The notorious mafia boss brought his mute daughter to a quiet diner. She had never spoken a single word in her life-until she pointed a trembling finger at the tired waitress and whispered, “Mom.” The boss froze, his cup shattering on the floor. He slowly stood up, locked eyes with the woman, and growled…

when I come downstairs.”

The guards hauled Lorenzo and the unconscious Silvia away, leaving me alone with the man who ran the city’s underworld.

My legs finally gave out. I slid down the front of the heavy desk, hitting the floor, the adrenaline evaporating and leaving behind a hollow, terrifying exhaustion. I pulled my knees to my chest and began to continue reading …