Chapter 5 - THE BROTHER WHO DIED
Dante's older brother, Luca, had supposedly died six years earlier.
A car explosion.
No body.
No witnesses.
Only dental records.
Dante had never questioned it.
Until now.
“He orchestrated everything,” Dante said.
Claire stared at the file.
“Why?”
“Power.”
“That simple?”
“No.”
Dante opened another document.
Luca had been building an alliance with the Bellini family.
His plan had been to remove Dante, seize the Moretti organization, and use Claire as leverage.
But something went wrong.
Luca's own men turned against him.
He disappeared.
Dante thought he had died.
He hadn't.
“He's alive,” Claire whispered.
“Yes.”
“And he knows about Mia.”
“Yes.”
Claire looked toward the window.
“We need to leave.”
Dante shook his head.
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Because Luca expects me to run.”
“You want to confront him.”
“I want him to think he still has the advantage.”
Claire stared at him.
“You're planning a trap.”
“Yes.”
She folded her arms.
“And what happens to us?”
Dante looked at her.
“You stay away from it.”
“No.”
“Claire.”
“No.”
His jaw tightened.
“You're not part of this.”
“I became part of it six years ago.”
She stepped closer.
“You don't get to protect me by shutting me out anymore.”
Dante stared at her.
Then he whispered:
“I've missed you.”
Claire's eyes filled.
“That doesn't mean I forgive you.”
“I know.”
“You hurt me.”
“I know.”
“You broke my heart.”
“I know.”
She looked away.
“And somehow I still love you.”
Silence.
Dante stepped closer.
He didn't touch her.
“Claire…”
She shook her head.
“Don't.”
“Why?”
“Because if you kiss me, I'll forget why I'm angry.”
His eyes softened.
“Maybe you don't have to forget.”
She looked at him.
Then she kissed him.
It lasted only seconds.
But six years disappeared.
Then an alarm screamed.
They separated.
A security guard ran into the room.
“Boss! Someone breached the east gate.”
Dante grabbed his weapon.
Claire's heart pounded.
“Where's Mia?”
“Her room.”
They ran.
The hallway was empty.
Mia's door stood open.
Her bed was empty.
Claire screamed.
“MIA!”
Dante's face became terrifyingly still.
Then he saw the note on the pillow.
COME ALONE.
Underneath was a photograph.
Luca stood beside Mia.
May you like
Alive.
Smiling.
