"You're just saying that to make me stop arguing."
"Is it working?"
I want to say no. Want to keep pushing. Keep fighting.
But my eyes are so heavy. My body so warm. His arms so solid around me.
"Fine," I mumble against his chest. "Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow," he agrees.
I fall asleep before I can argue further.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Antonella
The SUV rolls through Chicago's streets, and I watch the buildings blur past the tinted windows.
Bruno sits beside me. Silent. His jaw tight.
He told me we were going somewhere to discuss my request. Something about alternatives to a traditional job.
I didn't expect him to actually follow through.
Valentino drives, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He hasn't spoken since we left the compound.
"Where are we going?" I ask for the third time.
Bruno's hand finds my knee. Squeezes. "You'll see."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only one you're getting."
I huff and turn back to the window. The neighborhood changes as we drive. Smaller houses. Older buildings. Less wealth on display.
The SUV slows.
Stops.
I lean forward to see where we are.
A large brick building sits behind a wrought-iron fence. The architecture is old but well-maintained. A sign hangs above the entrance gate.
St. Catherine's Home for Children.
An orphanage.
I turn to Bruno. "What are we doing here?"
Bruno doesn't answer. Instead, he looks at Valentino in the rearview mirror.
"Get out."
Valentino's eyes narrow. "Excuse me?"
"Get out of the car. Give us a minute."