Chapter 13
Jackson paced the length of the study, his fists clenched at his sides. Ridge sat on the couch, hunched over, dragging a hand through his hair. The air between them buzzed with tension, heavy with everything they weren’t saying.
“Why didn’t she tell us?” Jackson muttered, breaking the silence. “Why would Camilla just… agree to marry Don Colen? Of all people?”
Ridge exhaled sharply. “Does it matter why? She’s marrying him. The guy’s practically untouchable, Jackson. You can’t just walk up and demand answers.”
Jackson shot him a glare. “I’m not asking for permission. I’m asking why she didn’t trust us enough to tell us anything!”
Their father Don Victorio entered the room then, his presence as commanding as ever.
55% 12:37
1/7
Chapter 13
The two men straightened instinctively, though their frustration remained evident.
“Father,” Jackson started, “do you know why Camilla’s marrying Don Colen? Did you have something to do with this?”
The mafia don raised an eyebrow, his expression calm but unreadable. “I know,” he said simply, settling into a chair with an air of finality.
Jackson‘ s jaw tightened. “And? Why is she doing it?”
Their father sighed, placing his hands on the armrests of his chair. “Because it’s her choice. And it’s none of your
business.”
Ridge stood, his voice low but sharp.
“She’s like family to us. Of course, it’s
our business.”
The don‘ s eyes hardened, silencing Ridge with a single look. “Camilla is no longer your concern. Her path is hers to walk. Focus on your duties instead of meddling
55% 12:37
217
Chapter 13
in matters that don’t involve you.”
Jackson opened his mouth to argue, but
their father’s tone brooked no further
discussion. “This conversation is over.‘
As their father left the room, the brothers exchanged a look, their frustration mounting.
“We’re not letting this go,” Jackson said. firmly. “If she won’t answer her phone, we’ll find her ourselves.”
Ridge nodded. “Agreed. But how do we even get to Don Colen‘ s territory? It’s locked down tighter than a fortress.”
Jackson’s expression darkened. “We‘ 11 figure it out. Let’s just hope she’ll talk to us when we get there.”
The next day, Katie approached them in the training yard, her tone bright and chipper as she held a pair of sparring gloves. “Hey, you two up for some training? I could use a good workout.”
55% 12:37
3/7
Chapter 13
Jackson ignored her completely, his focus. on his phone as he scrolled through
messages.
Ridge gave her a cursory glance but shook his head. “Not now, Katie. We’re busy.”
Katie frowned, lowering her gloves. “Busy with what? Come on, you‘ re always up for a spar.”
But neither man responded, and Katie’s irritation flared. She followed them back to their quarters, her curiosity and frustration mounting.
When she reached the door, she paused, hearing their voices through the slightly ajar opening.
“She’s not answering,” Jackson said, his tone clipped.
“Maybe she’s being watched,” Ridge suggested. “Don Colen wouldn’t let her talk freely, especially if she’s in his territory now.”
55% 12-37
4/7
12:37
Chapter 13
Katie’s stomach churned as she leaned closer to the door, her ears straining to catch every word.
“She wouldn’t just cut us off like this,‘ Jackson argued. “Something’s going on. And I’m not going to sit around while Don Colen isolates her.’
Ridge sighed heavily. “You really think this is about isolation? Maybe she wants to marry him. Did you ever think of that?”
“Camilla wouldn’t do that,” Jackson snapped. “Not without a damn good reason.’
Katie’s grip tightened on the doorframe, her nails digging into the wood. The jealousy that simmered in her chest now burned like fire. They were still talking about Camilla–always about Camilla.
“Look,” Ridge continued, “we need a plan. If we go to Don Colen‘ s territory uninvited, we’re asking for trouble.
“Since when have we ever cared about
55% 12:37
5/7
Chapter 13
trouble?” Jackson shot back.
“Since the trouble involves him,” Ridge retorted. “He’s not just another rival, Jackson. He’s on a whole different level. If we mess this up, it won’t just be Camilla‘ s problem–it‘ ll be ours.”
Katie couldn’t take it anymore. She pushed the door open, forcing a smile onto her face despite the storm raging inside her. “Still talking about Camilla?” she asked sweetly, feigning nonchalance.
Jackson barely glanced at her. “Not now, Katie.”
Ridge rubbed his temples, clearly tired. “We’re in the middle of something.”
Katie tilted her head, trying to maintain her composure. “Middle of what? You‘ ve been obsessing over Camilla for days. Shouldn’t you just let her live her life?”
Jackson finally looked up, his expression hard. “Why do you care?”
55% 12:37
6/7
((
56
Chapter 13
Katie blinked, momentarily thrown off by the directness of the question. “I just… don’t want you two getting hurt over something you can’t control,” she said, her voice softening into a more sympathetic tone.
“We’re not asking for advice,” Ridge said firmly, his gaze unwavering.
Katie clenched her fists behind her back, her nails biting into her palms. “Fine,” she said, her tone deceptively light. “I was just trying to help.”
As she left, her mind raced. If Jackson and Ridge were this focused on Camilla, she‘ d have to act fast. Whatever their plan was, Katie vowed to ensure it wouldn’t succeed. Camilla wouldn’t just vanish from their lives–Katie would make sure of
- it.
