Page 52 of Whispers in the Dark
Marco Marchetti is the head of our family in Italy, ruling with an iron fist alongside his four brothers: Caine, Romeo, Cassio, and Marcello.
“Cousins,” Marco says in his deep, imposing tone. “Everything is set.”
“What does that mean?” Leo arches a brow, crossing his arms over his chest.
“The Marchettis,” Vin begins, “are set to burn down the Vasilievs’ vodka distillery in Russia with Caine leading the mission.”
I fight a smile. It doesn’t surprise me one bit that that crazy motherfucker would sign up for a suicide mission.
“Impressive,” Alex notes.
“Not that it’s not nice to have assistance for taking down the Vasilievs,” Leo says. “But why now? You and your brothers don’t exactly offer up favors without getting something in return.”
A moment passes before Marco answers, “The Vasilievs have taken a few women from within our borders.” His voice grows colder. “And I will not allow it to continue.”
“Agreed.” Vin taps his finger on his desk. “Which is why we must work together on this. We are stronger when united. Weaker when divided.”
“Look at you guys, joining forces for the good of humanity.” Eli grins.
Vin rolls his eyes.
“Let’s not make it a habit,” Marco notes. “But I will advise everyone to remain low after this mission is completed. They won’t be too pleased and will be quick to retaliate.”
“We will.” Vin leans forward. “Keep us informed, and we’ll do the same for you.”
“I look forward to hearing from you.” Marco pauses before saying, “Who would have thought there would be a day when I said those words?”
“Vaffanculo,”Vin murmurs before ending the call. He pinches the bridge of his nose and leans back. “As Marco said, we need to lay low after they follow through with their mission. Madeleine keeps mentioning that she wants us to all go to the family’s island, so I believe that this would be a good time for that.”
“I believe she said for a bachelorette party,” Eli murmurs.
Vin waves a dismissive hand. “They’ll have more fun if we’re there anyway.”
Eli scoffs, rolling his eyes. “Oh, she’s going to love this.”
“Count Scarlett and me in,” Leo offers. “But what about Mom?”
“Alex, Clara, and Mom will be visiting our family in France, where they’ll be safe.” Vin’s eyes land on me. “What about you? Will you and Alina come?”
I rub my jaw, thinking it over. How hard could it be to play husband and wife while on vacation with my siblings?
“Come on, Mauro. You need a vacation.” Leo tilts forward and grips my shoulder. “Don’t you owe your wife a honeymoon?”
Shit.I never thought of that. Was Alina expecting a honeymoon? Even a pretend one?
Quickly, I nod.
“Good.” Vin directs his gaze at Alex, his eyes narrowing in on him. “Don’t do anything foolish while I’m away.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replies with an icy stare.
Walking through the front door, I remove my jacket and boots before heading into the living room, surprised not to find Alina in her usual spot, curled up on my favorite chair.
Hmm. My fingers grip the banister as I walk up the stairs, listening for any sound of her. It isn’t until I’m halfway down the hallway that I hear it.
A familiar, deep, steady vibration coming from the other side of my bedroom door.
Is she…?
