Black steered the SUV through the iron gates the moment the sentries swung them open, driving down the private driveway toward the main estate before pressing firmly on the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a smooth halt.

With my cigar still clamped between my teeth, I stepped out of the backseat. My eyes immediately locked onto Micah, who was standing across the courtyard engaged in an intense conversation with Rosa.

I could tell by the rigid line of Micah's jaw and Rosa's guarded posture that whatever they were discussing wasn't light banter. A stray gust of Sicilian wind caught Micah's crimson hair, sweeping it across her face. I watched, transfixed,...