Page 319 of Marcello

When I heard his words, I felt utterly ashamed.

I had let Emilia slip through my fingers because of my job…

While this guy was willing to sacrifice his life to save the woman he loved.

“And that’s why I’m not going to stab you in the back,” he said. “Because your bosses are the only shot I’ve got at saving her… and nothing else matters.”

I believed him.

And for the first time…

I began to wonder if maybe I could undo the terrible mistake I had made.

105

Lars

As everyone put on their black tactical outfits, Dario called me over to his side.

“When we get to the Amato compound,” he told me quietly, “I want you to guard Lucia.”

“What?! Why?”

“Her safety is paramount. If she dies, we’ll lose the Widow’s support, and that’s something I can’t afford.”

“Does Massimo know about this?”

“I’ve already discussed it with him. For the record, he wanted you to go with me, but I told him I’d made up my mind.”

“Lucia has her grandmother’s men,” I protested. “Let them and Massimo guard her.”

“Massimo is good, but not as good as you. And I have no idea about the quality of the Widow’s foot soldiers. All I know is Lucia needs to come out of this alive, and that’s why I need you with her.”

“She’s the one who extorted you into letting her come,” I said angrily. “She can suffer the consequences.”

“You would have my brother lose his wife?” Dario asked, his voice low and dangerous.

“No, but first and foremost, I’m going to make sure Alessandra doesn’t lose you.”

“I appreciate that… I do. But in the end, I have to face Cesare Caproni man to man. You can’t protect me from that. And if you tried, I would order you to stand down.”

I wasn’t happy about Dario putting himself in danger, but I understood it. If someone hurt Rachel like Cesare hurt Alessandra, I would move heaven and earth to get revenge.

“Fine,” I said, “but we have to find Cesare first. Once we do that, I’ll guard Lucia – but I should stay with you until we do.”

“You will accompany Lucia from the beginning to the end. I’m not asking – that’s an order.”

I had one trump card in my arsenal, and I played it. “When I came to work for you, you told me I could refuse any order you gave me.”

“True… but I meant you could refuse an order to kill someone, not an order to save someone.”

“But you promised.”

He looked at me grimly. “Then, in light of my promise, I am asking you… please… guard Lucia.”

I sighed. When he put it like that, I couldn’t say no.

“…alright.”