Book 2: Chapter 96

They hurried into the bedroom, Antonio slamming the door shut behind them. He led Martina to a small closet in the corner of the room, opened the door, and motioned for her to get inside. “Hide in here,” he instructed, his voice firm but urgent. “Stay quiet and don’t come out, no matter what you hear. Do you understand?”

Martina’s eyes filled with tears, her fear evident as she looked at Antonio. “But what about you?” she asked, her voice shaking. “I can’t just hide while you’re out there. I—”

Antonio cut her off, his expression intense as he placed a finger to her lips. “Martina, please,” he said, his voice softening slightly. “I need you to trust me. I’ll handle this. Just stay here and keep quiet. I promise I’ll come back for you.”

She nodded, swallowing hard as she climbed into the small closet, her body pressed against the back wall. Antonio reached for a gun tucked into the waistband of his pants and handed it to her. “Take this,” he said, his tone serious. “