Elena
“You w***e,” he yelled, with less surprise than I had expected, but his words—still heavy—cracked through the room, sharp and sudden, and my body reacted before my mind did.
I tore myself out of Rafael’s arms, my heart thundering in my chest so hard it felt lodged at the base of my throat, choking me from the inside.
“Fuck.” Rafael cursed under his breath, low and calm. Too calm.
A bead of sweat slid down my forehead as the Don circled us slowly, deliberately—like a predator stalking his prey.
“Putana.” He spat the word, and his hand shot out, fingers closing around my throat.
Rafael lunged for him, trying to grab his arm.
The Don snapped his head toward him. “Stay out of this, boy.” His voice shook the entire room.
Rafael froze and pulled back.
Pulled back?
My stomach dro
