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We slipped through another set of double doors before two security guys appeared at the end of the hallway. We immediately halted, whipping in the opposite direction and orders were shouted in Italian at us.

As soon as we rounded the corner we bolted for the nearest exit and raced down the hallway. Spiral stairs loomed ahead, and without hesitation, we leaped over three steps at a time.

“In heels? Wow.” Kiryl breathed, clearly impressed and I chuckled, breathless but alive.

He shoved open the red emergency door, and the night air hit us—cold and sharp against our skin.

The mansion’s lawn stretched ahead like a battlefield. A siren split the night open, and my heart thumped against my ribcage. Oh… shit.

“Stop them!” A deep voice roared from behind.

I whipped my head left, just as Kiryl drew his gun. He fired and I follow suit, pulling mine from my thigh and squeezing off a few rounds behind us.

“Nirah!” Kiryl yelled, aiming above my head and I ducked instinctively. Bang. Thud. Groan. I guess I could get used to my new bodyguard.

I crouched behind a low stone wall then aimed, and emptied my clip. Kiryl dropped beside me, a gleam of wild joy in his eyes.

“We really know how to make an exit.” He grinned, and I couldn’t help but mirror his expression.

We ran again—barely stopping—until we reached the gate.

A car screeched up, and the door flung open. Koren.

I slipped into the backseat with Kiryl in the passenger. The car drove off, leaving the chaos we created in the dust and I exhaled.

The drive back to the house was long, but all I could think about was how perfectly it all went down. And the fact that my life, and most importantly Silvia’s, was now spared. Because Antonio was in the crowd, the assassination couldn’t be tied back to him.

Kiryl and I climbed out of the car, heading up the front steps and he opened the door for me.

The house was silent, only my clicking heels echoing through the space. I gathered my hair and tied it into a ponytail.

I plopped down on the couch in the living room with a sigh of relief, and Kiryl cleared his throat.

“Is there anything else I can do for you before I leave, Miss Nirah?”

I hesitated, then pat the space beside me. “Sit.”

“I’m okay standing.” He offered a smile.

“Sit down, Kiryl. I have to ask you something.”

He gave in and I shifted uncomfortably as he angled his body toward me, unsure whether or not this was a good idea.

“Anything, Miss Nirah.”

I nibbled at my bottom lip, fidgeting with my fingers on my lap. “Do you know where Cesar is?” I lifted my eyes to meet his. “Have you heard from him recently? Or seen him.”

Kiryl glanced away, his chest caving with a sigh. “I cannot disclose any information about Mr. Antonio’s men with anyone, Miss Nirah. Not even the other guards. We know that unless Mr. Antonio shares information with you, it’s none of your business.” He apologetically shrugged and I swallowed the built-up of the unknown down my throat.

“I understand.” I smiled, resting my hand on top of his. “You did good tonight.”

The tips of his ears turned red and he smiled. “I was just doing my job.”

“Well, if anyone is going to replace Cesar as my new bodyguard, I’m glad it’s you.”

“That means a lot. Thank you.” He rose to his feet. “If there’s nothing more you need, Miss Nirah, then I think you should get some rest.”

I yawned, covering my mouth. “You’re right.”