I froze, my breath catching in my throat as his heavy footsteps started toward the door.

Santo’s shadow stretched across the threshold.

I did not run.

There was nowhere to hide in the narrow corridor.

Instead, I pulled the lace apron tight over my stomach to conceal the bulk of the heavy ledger.

I took a deep breath and stepped directly into the doorway, meeting Santo’s eyes.

The barrel of his black pistol was pointed straight at my chest.

“It is only me,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

Santo did not lower the gun.

His finger remained curled around the metal trigger.

“What were you doing out there, girl?” Santo growled.

Luca looked up from the desk, his eyes narrowing as he recognized me.

“Alexander’s little shadow,” Luca said, a slow, cold smile spreading across his face.

“She is harmless, Santo. Put the gun down.”

Santo hesitated, then lowered the weapon to his side, though his grip did not loosen.

“She was listening at the door,” Santo said, his voice thick and suspicious.