The small bagels café at the city centre buzzed with the low hum of conversation, clinking cutlery, and the sweet scent of baked bread.

Elise drew her shawl tighter around her shoulders as she slid into the booth across from Diane. A soft smile played on her lips, though her eyes carried a fatigue that went beyond the usual morning sickness associated with pregnancy. Still, she had insisted on this outing.

Two of Alejandro’s men lingered discreetly by the door, pretending to study the menu, but Elise ignored them. Being with Alejandro had already taught her that it was almost impossible to have a normal life where she wasn’t being...