Aria prepared for Luca’s rescue with steel running through her spine and fire burning in her heart. The private armory room in the penthouse was filled with the scent of gun oil and polished leather as Dante equipped her personally. His large, steady hands adjusted her hidden bulletproof vest with meticulous care, then checked the wire hidden beneath her dark tactical clothing. His piercing gray eyes were filled with visible worry and deep, protective love as he worked.
“This is dangerous even for you, my queen,” he said, his deep voice rough with concern. “Elena wants you specifically. If anything feels wrong — one wrong look, one suspicious movement — you signal immediately and we extract you. No heroics. Promise me.”
Aria looked up at him, cupping his sharp jaw with both hands. “I kno
