Chapter 115. The Price of Anything

They say one tends to fall deep into an obvious trap when desperation blinds them to the warning signs.

The air in the room was still and heavy as Calla stood not far across from Rico, her fingers firm around her sling bag, the other hand held in a tight fist by her side.

She didn’t think much of the way he repeated her words.

“Yes, I’ll do anything,” she nodded quickly, desperation in her tone. “Anything.”

He let the silence stretch between them until it felt suffocating. Then he spoke.

“Fine,” he started, inhaling sharply. “Your brother won’t be coming to Rome, and that isn’t negotiable. But I’ll make arrangements. He’ll be moved into one of my safe houses here in the States where he’ll be protected, watched twenty-four seven, fed, taken to and from school, and everything he needs. No one will touch him and he’ll be safe. But he stays here and you go to Rome alone with me.”

Calla’s breath caught. “I don’t—I’m not sure that will work.”

“It’