*VINCENZO*
The air was thick at the abandoned docks, a stench of salt and rust mingling with the quickening beat of my heart. I'd spent the last few hours on edge, every tick of the clock gnawing at my patience. My mind was racing—what if this was just a trap? I glanced around at my men, their expressions vacillating between tension and anticipation. Each of them knew the stakes, but none could penetrate the veil of uncertainty that shrouded me.
Orlando was late, and that was not a good sign. I could feel anger bubbling beneath my skin, but alongside it was a gnawing fear for Adeline. Her safety was paramount. I had insisted on keeping her away from this sordid business, yet the thought of what Orlando might do if he felt cheated spurred my anxiety. Each beat of the waves against the doc
