Page 168 of Dante

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"What do you mean?"

"The cartel." He turns his head, looking at me over his shoulder. "They're not after Denver. They're not after territory or money or business. They're after me. Specifically. Personally. If I go back to Chicago," Dante continues, "I lead them straight to everyone I care about. Pietro. Nora. Lorenzo. Sophia. Bruno and Antonella. Nico and Kristen. The entire family."

"So you're staying here."

He turns fully, facing me. "There's an option. For you."

My stomach drops.

"What option?"

"You could go with them." His voice is careful. Measured. "To Chicago. Lorenzo offered. Sophia wants you there. You'd be protected. Surrounded by family. Safe."

I stare at him.

"You want me to leave?"

"I'm asking if you want to leave."

"That's not an answer."

Dante's hands curl into fists on his thighs.

"Marina—"

"No." I shake my head. "You don't get to do that. You don't get to give me options without telling me what you actually want."

He's silent for a long moment.

Then he looks at me.

Really looks at me.

"I want you safe," he says.

"But?"

"But if you go to Chicago..." He exhales. "If you go to Chicago, there's a chance they follow you too."

My blood runs cold.

"What?"

"The cartel knows about you now. They know you matter to me. They know I came to your door."

"So I'm a target."

"If you stay in Denver," Dante continues, "you're in danger because I'm here. If you go to Chicago, you're in danger because they might follow. Either way?—"

"Either way, I'm in danger because of you."

He flinches.

Actually flinches.

Like I've struck him.

"Yes."

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