The rescue operation for Luca was launched under the cover of a stormy night, the rain pounding against the windows of the command vehicle like accusations. Aria sat beside Dante, her hand gripping his thigh as the team prepared to breach the consortium’s hidden facility on the outskirts of the city. The live feed from the drones showed Luca chained in a dimly lit room, badly bruised but alive. The sight of her brother — the one person who had been with her through poverty, loss, and desperation — made Aria’s heart ache with fierce determination.
“I’m going in with you,” Aria said firmly, meeting Dante’s gray eyes. “No arguments. Luca is my blood. I’ve trained for this. I’ve bled for this. I won’t sit here waiting.”
Dante’s jaw clenched, his large hand covering hers possessively. “You st
