Chapter 9

"We've got company."

Enzo's urgent whisper jolted Sofia from her fitful sleep. She blinked, disoriented, as Luca burst into the room, his expression grim.

"Get dressed," he ordered, tossing her a bundle of clothes. "We need to move. Now."

Sofia's heart raced as she scrambled out of bed, pulling on the jeans and sweater Luca had provided. "What's happening?"

"Your father's men found us," Luca explained, his eyes scanning the room for potential weapons or exits. "We've got maybe five minutes before they breach the perimeter."

As if on cue, a distant shout echoed through the pre-dawn air. Sofia's hands shook as she tied her shoes. This was real. This was happening.

Luca's warm hand on her shoulder steadied her. "Hey," he said softly, his dark eyes intense. "I've got you. Trust me?"

Sofia nodded, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. Luca's lips quirked in a half-smile, and for a moment, the danger faded away. It was just the two of them, connected by something deeper than either d