I barely slept.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the photograph.
My face.
The message on the back.
You’re next, Elena.
But somehow, it wasn’t my own safety that frightened me anymore.
It was Rafael.
Tomorrow was supposed to be the day we finally met our brother.
Instead, we were walking straight into a trap.
By seven in the morning, Damiano had already doubled the security around the house.
I stood by the window, watching men move around the property.
“You’ve turned the place into a fortress.”
Damiano looked up from his phone.
“I prefer you alive.”
I turned around.
“You’re getting very comfortable saying things like that.”
He smiled.
“Should I stop?”
“No.”
The smile on his face softened.
“Good.”
Before I could answer, my mother entered.
“Rafael is here.”
My heart s
