but for you. I know you can handle yourself, but the thought of you in that place, surrounded by those people...”
She nodded, understanding in her eyes. “I get it. But Fury, we’ve been over this. I need to face this part of my past and come out stronger on the other side.”
I reached out, taking her hand in mine. “I know. And I admire your strength, your determination. It’s one of the things I love about you. I just... I can’t help but worry.”
“That’s because you love me,” she said with a small smile. “And I love you for it. But you have to trust me on this. We’re partners, remember? Equal partners.”
I nodded, bringing her hand to my lips and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “You’re right. I do trust you. It’s just hard to turn off the protective instinct, you know?”
“I know,” she breathed. “But remember, I’m not some damsel in distress. I’ve survived a lot, and I’ll survive this too. Especially with you by my side.”
Her words warmed me, easing some of the tension in my chest. “You’re right.”
