(Mia)


    The key doesn''t turn.


    I frown, twisting it harder, but the lock won''t budge. I jiggle it, my pulse kicking up.


    What the hell?


    I step back, staring at the door of Cass''s old apartment like it''s personally betrayed me. She left here months ago, so there''s no reason she should''ve changed the locks.


    I know she''s back in Brussels now and as far as I can see she never came near the ce while she was back.


    Unless she somehow knows I''ve been using it. Maybe Gus found out and tipped her off.


    A chill creeps down my spine, but I shove it down. It''s coincidence.


    This is probably just andlord thing. A random maintenance update.


    But still. I know how this looks. I know how it will look to grandfather and I''m meeting him here before he leaves this city.


    Behind me, footsteps echo through the dimly lit hallway. Slow. Measured. Unhurried.


    I don''t have to turn around to know who it is.


    "Problem, mija?"


    Don Alejandro''s voice slides over me like oil-smooth, but suffocating.


    I inhale slowly, stering on a calm expression before facing him. He looks the same as always-immacte suit, sharp eyes, the kind of presence that fills a room without trying. "Locks have been changed," I say, slipping the key back into my purse. "I guess it was inevitable."


    His gaze flicks to the door, then back to me, unreadable. "Interesting."


    I wait for him to borate, but he doesn''t. I hate his silence. It''s far more dangerous than his words.


    "It''s not an issue. I''ll find another ce for us to meet."


    Don Alejandro hums, stepping closer, his hands sped behind his back. "No need. I''m leaving this city. I need toy low for a while. So do you."


    I stop myself from exhaling in relief. "Okay."


    "You think Cass had the locks changed?" he asks smoothly.


    I hold his gaze. "Possible but why would she do that now, after all this time?"


    "Exactly."


    "Coincidences happen."


    "Hmm." He studies me for a long moment, then exhales as if disappointed. "You should have learned by now-coincidences are a fool''sfort. I don''t believe in them." A chill snakes down my spine, but I don''t let it show. "What are you suggesting?"


    He turns, examining the door like it holds the answer. "That your little friend might know more than she''s letting on."


    "How?"


    "Maybe she saw youing in here. Maybe someone else told her. I don''t know but I do intend to find out."


    The voice is smooth, unhurried, like he has all the time in the world. He never sounds like the most wanted man in the world fleeing from a bullet with his name on it.


    Such is the snaking web he''s created. A web loyal to him because to not be, means death for you and for anyone close to you. If you care about those you love, you do as he says.


    He has generations of sleepers who are ready to do his bidding. Kids picked off the streets who have a better life now. Kids who''ve grown, built families and are part of amunity. People who owe him.


    His lips curve, but it doesn''t reach his eyes. "You always were clever, Mia. And yet, you don''t seem to want to consider the possibility that your little hideaway isn''t so hidden anymore."


    I swallow hard, ncing at the door again. "It could be a routine maintenance thing for the building."


    "Or perhaps she''s not as naive as you are acting right now. Perhaps she knows exactly what you''ve been using this ce for. Perhaps... you are protecting her because she''s your friend."


    I bristle, shoving my keys back into my purse. "Cass hates me. The feeling is mutual."


    He studies me. Then he steps forward, slow and deliberate. "If Cass does know anything... I''ll find out and I''ll take care of it."


    The way he says it makes my stomach twist. She was my first real friend. I shouldn''t have let that happen, but I did. We can''t be friends anymore, but I don''t want her dead either. None of this is her fault.


    "I don''t think that''s necessary."


    "Ah." His mouth curves slightly. "So protective of a girl who has no loyalty to you. Tell me, Mia, do you believe she would do the same for you?"


    I don''t answer. I don''t have to. I know she would and that''s the problem.


    He chuckles, reaching out to brush a hand down my arm. It''s meant to beforting. It only makes me tenser.


    "Ah, emotions and feelings, they are


    for the weak. No one is truly your friend. Not really. Blood is stronger. Family is everything. You know I will look out for you," he murmurs. "Just astalways have."


    I force a nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat.


    He''s still watching me, still assessing every flicker of hesitation. "I have someone near her in Brussels," he says lightly. "Someone I know can trust. Someone who


    isn''t getting too big for their boots."


    A pointed remark.


    A warning.


    His hand squeezes my shoulder before he steps back. "And how is your little business venture going?"


    I lift my chin. "The board has made me temporary CEO."


    His smile widens. "Ah, my brilliant


    ni?a." His expression is one of


    admiration, but I know better than to


    believe it''s that simple. "And what of


    your sisters? Still reluctant to part


    with their shares?"


    This is where I need to focus. I can''t change my grandfather but I can change my life. More money, more power is what I need. "They''ll see reason soon enough. Brennan Industries will be mine." Heughs, full of approval. "That''s my girl."


    "Thank you, Abuelo. I''m sorry if I have been less than you expected. I''ll do better."


    "You may not hear from me for while. But know I''m always watching you... Always protecting you. Go live your life. When I need you, I will call on you."


    "Stay safe."


    "Always. And, Mia...." His dark stare reaches into my soul. "Don''t try to double cross me again."


    "You have my fealty, Abuelo."


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