“We need to open that safe now,” Luca said, his voice dropping all pretense of warmth.

“No,” Sofia said.

“I have men outside, Sofia,” Luca said, stepping closer to her. “They are cold, they are wet, and they are armed.”

“Are you threatening me in my own home?” Sofia asked.

“It is Alexander’s home,” Luca said. “And he is currently unable to defend it.”

Marcus stepped fully into the light of the foyer.

His hand was still inside his jacket, his fingers wrapped around something heavy.

“Your men will not cross the threshold, Luca,” Marcus said. “The house guards answer to me in Alexander’s absence.”

“The guards answer to whoever pays them,” Luca retorted.

He looked up the stairs again, his eyes scanning the landing.

The silence from the second floor was thick, almost suffocating.

I could hear my own heart beating against my ribs.

I needed to move.

I needed to get the ledger away from the foyer before Luca lost his patience.

But the hallway was narrow, and any movement would draw Marcus’s sharp eyes.