Amara took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She needed to remain calm, to keep her head clear. “Send some guards to Vaughn’s school to ensure his safety,” she said, her voice firmer now, but still tinged with an edge of anxiety.
Lucas paused, sensing something was amiss. “Did something happen, Miss?” he asked cautiously, his concern evident.
“No,” Amara replied quickly, perhaps too quickly. “Nothing happened, just… ensuring his safety.” She didn’t want to reveal her fears, her growing paranoia, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. That someone was watching, waiting.
Lucas didn’t press further. “Don’t worry, Miss. They will be right there,” he assured her. The confidence in his voice was a comfort, but not enough to dispel the dread that had settled in her chest.
Amara cut the call and sighed deeply. Maybe she was overthinking, letting her fears get the better of her, but she couldn’t afford to take any risks when it came to Vaughn. She had seen what their world was capable of, the darkness that lurked in every corner, waiting for an opportunity to strike. She wouldn’t allow her son to become a pawn in someone else’s game.
After half an hour, Lucas arrived, his presence bringing a momentary sense of relief. Following him were five guards, their faces stoic and expressions unreadable. They were well-trained, loyal to a fault, but Amara knew that loyalty could be a fragile thing in their world.
She gave them instructions, her voice steady as she laid out the details of Vaughn’s protection. They nodded, listening intently, ready to execute her orders without question. When she was satisfied that they understood, she turned to Lucas, who had already settled into the passenger seat of her car.
As she started the engine, Lucas turned to her, his eyes searching her face. “Miss, you can talk if there’s something on your mind,” he offered gently, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Amara kept her gaze on the road, her hands gripping the steering wheel a bit too tightly. “It’s nothing,” she replied, though her voice betrayed her unease. “After the incident in Venice, I don’t want to put him in any danger. Not again.” Her mind flashed back to that day.. the chaos, the gunfire, the blood. The memory still haunted her, a constant reminder of how fragile their lives truly were.
Lucas nodded, understanding her caution. He knew how much Vaughn meant to her, how fiercely she loved her son. “You’re right, Miss. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he agreed, his tone somber. “I’ll make sure the guards remain vigilant. No one will get close to him.”
Amara nodded, but her mind was already shifting to another subject, her thoughts moving like a storm inside her head. “Any news from Salvatore’s side?” she asked, her voice suddenly sharp, business-like.
Lucas shook his head. “There’s nothing much going on there, but I heard he is planning to conduct a high-level meeting soon,” he answered, his eyes flicking to her for a moment, gauging her reaction.
Amara’s eyes remained fixed on the road, her expression unreadable. “When is the meeting?” she pressed, her voice tight with curiosity and something else… a hint of apprehension.
“Probably in a few months… or it could be in weeks,” Lucas replied, his brow furrowing slightly. “There’s no confirmation yet. He’s keeping his cards close to his chest, as usual.”
Amara’s thoughts shifted as she considered her mission. She had less time left to complete it, and each day that passed brought her closer to a reckoning. Her mind wandered to Harvey, her newfound friend, and a pang of guilt twisted in her stomach. The idea of using him, of manipulating their friendship for her own gain, didn’t sit right with her. Harvey had been kind, had shown her a different side of this cruel world. But she had a job to do, a mission to complete.
And then there was Rowan. Rowan, with his cold, calculating gaze and his iron will. He was a force to be reckoned with, a man who could bend the world to his will. If Rowan could help her, if he could provide the leverage she needed to accomplish her goals, then perhaps… But why would he let her? What did she have to offer him that he couldn’t take by force if he wanted?
Her thoughts were interrupted by Lucas’s voice, bringing her back to the present. “Miss,” he said, his tone gentle but firm. “If you’re worried about the meeting or anything else, I can help. You don’t have to do this alone.”
Amara glanced at him, her eyes softening for a brief moment. “I know, Lucas. And I appreciate that. More than you know.” She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “But some things… some things I have to handle myself.”
Lucas nodded, respecting her resolve. He had known her long enough to understand that when she set her mind to something, there was no dissuading her. “Just remember, I’m here if you need me,” he reminded her.
Amara gave him a small, grateful smile. “I know,” she said quietly. “And thank you, Lucas.”
Harvey followed Amara’s car close behind, his eyes sharp and focused. He had always been vigilant, especially when it came to her. The early morning sun cast long shadows across the road, but Harvey’s attention was unwavering. Every turn Amara made, every stop she took, Harvey mirrored it exactly, ensuring he was never too far behind. He kept a steady pace, his gaze flicking between her car and the road ahead.
But then something caught his attention… a dark sedan moving a few cars back. Its windows were heavily tinted, making it impossible to see who was inside. Harvey’s instincts immediately went on high alert. He noticed the way the sedan kept its distance but never lost sight of Amara’s car. Each turn she made, the sedan followed. It wasn’t a coincidence; it was deliberate. Someone was tailing her.