Page 108 of Enduring Caine

He nodded once more, putting one foot on the walkway next to me. “Come with me?”

I ran a hand over Vin’s cheek, trying to imagine Antonio’s kind face, so I could give Vin the smile that would make him believe I wasn’t sick to my stomach. “And you were the one who knocked over the cupboard?”

The bodyguard revved the boat’s engine, keeping her in neutral. “Hurry up or I’m leaving you here, Vincenzo.”

Yes, that’s it. Get frustrated. It’ll lower your defenses.

“I didn’t want to, and I’m sorry.” His words tumbled out. “But I didn’t know what to do. If you found the note, what if you found something else to tie me to it? If you knew the truth, I was afraid you’d leave.”

“You’re quite talented—” At lying. “How did you get from the cellar door all the way up the hidden staircase without anyone noticing?”

The boat’s driver engaged the throttle and the boat inched ahead, causing Vin to stumble back into it and out of my grasp. “Last warning.”

I didn’t have a plan yet. How could I get the painting off the boat without them grabbing me? Kidnapping me all over again? And then what would I do? How long could I keep up this game with Vincenzo to save myself from that?

Movement to my right caught my eye. Someone was at the base of the secret staircase. Someone holding their right arm against their body.

Antonio!

My heart took a leap and I had to hold down the smile.

That changed things. Changed everything.

No more victim.

My partner had arrived.

I stepped closer to the edge and held out my hand, slipping it inside Vincenzo’s when he reached for me. “You’re right. We were always stronger together.”

Vin’s brows drew down. But my words hadn’t been for him. Those were special words between Antonio and me. They were as clear a message to him as I could manage:I know you’re there. Wait for my signal.

Chapter 47

Antonio

Strongertogether.

Warmth—tinged with more than a modicum of abject terror—bloomed in my chest. This incredible woman of remarkable strength chose me to be hers.

I’d recognized the man in the boat as soon as I’d settled in my hiding space. Two of Pasquale Fiori’s bodyguards had helped Samantha to his yacht after she injured her ankle in September. One of them was on Zio Giovanni’s payroll.

And this was the other one.

Now I had to figure out her plan.

On New Year’s Eve, her unspoken plan had been for me to duck when her old friend Jimmy had his gun trained on us. Instead, I’d barreled headlong at him, the only choice I saw to ensure she was safe behind me.

Tonight, no one held a gun, but from Vincenzo’s headlamp light, I could see the bodyguard at the helm carried one strapped to his thigh, below his rain jacket.

Taking them straight on them was not an option. I only had one good arm and there was too much distance to cross. At least twenty or thirty feet, not to mention the water of the natural pool. And it was clear Vincenzo was still in love with her, so he wouldn’t hurt her.

But would he try to kill me?

I’d arrived in time to hear Vincenzo’s admission about Johann—if he’d killed the German over that note, he’d wouldn’t likely have any qualms about killing his rival for Samantha’s affections.

“I missed you,” Samantha said to Vincenzo.

My heart nearly shattered.Calm down, man. She’s using his feelings to get to the truth.