PART TWO: THE BREAKING (Continued)
Novalee's blood turned to ice.
Dante stepped into the room. Closed the door behind him. His white eyes moved from her to Atlas, then back.
"I wasn't supposed to be back until tomorrow," he said conversationally. "But Mother finished her business early. So I came home." His smile widened. "Imagine my surprise when I checked the security footage and saw this."
Atlas stood slowly. "Mr. Santoro—"
"Quiet." Dante's voice was still soft. Still calm. "I want to understand what I'm seeing. My loyal lieutenant. My most trusted guard. Sitting on my girlfriend's bed. Holding her hand. Whispering together like lovers."
"It's not—" Novalee started.
"I said quiet." Dante moved closer. "I've been watching for days. Every visit. Every conversation. Every touch." He
