Chapter 44. As Good As Dead

Elena POV

Alessandro’s fingers dig so deep into my skin that I’m sure I’ll bruise. My pulse thunders in my ears, drowning out even the whispers of the crowd.

Nico doesn’t blink. Doesn’t move. He’s a statue carved out of ice and rage, his jaw tight, his eyes locked on Alessandro like he’s already chosen the best way to destroy him.

And then….he smiles.

It’s not kind. Not playful. Not the cocky smirk he wears when he’s teasing me at home.

This smile is cruel. Deadly.

A promise.

I’ve seen Vincenzo’s violence. Riccardo’s cold precision. But Nico? He’s dangerous in a way that feels… unpredictable.

Like you never know when he’ll decide to strike, or how far he’ll go when he does.

Alessandro’s grip jerks me closer, his chest pressing against my arm as if he’s trying to shield himself with me. My heart plummets.

He doesn’t understand. He thinks Nico is just another boy in the school.

But Nico is a Romano. A mafia heir.