Chapter 12 - Poisoned Wine in Venice
Two weeks later, the Alliance hosted a peace summit at a private palace along Veniceās Grand Canal.
Adrienne never left Simoneās side. He wore a heavy shoulder holster beneath his velvet tuxedo, his dark eyes scanning every waiter, diplomat, and mob boss who approached her.
"You're hovering, Mr. Romano," Simone teased softly, sipping from a glass of vintage red wine.
"I spent five years ignoring you, Simone," Adrienne growled possessively in her ear, his hand sliding around her waist. "Iām making up for lost time."
Suddenly, Adrienneās eyes darted to the glass in her hand. A tiny, imperceptible fizz was rising from the liquidāa signature trait of a rare, invisible neurotoxin.
"DON'T DRINK THAT!"
Adrienne slapped the crystal glass out of her hand just as a high-caliber sniper round shattered the stained-glass window behind them.
GLASS CRASHED. SCREAMS ECHOED.
Before Simone could react, Adrienne tackled her to the marble floor, shielding her body with his own. A second bullet pierced the air, tearing deeply into Adrienneās upper back.
He grunted in agony, blood instantly soaking his crisp white shirt, but he didn't move an inch off her.
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"Adrienne!" Simone shrieked, reaching up to cup his face as red blood pooled beneath him. "No! Stay with me!"
"I told you..." Adrienne choked out, a bloody smile touching his lips as he drew his weapon with his remaining strength, "nobody touches my Queen."
