Page 52 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

“Cut the nonsense. I know you didn’t go to the trouble of kidnapping me and bringing me here just to give me a chance to see my Nana. You’re not that generous.”

He holds a hand to his chest and purses his lips. “You’re really hurting my feelings, you know?”

Fuck his feelings.

“Your wish is my command. Let me tell you why I’ve brought you here.” One of his men brings a chair and he sits. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

My breath catches in my throat. “What?”

“You’ll have to listen closely, darling. I don’t like to repeat myself.” He smiles a cocky grin at me.

I don’t bother to deny it. He wouldn’t be saying it if he wasn’t sure. “I am, but I’m not going to keep the baby.” I keep my face as blank as I can. I’m dead if he senses I’m lying.

“How about I make you an offer?” He leans forward. I detest the smell of him. Sour wine and blood.

“What?”

“Bring Vincent to me in a week and I’ll not only free your Nana, but I’ll also give you enough money to start a new life. Whether you keep the bastard you’re carrying or not is up to you.”

Anger spirals through my veins, but I don’t let it show. Instead, I grit my teeth so hard it hurts. I’ll rip his tongue out one day. “You’ll pay for me to go somewhere else to start a new life?”

“Of course.” He runs a finger over his beard. “But your Nana dies if you fail and I’ll kill you as well.”

“I’ll do it.” I don’t hesitate. I only want to get away from this man and his oily words.

“Good.” He stands from the chair and smooths his suit. “Then this conversation is over. I’ll have one of the men drop you off at home. Don’t forget that your life, and that of your Nana, depends on this.”

After he leaves the room, two men I haven’t seen before, come in and pull me to my feet. Just how many people work for him? The two guys blindfold me and lead me out the room.

I feel the soft breeze ruffle my hair as they take me outside and shove me into a car. My hands grow cold from how nervous I am as they start the car. Seeing as they left me blindfolded, I can tell Elio doesn’t want me to know where his hideout is.

Too bad for him because I have to find out where this place is. I need a clue that can help me come back here.

I listen. I hear distant rumbling, machinery noises and a beeping alarm. I sniff the air. It smells like dust, diesel fumes and freshly dug earth. I feel like we’re in a mine or somewhere close to a mine.

The car engine roars to life and I hear the tires screech as we drive off. It takes a while before the car finally stops. The air here smells clean and it’s very quiet.

One of the guys opens his door and soon, my door is opened as well. He drags me from the car. “Don’t take off the blindfold until we drive off,” he orders.

I mutter, “Okay.”

As soon as I hear them leave, I yank off the blindfold and collapse on the steps in front of my apartment building. I close my eyes and draw in several deep breaths.

Thoughts of everything which might have happened, flash through my mind. Elio killing me and burying my body somewhere I’ll never be found. Naomi spending months or years searching for me before she finally gives up. And my Nana, dead before her time. Bile rises in my throat.

You have only a week to bring Vincent to me.

Elio’s threat sends shivers down my spine. I need to talk to Vincent. Staggering to my feet, I enter my apartment.

“Isabella!”

I’m so startled I’m about to run from the apartment when a hand grips me. I recognize his cologne before I turn around and meet Vincent’s eyes. “Vincent?”

My strength drains from me and my knees wobble. I collapse on his body and burst into tears. Ugly, heaving sobs.

Vincent wraps his arms around me. He feels like the safest place in the world right now, and I desperately cling to him, soaking his shirt with my tears. Naomi's comforting pats on my back are reassuring, and I find solace in knowing I'm not facing this alone.

“Isabella,” Vincent's voice is gentle, his fingers brushing through my hair as he speaks. “What happened? Are you hurt?”

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