Page 28 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

“What do you mean you didn’t find her?”

Luca scratches his neck. “Look, I was able to find out what retirement home she was in, but that is as far as my research went because she’s no longer in a retirement home.”

I sit back in my seat, spreading my arms on the headrest. “Where is she?”

He lifts his shoulders. “She went missing a month ago and no one has seen or heard from her since. It’s like she’s never existed.”

I think for a moment. That can’t be. I’m certain Isabella told me her grandmother was in a retirement home. Surely, she would have told me if she had to take her out for some reason. Something doesn’t seem right.

“While I was at it, I made an interesting discovery,” Luca says.

I sigh, I hate the suspense. “Get to the point.”

“She and her brother were raised by her single dad. Her father died three years ago, and her brother four months ago.”

“Tell me something I don’t already know.”

“Her brother did not just die, he was killed.” A dark smile crosses Luca’s face. It’s the same dark smile he always has when he talks about murder and death.

I’m stunned since Isabella has never mentioned her brother being murdered. I suppose she didn’t think it was a useful piece of information to share, but considering Luca’s interest in it, I’m assuming he wasn’t just a victim of circumstance. “How?”

“From my findings, he used to work for the Valentes up until six months ago when he stole from them.” He fills both of our glasses with more scotch. It’s a little too early to be drinking, but it’s never too early for men in my world. “And you know how it goes, you never steal from the mafia.”

“So, the Valentes had a hand in her brother’s death?” I rub my temple. This is getting even more complicated than I thought. “Do you think they had something to do with her grandma disappearing?” If so, it explains why she looked so sad.

An alarm rings in my head as realization punches me in the gut. Could it be that Isabella has contact with the Valentes? I’m certain taking her grandmother hostage won’t pay the debt her brother incurred. Elio must want something from her in exchange for her Nana’s life, but I can’t wrap my head around what he would want from her.

“I think so,” Luca answers. “I think you should stay away from her for the time being, at least until we’re certain she’s not a danger to you.”

“She’s not a danger to me.” I finish my drink and slam the empty glass on the table. “If she’s in trouble, then I have to help her.”

“How exactly are you going to do that? Find Elio and where he’s hiding her grandma?”

“I intend to do just that,” I reply over my shoulder as I stalk away.

Two hours later, I’m in Dominic’s office, striding to one of the chairs across from his desk and ignoring Dante. It’s enough that my brother has bloodshed on his mind twenty-four hours a day, but that guy keeps filling his head with even more nonsense.

“Hey, brother.” I raise my legs, propping them on his desk and paying no mind to his glare.

“What do you want?” Dominic asks. The smile on his face when I entered fades away.

“You invited me for dinner, didn’t you?”

“It’s not time for dinner,” Dominic replies sharply. “I’m busy, so your visit better be worth it.”

“Unfortunately, I’ll have to decline having dinner with the family tonight. I have other plans.” I need to meet Isabella and find out the details from her, that is the only way I can help her. But for now, I need Dominic’s help even more. “Can you help me with something?”

Dominic keeps his voice gruff. “Depends on what you’re asking.”

“I think I can find Elio Valentes, but first, there’s someone I need to protect.” I try not to sound emotional. Dominic detects vulnerabilities like a fucking mind reader, and he doesn’t hesitate to use it when it favors him.

He cocks his brow, steepling his fingers in front of him. “And how exactly do you intend to find him?”

“Leave that to me, I just need to protect someone,” I tell him.

“It’s that girl, isn’t it?” The corner of his mouth quirks. “She’s the one you want to protect.”

“Yes,” I answer firmly. She’s one of the people I want to protect. Although I chose not to show it, Luca’s words got to me and I need to protect my family as well. If my brothers are laying down their lives, then I want to lay down mine as well.

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