After making sure Isabella eats something, I close the curtains while she climbs into bed.
I pick up on her frustration of feeling weak and say, “Your strength will return soon.”
“I hate this,” she mutters.
Walking to the side of the bed, I lean over her and press a kiss on her forehead. “Get some rest, babe. I’ll be downstairs.”
Isabella stares at me for a moment, then says, “Thank you for understanding… and everything you’re doing for me.”
“Of course.” I smile at her. Placing a hand against her cheek, I murmur, “I’ll do anything for you.”
Our eyes remain locked as I straighten up, and then she watches me until I shut the door behind me.
I let out a breath, relieved I’m pulling off the act. Not that it’s hard because it almost feels natural to show Isabella affection. I’m more worried about her figuring things out.
With a little luck and a lot of skill, that won’t happen.
Heading downstairs, I go to the security room where Demitri’s checking for any leads on Sonia.
“Anything?” I ask as I take a seat on one of the chairs.
The security system is rigged with state-of-the-art equipment. If Sonia pokes her head from whatever hole she’s hiding in, I’ll know.
“Yeah,” Demitri murmurs, bringing up the underground chat screen where there’s a message from our contact in the Ruin.
Mole: ST spotted in Ethiopia. No POL received yet. Will be in touch.
“It’s something,” I murmur. “The moment we get proof of life, let me know.”
Demitri slants his eyes in my direction. “I really don’t want to go to Ethiopia.”
I let out a chuckle. “If she’s there, we won’t have much of a choice.”
Getting to work, I check in with Semion and Lev to make sure things are still running smoothly in Russia. While I have my phone out, I dial the head of the mafia’s number, wanting to touch base with my friend.
“Wow, and here I thought you dropped off the face of the planet,” Lucian’s voice comes over the line.
“You wish. How are things?”
“Good. Very good.”
“And Elena and Luca? They’re well?” Lucian and Elena named their son after Lucian’s father, who was a great man. At least Lucian’s following in his father’s footsteps, making an empire of the Italian mafia.
“Luca’s growing too fast. Also, I’d rather face a gun than one of his tantrums. Aunt Ursula and Elena let him get away with fucking murder.”
I let out a burst of laughter. “I’m sure if I asked Elena, she’d say you’re the one letting him get away with murder.”
“Yeah-yeah. How’s business? I heard you had an altercation with Terrero.”
“Calling it an altercation is the understatement of the year. I lost ten men that day, and she got away. If you hear anything about her whereabouts, let me know.”
“I will,” Lucian assures me.
“I just wanted to touch base with you. Send my regards to your family.”
“Thanks, it’s good to hear your voice again. Next time answer the phone when I call.”
“You’d be so lucky,” I chuckle before ending the call.
“Everything good in Italy?” Demitri asks.
“Yes, Lucian’s well.”
Demitri climbs to his feet, making me ask, “Where are you going?”
“Ariana wants me to me prepare dinner to welcome Isabella.” As he reaches his door, he adds, “I blame you. If you have nothing urgent to take care of, get your ass to the kitchen.”
Shaking my head, I put on a serious face. “I have so much work.”
“Sure you do,” he mocks me, and as he leaves the room, I hear him add, “Fucker.”
Chuckling, I turn my attention to the screens in front of me, and then I begin to search through all the information, hoping to stumble across something related to Sonia.