Damiano looked at the monitor, his brow furrowing slightly.

“That is Enzo,” Damiano said, his voice dropping an octave.

“Enzo is one of my capos.”

“Why is he with Marcus?” I asked, a new wave of panic rising in my chest.

Damiano’s jaw tightened.

“It seems some of my people are more impatient than I thought,” he muttered.

He turned his full attention back to me.

“The clock is running out, Arya.”

“Do we have a deal?”

I swallowed hard, my mouth completely dry.

“A public engagement,” I repeated. “For how long?”

“Until Marcus is neutralized,” Damiano said. “Or until my position is completely secure.”

“And then I can go?” I asked. “With a new identity? With resources?”

“Yes,” he said. “I will provide everything you need to start over.”

The elevator chime sounded again, closer this time.

It was the private elevator leading directly to the penthouse floor.

“He’s coming up,” I whispered.

“Only if I let him,” Damiano said.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black remote control.

He pressed a button, and the elevator indicator light on the wall panel froze.