I pretended to think about it, and then I shook my head. "No, Tony. I'm sorry. Much as I'd like to, I just can't put you in danger like that." What are you doing, Veda? Leading him on like this. This wasn't me. I'd figure out another way to get Luca to let me go as soon as my mom was up to traveling. I pulled my hand from his and stood up to take my plate to the sink. "Thank you, though. You're really sweet."

He stood up also, grabbing my arm when I tried went to pick up my dishes. "Hey, just wait a minute."

There was a...