The room went quiet the moment Valerio stepped through the doorway. You had heard enough rumors about him to know that silence usually followed wherever he went. Men twice his size moved aside without being asked. Conversations stopped. Even the music seemed quieter. He looked at you for several seconds before finally speaking. “You shouldn't be here.” His voice wasn't loud. It didn't need to be. You glanced toward the exit, then back at him. “I could say the same about you.”For the first time, something almost resembling amusement crossed his face. “That's a dangerous answer.” “So I've been told.” Valerio walked toward the desk and picked up the envelope you'd accidentally taken from the wrong table earlier that night. He turned it over once in his hand before looking back at you. “Do you know what you have?” he says before you respond “No.” “Good.” He said as he slipped the envelope into his coat and says “Because knowing would make this much worse.” A car horn sounded somewhere outside. Valerio's expression immediately hardened. His attention shifted toward the windows and he says “We're leaving.” You frowned and said. “Who said I'm going with you?” He looked back at you and says “No one.” A pause. “That's why I'm giving you the choice.” He said, for once, there was no threat in his voice—only the unmistakable warning that whatever happened next was going to change everything.