The bullet struck his thigh. Cesario slipped from the man’s hold, but Azzurra was there in an instant, catching him against her chest. Her body surged upright, one arm wrapped protectively around the child while the other raised the gun toward Giuditta, who was advancing with a slow, predatory smile curling her lips.

“My, my… impressive,” Giuditta purred.

Azzurra didn’t flinch, didn’t blink she squeezed the trigger. But Mattia was faster, ripping the weapon from her grasp ...