Chapter 18 - The Bait and the Hook
Dante’s empire was completely decimated, his money was entirely gone, and his men were either dead or running for their lives.
He was a highly dangerous, wounded animal backed entirely into a corner, which meant he was incredibly unpredictable.
Tessa sat in Salvatore’s private war room, surrounded by complex tactical maps and high-tech surveillance monitors.
"He knows he can't win a direct war against you anymore," Tessa said aloud, while signing the words so Salvatore could follow seamlessly.
"He needs a hostage to force you to surrender your life for theirs."
Salvatore nodded sharply, his expression grim and completely unreadable.
I will keep you and Danny inside the estate until I hunt him down, Salvatore signed, his authority absolute.
"No," Tessa countered immediately, refusing to be locked away in a gilded cage while a monster hunted them.
"If we stay hidden, he will just slip away and rebuild. We have to draw him out into the open permanently."
Salvatore’s eyes narrowed, heavily disliking where her brilliant, tactical mind was going.
"I will be the bait," Tessa stated firmly, completely ignoring Matteo’s shocked gasp from the corner of the room.
Absolutely not, Salvatore signed violently, slamming his hand down onto the mahogany table.
I will not risk your life for anything in this world.
"You won't be risking it, Sal," Tessa pleaded, stepping closer and placing her hand softly against his cheek.
"We control the narrative. We leak a fake itinerary saying I am traveling to a remote cabin to hide."
"Dante is desperate and arrogant; he will take the bait, entirely believing he has outsmarted us."
Salvatore stared into her deep, courageous eyes, completely mesmerized by the fierce, protective queen she had become.
He realized she wasn't just surviving in his dark world; she was entirely capable of ruling it alongside him.
May you like
After a long, agonizing silence, Salvatore slowly nodded his head, agreeing to the highly dangerous, incredibly brilliant plan.
They were going to orchestrate the final, deadly trap, and Dante was going to walk directly into his own grave.
