Marcello had heard her scream. He’d left her in that hallway on purpose, fully aware that someone might attempt to harm her and if they did, this was their moment. What he hadn’t expected was that the fiery little vixen would come chasing after him.

Her voice, desperate and laced with terror, echoed down the corridor. She was calling for help, and Marcello found himself oddly irritated that the attacker was taking so long to finish the job. His body moved before his mind caught up, his ...