Page 16 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

“I can, and I don’t mind spending the night with you,” I tell her.

She rolls her eyes. “‘Of course you don’t. You strike me as the type to want to spend a night with every woman you come across.”

She’s mouthy, and I admit it’s one of the many things about her I’m attracted to. “Is it wrong for me to like women? All types of women.”

“And I’m one of them? Hilarious.”

“But I’ve never been as attracted to any of them as I am to you.”

Isabella chuckles. I like the way her brown eyes sparkle when she laughs. “Right, tell that to someone who’d actually fall for it.”

“One thing you should know about me, Silver. I never lie to hit on a girl. I don’t need to.” I run my fingers through my hair. “I’ve got the looks.”

“You sure good at bragging.”

“I guess I am.” We sit quietly for a moment while I take in her beauty. She’s fucking intoxicating. “So, care to tell me why you looked so sad this morning.”

She lets her head fall back, trying to decide if she should share with me or not. After a moment, she straightens her back. “I was thinking about my Nana.”

“What happened to her?”

“She’s…somewhere I can’t reach her despite how much I want to. I miss her so much and she’s the only family I have left.”

“Is she dead?”

Isabella shakes her head. “No, she’s not. She’s just somewhere I can’t reach her for the moment, like I said. I have somethings I need to accomplish before I can see her, and I’m not really certain I can do those things. But I’m afraid I’ll never see her again if I don’t.”

I don’t want to ask her what the things are she needs to accomplish. As she didn’t mention them herself, it means she’s not ready to share and I don’t want to pry. I do want to help her though. “Is there something I can do to make this better for you?”

She smiles. It’s sad, but warms my heart, regardless. “You really like to help others, don’t you?”

“I’m the third Romano brother. If you’ve heard of my family then you know how much blood we have on our hands. I like to think helping other people is the only way I can make up for some of the things my family does.”

“That sounds good. Now I see why the kids like you.”

“Don’t mistake me though, Silver. I’m still like my brothers,” I say. “I’m just a little different, but the same violent and brutal blood runs through my veins.”

“I agree you may be just like your brothers, but it’s still good there’s some difference between you and them.” She pauses. “Why did you stop being a combat medic?”

I narrow my eyes on her. “I don’t remember mentioning that.”

She dips her gaze to the ground. “Oh. Um…everyone at the hospital keeps talking about it.”

I’ve never shared my past with anyone at the hospital. If someone knows about my past, it means they know more about me than they should. I’ll need to find out who it is.

Isabella shifts on the box she’s sitting on, so I navigate our conversation back to her. I want to know all I can about her without going behind her back. “You didn’t mention your parents.”

“My mom left when I was little. Dad raised me and my brother. And before you ask, they’re both dead.” I notice Isabella's vulnerability as she says this. Something shifts in the air, and I find myself drawn to her not just physically, but on a deeper level. There's a genuine connection forming between us, and I want to offer more than just words.

“Isabella, you don't have to face everything alone,” I say, my tone softer. "Sometimes, having someone by your side can make the journey a bit easier."

She looks at me, and I see a mix of gratitude and surprise in her eyes. “I’m all I have.”

“It doesn’t need to be that way,” I tell her. “You have a best friend. And me.”

She grins when I tell her she has me and although I’m damn serious, I’m glad I was able to make her smile.

In the dim light, I find myself captivated not only by her physical beauty but also by the strength she exudes. Isabella, in turn, seems to appreciate the genuine interest I show in her life beyond the surface.

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